Doug Flutie, who admits to being measured at 5'9", was an amazing, exciting quarterback who never let his lack of height hamper his confidence or his prodigious talent. As a closing testament to that talent, Flutie ended his professional football playing career, not with a final touchdown pass, or with a scrambling run, but by kicking an extra point. Not conventionally, off a tee with a holder, but by a DROP KICK! The first NFL drop kick since 1941!
Presented is an opportunity to own the football that Flutie drop kicked over the goal post and into the stands at New England's Gillette Stadium, in a January 1, 2006, regular final game that pitted Flutie's New England Patriots against the Miami Dolphins. The 1984 Heisman Trophy winner, Flutie gained college football immortality on November 23, 1984, the day after Thanksgiving, with a huge national TV audience watching on CBS. With his Boston College Eagles trailing 45-41 against the Miami Hurricanes, Flutie led a last-minute drive that left Boston College at the Miami 48-yard line with six seconds left to play. Flutie dropped back to pass, scrambled, and then threw a pass from his own 37-yard line at least 63 yards into the end zone where receiver Gerard Phelan made a great grab to win the game 47-45. It was one of the greatest endings to a college football game in history. In a 21-year pro career, Flutie played in the USFL, the CFL, and the NFL. In the Canadian Football League, he played for three different teams and was a 3-time Grey Cup (Championship) winner. Flutie played with the New England Patriots (1987-89 & 2005), Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers in the NFL. In the NFL, Flutie threw for 2,151 yards and 86 touchdowns. In Flutie's last pro regular season game, the Patriots scored a touchdown with 6:10 left in the contest. An included and detailed LOA from the football's consignor explains what happened next: "On January 1st, 2006, I went to Gillette Stadium to see the New England Patriots play the Miami Dolphins. As the game went into the 4th quarter, the Patriots had just scored a touchdown and were about to kick the extra point. Doug Flutie came off the bench and it seemed that the Patriots were going for the 2-point conversion. The offensive line went into a strange formation... The ball was snapped, and Flutie converted the first drop kick since 1941... There was a scuffle in attempting to grab the ball... but I came up with it... and this ball has been with me ever since...." It is thought that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gave Flutie the chance to drop kick as a sort of going away present, as Flutie was rumored to be playing his last season before retiring, which was what happened. In addition to the consignor LOA is the original ticket to the game that adds another level of provenance to this piece.
The offered football reads, in part, "Wilson NFL Official Paul Tagliabue Commissioner/National Football League/American Football Conference/National Football Conference." Please note, the football is in EXCELLENT condition but does not hold air. This piece makes a great remembrance for an electrifying player who exited the stage of his NFL career with dramatic flair, with an archaic, surprise drop kick.
Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: $33.13 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.