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Lot # 380: 1960's Fritz Pollard and Kenny Washington, "The Two Men Who Integrated Football" Incredible Photo

Category: Football

Starting Bid: $25.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "February Collectors Auction 2023",
which ran from 1/27/2023 9:00 PM to
2/18/2023 8:00 PM



In 1920 Fritz Pollard became the one of the first black men to play in the NFL and the first professional head coach. Twenty five years later and after a color barrier had been put into place, Kenny Washington broke the barrier by signing a professional contract with the Rams, ushing in a new era in the NFL. What makes this photograph special is that it incredibly pictures BOTH MEN! In a ceremony honoring Pollard, the elder statesman is pictured at left of the painting that shows Fritz Pollard in portrait form and passing a football. To the right (in light suit) is Kenny Washington. The photo was owned by Washington and he obviously treasured the piece as it shows wear, paper loss, and was saved by Kenny Washington as was obtained as part of his estate. This is the only photograph we know of in the hobby that pictures the two most important black football pioneers together in one image! Offered here for the first time ever!

Size: 8x10
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 1/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 6/10

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