Detroit Lions

Charlie Sanders 1972
(Game Worn)

Sanders could truly be considered the NFL's first prototype tight end.  Charlie was a big boy, not only could he catch, but boy could he block.  When he did tuck the ball away, he could run like the wind.  Many speculate on whether a player of yester year could play in today's game.  Well Charlie puts that question to rest.  This Riddell TAK-29 fluid filled helmet represents his early 70's Pro Bowl appearance.  In these days the players season game helmet was just spray painted and decaled for the Pro-Bowl.  Looking closely you can see the silver where the stripes where ripped away after the Pro-Bowl game.  There are still some remnants of the lions old striping. How do you describe a helmet like this?  Beautifully ugly comes to mind.