Ollie Matson was a multi-sport star during the 1940s 50s and 60s. A sprinter and two-time Olympic medalist for the United States at the 1952 Helsinki Games as well as a punishing running back who played in the NFL from 1952 to 66 Matson was first a standout gridiron star for the University of San Francisco. In 1951 Matson's senior year at USF he led the nation in rushing yardage and touchdowns en route to leading the Dons to an undefeated season. He was selected as an All-American and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy balloting that year. Despite its 9-0 record the 1951 San Francisco team was not invited to a bowl game. It was later reported that the Orange Sugar and Gator Bowls all in the American South did not consider inviting any teams that had black players and the USF refused to play without its two African-American teammates (Burl Toler being the other).

Matson went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL for four different teams: Chicago Cardinals Los Angeles Rams Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. This lot includes Matsons game-worn USF Dons jersey (c. 1951) which exhibits incredible wear and usage throughout. The green-and-white No. 33 nylon jersey size 42 shows fading and yellowing over time to go along with frayed numbers rips and slight tears. The original manufacturers and washing tags appear in the old crotch flap area of the jersey. Both the MacGregors Goldsmith tag (Cincinnati Ohio) as well as the Phil Lynch Sporting Goods (San Francisco) remain intact. Even the washing instructions tag is clearly readable: This garment is made of nylon. Dry cleaning is recommended. If washed DO NOT use water over 100 [degrees]. A classic vintage piece of sports memorabilia representing one of the groundbreaking African-American football players in history.

Includes Letter of Authenticity from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.