Derrick Thomas Team-Issued Jersey Lions – COA Thomas Estate LOA

Direct from the personal collection of Derrick Thomas, is this Detroit Lions team issued jersey. Yes, you read that correctly — a Derrick Thomas Detroit Lions jersey. To put it into perspective as to why this exists  – flashback to the 1989 NFL Draft where the talent was LOADED. In that memorable Draft, 4 out of the top 5 picks were Hall of Famers.

Now, the Detroit Lions were set on their #3 pick with Barry Sanders but they had to be ready for anything. Ready just in case Barry Sanders slipped away at #2 to the Packers (who consequently zonked their pick), they were more than ready to pick up the ever-so talented Derrick Thomas and take him off the board.

So ready in fact, they had a jersey for Thomas made on standby. The results from the Draft were in and the Lions got their guy, Barry Sanders. However, what to do with the shirt? Well, it was given to Thomas from the Lions as a gift and he had it preserved in his collection as a unique reminder.

The jersey is perfect and complete like any Lions gamer from the team but Thomas’ details were added. His name “THOMAS” appears on the back nameplate sewn on in white tackle twill. All of the identifiers including sleeve striping were done in heat transferred white/silver. It is properly tagged, and shows it is a Wilson with [size] 50 flap sewn in the tail.  There is no noticeable wear on the jersey as would be expected from a guy who went to the Kansas City Chiefs in the next pick.

Provenance is everything in todays authentication especially for a jersey like this, a one-of-a- kind Derrick Thomas Detroit Lions jersey.  Collectors can feel confident in its origin based on the provenance letter and authentication. To have this verified coming directly from Derrick’s collection, qualifies this without question as belonging to him. Note that the GOLD TRUST company was commissioned to handle Derrick Thomas’ estate when he passed away. Overall, incredibly RARE, unique and valuable, this jersey will forever be a conversation piece among game jersey collectors.

Nicknamed D.T., Derrick Thomas was an American football linebacker and defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Thomas earned unanimous All-American honors during his college football career at Alabama and was selected fourth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Chiefs, where he played 11 seasons until his death in 2000. Considered one of the greatest pass rushers of all time, he received nine Pro Bowl and three first-team All-Pro selections, along with holding the record for most sacks in a single game at seven.

Authentication: Derrick Thomas Estate

Derrick Thomas Team-Issued Jersey Lions