This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2012
One of the Rarest Signed Photographs in Football History!Though he played just 4 NFL seasons, Brian Piccolo holds a special place in the hearts of football fans. His friendship with Gale Sayers, later dramatized in the made-for-TV movie "Brian's Song," was inspirational at a time when racial tensions were particularly high. The Bears teammates were the first black and white NFL players to room together, and when Piccolo was forced to retire in 1970 due to his battle with cancer, Sayers was one of his biggest supporters. Bestowed the George Halas Award as the League's most courageous player during the 1969 season, Sayers gave an emotional speech saying there was somebody more deserving of the award: "He has the heart of a giant and that rare form of courage that allows him to kid himself and his opponent—cancer...I love Brian Piccolo, and I'd like all of you to love him, too. Tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him."
Offered here is an ultra-rare 4" x 5" black and white Chicago Bears publicity photograph, handsomely signed by Piccolo alongside his image in black felt tip pen. The signature in bold and dark, however a section of moisture exposure in the upper left has cause some bleeding to Piccolo's first name (his last name is unaffected). Aside from the moisture exposure previously mentioned the photo is in otherwise fine condition. Given Piccolo's early passing and brief time on the Bears' active roster, signed photographs are extraordinarily rare. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).