Images(2)

Football

Object number2010.96.1 a,b

Manufacturer Wilson Sporting Goods Company

MediumLeather, ink, cardboard

Credit LineGift of David Hudak

DescriptionSigned football with cardboard box.Dimensionsa) L:13.50" H: 7.00"
b) L:11.125" x W: 6.75" x H: 6.75"
Inscriptions(a)
On white space are autographs from various Steelers Hall of Famers in blue and black ink.

(b)
On top of lid is taped a piece of black paper with white lettering that reads: "PITTSBURGH STEELERS / FOOTBALL CLUB / THREE RIVERS STADIUM / 300 STADIUM CIRCLE PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15212".
Marks(a)
Printed on brown portion's side in black is "WILSON / OFFICIAL NFL PAUL TAGLIABUE / COMMISSIONER".

Maker's information in black on white portion of ball near inflation hole "WILSON (R) / MADE / IN USA / F / INFLATE / 13 LBS / O"; holographic sticker to right reads: "ACRYLIC DISPLAYS & MEMORABILIA / MOUNTED / MEMORIES / A048735"

(b)
In black lettering reads: "FOOTBALL / WILSON".
Historical NotesA football signed by 14 Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers. Donor David Hudak is a big Steelers fan. As he tells the story, "While living in DC, as a way to keep connected to the rich heritage of the Steelers, I decided to collect Steelers Hall of Fame autographs on a single football. When I first started, seven Steelers from the 70s were already in the Hall. In addition to these, three pre-1970 Hall of Fame Steelers were still living. One by one, I collected all of these autographs and then added new ones as additional Steelers made the Hall of Fame. I obtained the signatures at either autograph shows or through the mail by first sending a letter explaining what I was doing and then following the letter up with the ball." Terry Bradshaw's and Ernie Stautner's signatures appear twice on the ball.

Related person Melvin Cornell Blount (born 1948)

Related person Lynn Curtis Swann (born 1952)

Related person John Henry Johnson

Related person Ernest Alfred Stautner (1925 - 2006)

Related person Terry Paxton Bradshaw (born 1948)

Related person Johnny Lee Stallworth (born 1952)

Related person John Harold Lambert

Related person Charles Henry Noll (1932 - 2014)

Related person Jack Raphael Ham Jr. (born 1948)

Related person Michael Lewis Webster (1952 - 2002)

Related institution Pittsburgh Steelers

Related person Franco Harris (1950 - 2022)