eBay
This auction is for a 1986 autographed, game worn, Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins jersey.

I received this jersey in the summer of 1987 (just prior to the players strike) while interning at the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) in Washington DC. It was given to me by a prominent player who was on the NFLPA Executive Committee as a token for assisting him with a charitable function. Marino later signed the jersey for me in person when he came into headquarters for Player Representative meetings. He told me at that time that the jersey was from the previous season.

Marino currently holds 16 all-time NFL passing records, set 17 others, and is widely considered to be the best "pure passer" in NFL history. He was recently ranked #25 on the NFL's Top 100 Greatest Players list.  He went to nine Pro Bowls, was voted first or second team All-Pro eight times and was named All-AFC six times He was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2005 as a first ballot selection.

The jersey is tagged Russell 48, which matches the only other confirmed game worn Marino jersey I saw from that era, the one I had helped to auction off a few months before. Marino had also donated one for that event. There are 6-7 prominent repair marks to fix tears in the jersey (see photos). It also bears a thin, vertical stain on the front right. The seams are still strong, with no fraying of the threads. Aside from what I've mentioned, the jersey is in excellent shape. The numbers and lettering are rubber type, and are not sewn on. The autograph is on the front number 3, and reads "Joel, Best Wishes, Dan Marino, 13", signed in black sharpie. While it does bear my name, I'm sure that could be removed if that's preferred. The signature has faded somewhat over the 24+ years I've owned this. It was displayed in an acrylic frame for years, and I never washed it. I do not have a COA for this, as at that time COA's really weren't ever issued. Besides, I never thought I'd sell it anyway.

I found another purported game worn Marino jersey on eBay, however that seller indicated that he cannot be completely sure it's actually game worn. The authenticity of MY jersey is 100% unquestionable, and experienced collectors will have no doubt upon inspection. I never had this authenticated because I knew who and where it came from implicitly.

So what is this worth? I see a lot of game used, "start player" jerseys on eBay right now, very few of which are listed at under $5,000.00, many of which have neither the history or scarcity of this Marino jersey. I'll let the market decide its value (to a degree) and start the bidding at half of that: $2,499.00.

Because I'm new to eBay and my feedback is just getting started, I'll offer a seven day return (at buyer's expense), I'll also consider (upon discussion with winning bidder) extending it to two weeks if they plan to have it authenticated. I want the next owner of this jersey to enjoy it for years. As part of that, serious collectors will have questions. Feel free to send me a question, and I'll answer any you may have. Better/different pictures can be provided upon request. This auction will run for ten days, as I want to give as many people as possible an opportunity to add this item to their collection.

S & H is $25.00, Canadian and/or bidders outside the U.S. are asked to contact me prior to bidding to discuss shipping costs. I reserve the right to limit my shipping the the U.S. USPS is my preferred shipping provider. Overnight shipping is available for an additional standard USPS fee.

Thanks for the read, and check out my other auctions which include a game worn, autographed Pacers jersey of the late, great Wayman Tisdale, and a few football cards. I may be adding more items soon, including a pigskin NFL leather briefcase that was autographed by about 30 players including Gene Upshaw,
Johnny Unitas, Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, Carl Ekern (all of whom are unfortunately deceased) as well as Wes Chandler, Mike Singletary, Dan Marino and about 20 other players.