This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
Larry Csonka followed in a long line of powerful Syracuse running backs, in the same line of Jim Brown, Floyd Little, Jim Nance and Ernie Davis. He was then drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 1968 draft. Early in his career, Csonka ran with a head-first style, suffering several concussions, and there were concerns that his career could be over. It was not until Don Shula became head coach of the Dolphins that Csonka started to blossom. Shula taught Csonka to lead with his forearm, not his head, and this started the mighty Csonka forearm smash. The bruising full back's new style was so tough, he was actually flagged with unnecessary roughness on a play in which he ran with the ball. His forearm smash to the head of Buffalo Bills safety John Pitts, knocked Pitts out cold. Csonka's new style helped the Dolphins become the decade's premier running team. It was then this jersey was worn by Csonka. This 1970's white, home mesh jersey shows tremendous game use, with many stitched repairs to both shoulders and the front. Both shoulder also have green stains which are not grass but likely the painted remnants of New York Jets defenders as Csonka went barreling down the middle of the field. Both front, back and shoulders have Csonka's number "39" painted in aqua green, bordered by bright orange. The sleeves have the alternating aqua and orange stripes and the upper back has the name "CSONKA" in aqua paint on a stitched white nameplate. There are no manufacturers or size tags, as they appear to have been cut out of the collar. In checking several websites and looking at various Dolphins photos, we have determined this jersey is from early 1970's, and possibly could be from the Dolphins undefeated Super Bowl winning 1972 season. A great gamer from one of footballs most punishing runners, possibly from their historical season. LOA from Mile High Card Company.