"I like catching passes," said Fred Biletnikoff, an Oakland Raiders icon and both a College and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver. "I would be lost if I were told to do anything on a football field except catch passes." Fortunately, Biletnikoff was seldom required to do anything except catch passes, his marvelously-performed specialty. Displayed is a Fred Biletnikoff signed Oakland Raiders suspension helmet. Biletnikoff grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and all four of his grandparents were Russian immigrants. Hence, one of his nicknames became, naturally, "Doctor Zhivago." After starring at Florida State University, Biletnikoff played his entire career with the AFL/NFL Oakland Raiders. In his 13 Oakland seasons (1965-78), Fred caught 589 passes, for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns.

While the Raiders used speedsters such as Cliff Branch to catch the deep passes, Biletnikoff used his quickness, great route running ability, and tremendous hands to grab passes underneath the safeties. Not only did Biletnikoff possess great hands, but he was clever enough to have help - in the form of Stickum, an extremely sticky substance - then legal and banned since 1981 - that he applied not only to his hands, but all over his arms and uniform. Biletnikoff's shining moments came in 1977, in Super Bowl XI, when he caught four passes for 79 yards, setting up three Oakland scores in the Raiders' 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, garnering Biletnikoff a Super Bowl MVP. After Biletnikoff's final Raiders season in 1979, following a year off, he finished his pro football career by playing the 1980 season with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. Then, he was an assistant football coach for many years. In tribute to his great college and pro careers, the annual Fred Biletnikoff Award is given to the NCAA Division I best receiver. 

The offered signed helmet shows "Riddell," the manufacturer, in raised lettering, on the lower, outside back, along with a raided "KRA-LITE."  Also, on back is a JSA sticker (AZ34978). The helmet is silver with a black stripe down the middle. The Raiders decal is on the right side. The rubber-like protective circle inside the helmet reads, "RIDDELL SUSPENSION HELMET." On one of the cloth straps inside the helmet is a stamped "7 3/8" for size. On an interior strap is a stamped "2." The helmet has two face-bars and a chin strap. The offering shows extensive use, particularly around the ear protection. There are various nicks, scratches, and small stains. Biletnikoff signed and inscribed the helmet in fine tip black marker. The inscription reads, "H of F 88." Biletnikoff's signature and the inscription are partially smudged. The helmet weighs approx. 33 ounces. With all its visible use, the helmet remains in very good condition.