Issued by the National Chicle Company of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the 1935 National Chicle Football set was the first major gum issue to feature the stars of professional football. Its 36 cards are prized for their bold, stylized artwork, and each reverse features playing tips from Eddie Casey, coach of the Boston Redskins.

Card #8 features Jim Zyntell, guard for the Philadelphia Eagles. A Holy Cross product from Dorchester, Massachusetts, Zyntell was named to the All-Eastern team in 1931 and 1932 before joining the Eagles during the franchise's early years in the NFL. The front is one of the most charming portraits in the set. A smiling Zyntell holds a leather helmet at his side while wearing a white jersey with a purple collar and number, as a cheerleader with a megaphone rallies the crowd behind him in front of a packed grandstand. The colorful scene captures the atmosphere of 1930s football in wonderful detail.

The reverse describes Zyntell as "an example of a fast footed guard, quick to pull out of the line to head the interference." Casey explains that "guards in modern football must be as fast on their feet as backfield players," and cautions linemen "not to tip off your intention or the direction of the play before the ball is snapped." Biographical details list him at 24 years old, 6'1" and 200 pounds.

This example displays bright, attractive color and a sharp image, with corner and edge wear consistent with the grade. The reverse shows some light toning and spotting, though the text remains clean and legible. A charming card from the landmark football set. Graded VG-EX 4 by PSA.