Cincinnati Bengals home jersey worn by quarterback Ken Anderson, circa 1980. This jersey has an interesting history. In early 1981, a fan, whose last name was Anderson, wrote to the Bengals asking if it would be possible to obtain one of Ken Anderson's jerseys. Amazingly, the Bengals responded stating that they would be happy to give him one of Anderson's jerseys, as long as he was willing to pay the cost of shipping, which was $15. (How times have changed!) He happily obliged and a short time later received this jersey in the mail. The original one-page typed Letter of Provenance from the Bengals, dated February 5, 1981, on team letterhead, accompanies the jersey. 

The black mesh jersey features the number "14" on the front, reverse, and each sleeve. "Anderson" is lettered on a black name plate on the reverse, directly above the number. All letters and sleeve numerals are applied in white tackle twill. All remaining numerals have been screened in white. Located on the right front tail are both a "Rawlings 48" and "Koch's Sporting Goods" label. A custom lined hand warmer has been sewn onto the front of the jersey. The jersey is original as issued and displays light-to-moderate wear, including a scuff mark on the reverse numeral "2." 

Ken Anderson, whose entire sixteen-year career (1971-1986) was spent with the Cincinnati Bengals, was one of the top quarterbacks of his era. While his statistics pale in comparison to those of modern-day passers, who have benefited from the numerous rule changes on offense, when compared to his contemporaries and those who preceded him, Anderson's numbers remain impressive. At the time of Anderson's retirement, he ranked seventh on the all-time passing list and held several records (since broken), including single-season completion percentage (70.6), most consecutive completions (20), completion percentage for a single game (90.9), Super Bowl completion percentage (73.5) and Super Bowl completions (25). He also won the 1981 NFL MVP Award and led the NFL in passer rating on four separate occasions (every other quarterback who has done so is in the Hall of Fame). Every year Anderson seems to gain more support from the Hall of Fame selection committee and it is possible that he may enter Canton's doors in the near future.