The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Game-worn Brown jersey goes for $75K
According to Robert Edwards Auctions, a 1960s game-worn Jim Brown jersey sold for $75K. What’s more interesting is the backstory behind the jersey. Read Mark Podolski’s story to find out more.
A Jim Brown jersey game-worn while he was playing for the Browns in the 1960s recently fetched big-time bucks during an auction.
According to Robert Edwards Auctions, the jersey sold for $75,000. The auction was from July 26 to Aug. 18, and received 53 bids.
The backstory behind the collectible jersey might be as interesting as the fact it went for so much via auction.
The Brown jersey had been in the consignor’s family since the 1960s, and was originally obtained by his father, who was employed by the Cleveland Parks and Recreation Department, according to a release by New Jersey-based Robert Edwards Auctions.
The backstory of the jersey, according to the release:
“His father originally worked at League Park and then Cleveland Municipal Stadium (home to the Browns from 1946 to 1995). According to family lore, sometime during the 1960s his father attempted to get a football signed by members of the Browns. Since he worked there and saw them on a regular basis, all the players were happy to oblige.
“However, for some reason, Jim Brown, with whom he had had a friendly relationship, refused to sign the ball. Brown’s refusal led to a heated argument between the two and they didn’t speak for a while after that.
“After some time had gone by and both had ‘cooled down,’ Brown apologized to him and signed the ball. It was then that Brown presented him with one of his jerseys as a goodwill gesture.”
Bidding for the jersey began with a start price of $75,000. Brian Dwyer, president of Robert Edward Auctions, told Cleveland. com the selling price was a surprise.
“It exceeded everybody’s expectations - bidders, sellers, consignment, auction house,” Dwyer said.
The jersey, which is made from brown tear-away light-dureen fabric, features No. 32 on the front, reverse and each sleeve. Despite the loss of the year tag, the date of manufacture is believed to be between 1961 and 1965. The 1965 season was Brown’s final year in the NFL