Mid-1950’s Tom Fears Game Worn Los Angeles Rams Helmet (Fears LOA)

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/6/2013

Born in Guadalajara to and American father and Mexican mother, Tom Fears spent the first 6 years of his life in Mexico before the family moved to Los Angeles. After service in the war and a stint at UCLA he joined the hometown Rams and quickly became their brightest star. One of the first Mexican-Americans to play pro football, he also revolutionized the way the game was played. Being the first player to line up away from the tackle on the line of scrimmage made him the first wide receiver in NFL history. He led all NFL receivers in catches his first three seasons. Starting in 1949 the Rams began a string of 4 straight playoff appearances including the Championship in 1951 with Fears catching the winning touchdown. Serious injuries began to take their toll and he ended his Hall of Fame career in 1955. Reluctant to give up the game, Fears began a second career as a coach. After assistant positions with the Packers, Rams and Falcons, in 1967 he became the first Latino head coach in NFL history when he took over the reigns of the New Orleans Saints. Already a member of the College Football Hall of Fame for his time at UCLA, Fears was elected to the Pro Hall of Fame in 1970, the first Mexican-American so honored. This classic Rams helmet dates from the mid-1950’s and comes from Tom Fears himself. The Rams were the first NFL team to paint designs on their helmets and this bold graphic design was created by the teams halfback Fred Gehrke in 1948. The black and gold colors are still strong and vibrant and the helmet instantly evokes the image of the golden age of the NFL. As tough as Fears and the Rams of the 1950’s played, it’s a miracle this helmet has survived. The Riddell Suspension helmet shows tremendous game use inside and out. His number “7” is hand written on 2 strips of tape inside of both ear flaps. The canvas and leather suspension system is still in great shape with “Riddell Suspension Helmet” and patent numbers printed on the leather center patch. “Riddell” logo is on the back right side of the helmet. There appears to be no alterations of any kind done to it and looks like it did when Fears took it off after a game in the 1950’s. The Hall of Famer has signed “Tom Fears H.O.F. ‘70” in black ink on the left side yellow Rams horn. Not only is this a stunningly attractive piece of Rams history but also historically significant because it was game used by an early Hall of Famer who broke down ethnic barriers and changed the way the game was played. Signed letter of authenticity from Tom Fears and Grey Flannel Collectibles and PSA/DNA.