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Lot Number: 392
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Lot 392
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| Description: Significant Johnny Unitas 1956 Baltimore Colts rookie contract. After being cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnny Unitas played semi-pro football in the Pittsburgh area for a reported $6.00 per game. The Baltimore Colts elected to take a flyer on the young quarterback and signed him as a backup to starter George Shaw. Four games into the 1956 season, Shaw was injured and the rest is history. The offered contract is the original copy kept by Colts General Manager Don Kellett. The original document was signed by all parties, including both Unitas and Kellett, and then subsequently sent to the league for approval. This period mimeograph copy was then returned, indicating that the contract had been accepted by the league. Oversized contract measures 9"x20" with a horizontal vintage tape line attaching the two sections together at the mid section. The reverse has another page stapled to the front which contains a clause regarding military service. The contract has remained in the possession of the Kellett family until its current offering and includes a color 8"x10" photograph of Kellett standing with a young Johnny Unitas. Very unique and historic vintage document dating to the beginning of Unitas' storied career. Includes letter of provenance from the Kellett family: VG-EX |
| Estimated Price: ($5,000.00-$7,500.00) |
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