Andre Tippett was an impact player. "Accounting for him limited what an offense could do," said former New England Patriot head coach Raymond Berry. "He made quarterbacks nervous...rightly so." Tippett was an outside linebacker who could do it all: stop the run, rush the quarterback, and cover receivers out of the backfield. He played 11 years in the NFL, all with the Patriots, from 1982-1988 and again from 1990-1993. He was a 5-time Pro Bowler, a 2-time All-Pro, a member of the Hall of Fame 1980s Team, and the 1985 UPI Defensive Player of the Year. The white mesh jersey has "56" in red numerals on the front and "TIPPETT" in red block letters on the top rear. Tippett has signed the jersey and inscribed "#56 HOF '08" on the rear numeral "6." Under the name is "56" in red numerals. Each sleeve has "56" in red numerals. On the outside left front tail is a Russell Athletic tag and a tag giving washing instructions and showing the size "48." Under the aforementioned tags is a tag showing "100% nylon" and another tag showing " '2' Extra Length." The jersey is in good condition, and it exhibits nice wear, with a few small red stains - near the top right chest, some loose threads, and two team repairs. The front neckline has an NFL logo. The item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from the New England Patriots. Although Tippett didn't get the extent of publicity as did Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, Tippett was one of the top linebackers of his era, and his signed and inscribed jersey makes a valued memento.