Circa 1997 Cortez Kennedy Seattle Seahawks Game-Used & Autographed Helmet

Cortez Kennedy’s Pro Bowl Helmet: A Testament to NFL Greatness

An Icon of the Gridiron

In the realm of football memorabilia, few items capture the essence of the game like a helmet worn by a Hall of Famer. Cortez Kennedy, an 8-time Pro Bowler and a 2012 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, left an indelible mark on the NFL. His prowess on the field is immortalized in this remarkable piece of sports history.

Details of the Helmet

Manufactured by “Riddell,” this “VSR-4” helmet is a testament to Kennedy’s illustrious career. The helmet features:

• A player number “96” in black Dymo tape adjacent below the left ear hole.
• A “NOCSAE” recertification decal from 1996.
• The player name “C. KENNEDY” in black Dymo tape adjacent below the right ear hole.
• A blue facemask, though the chinstrap is absent.
• The “Riddell” logo in red on the white plastic bumper.
• Facemask clips marked with “G” and “C”.

On the back, the helmet proudly displays the official “NFL” shield decal, an “All American L” sticker, and an injury warning decal, overlaid by a “PRO BOWL 1997” sticker. The backplate reads “Seahawks” in blue, while the iconic Seattle “Seahawk” logo graces both sides in white, blue, and green.

A Signature of Excellence

Cortez Kennedy’s signature, inscribed in black marker with the heartfelt message “Best Wishes” and his number “96,” adorns this helmet. The signature, in our expert opinion, rates a 7 out of 10. This helmet was presented to us as game-used, and it shows outstanding use, with numerous gashes and scuffing on the outer dome. Such wear and tear are a testament to the fierce battles Kennedy faced on the field.

Provenance and Legacy

The helmet’s provenance is as compelling as its physical attributes. We were informed by our consignor that this helmet was obtained from Merton Hanks, the current NFL Vice President of Operations and Kennedy’s teammate on the 1999 Seattle Seahawks. This connection adds a layer of authenticity and historical significance to the piece.

Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, this helmet is not just a piece of sports memorabilia; it is a relic of NFL history, embodying the spirit and tenacity of one of the game’s greats. For those looking to consign NFL items or explore more football memorabilia appraisals, this helmet stands as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the enduring legacy of Cortez Kennedy.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.