This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/8/2004.
After the last New York Baseball Giants game at the Polo Grounds on September 29, 1957, the stadium saw little use until a charter franchise was granted to the New York Titans and owner Harry Wismer on August 14, 1959. The Titans remained until 1962, when Sonny Werblin bought the team and renamed them the Jets. During that three-year span, the Titans saw mixed success and finished 7-7 (third place in the Eastern Division) in 1961. In the third game of the season versus the Boston Patriots, Titans Fullback Bill Mathis broke his collarbone and this jersey was cut and removed from his body as he was helped off the field. Despite the injury, Mathis went on to play all 14 games that season -- a testament to the toughness exhibited by the players of that era. He led the AFL with 202 attempts, was second in rushing yards with 846 and second in touchdowns with seven. The autograph on the front of the jersey reads, "Bill Mathis NY Titans jersey was cut off when my left collar bone was broken vs Boston Patriots." On the left front tail is a wash tag and adjacent to it is the "MacGregor" manufacturer's tag with jersey size "44." The jersey is made of Durene and has one large cut on the side running from the left collar to the left tail. The number "31" is on the front, rear and both sleeves. The name "Mathis" is attached to a nameplate on the rear. All letters and numbers have been done in navy blue tackle twill. The jersey shows incredible game use and numerous repair marks. The jersey was obtained directly from Bill Mathis. The autograph comes with a letter from PSA/DNA.