A two-position standout, excelling at both offensive tackle and place kicker, Lou Groza was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time AAFC champion, four-time NFL champion, and a member of the NFL 1950’s All-Decade Team and the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. One of the hardest finds for even the most serious collectors of game worn gridiron garments is the Groza gamer. The most desirable issues are those which date from the 1950’s, are completely intact with crotch-piece and tagging, exhibit good game wear, and are still aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The incredible specimen on offer here checks all of those boxes. The road white cotton durene has aged to a delightful cream color and the combination of the number font, distinctive brown/orange sleeve striping pattern, and the absence of sleeve numbers, dates this gem to the 1958-59 period. The Toe’s identifying “76” appears on the front and verso (the latter a noticeably larger representation), all sewn-on in very soft brown twill. Groza was known for wearing long sleeves, down to the wrist, and these match those exacting specifications. He also preferred using the crotch piece and that apparatus on this specimen is fully intact, complete with all six original buttons. Best of all is the tremendous wear, with at least fourteen team repairs affected to the front, back, shoulders, and sleeves. There are also what appear to be several blood stains on the jersey. Tagging in the crotch-piece includes labels for “King O’Shea” and “Blepp Coombs Sporting Goods, Cleveland, O.” There was most likely a size tag once present to the left of the King O’Shea tag but it no longer remains. Of the current known Groza specimens currently extant in the hobby today, this exemplar is in all likelihood the finest as it dates from the 1950s, has tremendous wear, and remains in beautiful condition. It doesn’t get any better than a completely original 1950’s Groza with at least fourteen team repairs but still in great condition.