October 12th Rare Autograph & Document Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/12/2023
An 11" x 14" Don Shula signed photo. Signed and inscribed in blue ink "To Billy - a good friend - Best Wishes! Don Shula." The Billy to which Shula has inscribed it is Heisman trophy winner Billy Vessels. Billy would go on to live post-football in South Florida and eventually pass away in his Miami home in 2001. Framed and in fine condition.
Don Shula (January 4, 1930 – May 4, 2020) was an American professional football player and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 1963 to 1995. The head coach of the Miami Dolphins for most of his career, Shula is the NFL's winningest head coach at 347 career victories and 328 regular season victories. He held his first head coaching position with the Baltimore Colts, whom he led for seven seasons, and spent his next 26 seasons with Miami. Shula had only two losing seasons during his 33 years as a head coach and led the Dolphins to two consecutive Super Bowl titles in Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII. His first Super Bowl title during 1972 is the only perfect season in NFL history. Shula is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
Billy Vessels (March 22, 1931 – November 17, 2001) was an American professional football player who was a halfback. He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and won the Heisman Trophy in 1952. Vessels played pro football with the National Football League (NFL)'s Baltimore Colts.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA.
Don Shula Photo Inscribed to Heisman Trophy Winner Billy Vessels
Click above for larger image.