2024 Summer Premier
Wed, Jul 17, 2024 01:00PM EDT - Sat, Aug 3, 2024 10:30PM EDT
Lot 354
Mid-1970s Rocky Bleier Signed & Inscribed Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl Dynasty Era) Game Used Helmet - PSA/DNA LOA
Sold for
$3,120
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
Some people are just born winners and leaders in life. That’s Rocky Bleier to a tee. A 1966 National Champion at Notre Dame as a junior, he joined the U.S. Army shortly after being drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers to become a grenade launcher in the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, his right leg was badly wounded by an enemy grenade, and doctors told him he would never play football again. Inspired by Steelers owner Art Rooney to return to the team, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient made a remarkable comeback to become a valuable member of all four “Steel Curtain” Super Bowl teams of the 1970s. Bleier and Franco Harris formed a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield. He served as a key blocker for Harris for many years, and in 1976 they became just the second duo to both rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.
Featured here is a Rocky Bleier game-used and autographed Riddell helmet dating to the mid-1970s of Steeler dominance. The black TK-2 shell has Bleier’s number "20" in white decals flanking the center yellow stripe on the front and back. A classic Steelers decal logo is affixed to the right side. The original gray cage and double-low hookup Riddell chinstrap are both present, although the mask clips have broken from age and wear (these can easily be glued to reattach the facemask). Below the front numbers is the “RIDDELL” label in all caps matching exemplars Bleier wore in the mid-70s. On the interior is a “NOC SAE Approved” sticker and time clock indicating 2Q 1974, the year of the Steelers first Super Bowl title. The outer shell is battered with contact marks and scratches. The inside of the helmet, with both earpads and the 12-point interior padding suspension system fully intact, shows solid wear yet remains in outstanding condition.
On the left side of the helmet, Bleier has neatly signed and inscribed in gold marker, “To Bobby & Pat, My mid 70’s gamer. You preserved it well. Rocky Bleier #20.” According to an included letter of provenance, this amazing piece of football history was sourced from former AFC equipment managers (Bobby and Pat apparently worked for the Miami Dolphins) who got it directly from the Steelers in the late ‘70s. Autograph and inscription certified by PSA/DNA with cert# AO36325. (Sticker on rear added after it was shot by our photographer.)
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