Bills Collectors/Help with Rob Johnson

[Firststringer]

I'd love an opinion on the authenticity of this jersey below. Jersey has 2000 year tag but photo reference I found on getty.com shows Johnson wore tight elastic sleeves, not loose style in 2000. However, he did wear this same loose sleeve style on Puma jersey in 1999. Also, I believe his jerseys, at least in 1998 and 2001, had "R. JOHNSON" on the back nameplate. Not sure about 1999-2000. This one just says "JOHNSON". Any opinions from Bills experts would be very much appreciated. Thanks for your time and assistance.

[Mattapan03]

Probably just a team issued jersey

[Firststringer]

Probably just a team issued jersey

Thanks for your opinion; it's a reasonable conclusion I've considered as well. But is it based on any expertise/familiarity with similar era-specific Bills game used items?

[gkdannecker@yahoo.com]

It could be legitimately game used. A team issue would not have custom sleeves, but a game used would. I have a 2011 plus 4 inches with custom sleeves. You will need to rely on province for this one or get a good price. George

[gkdannecker@yahoo.com]

Forgot to mention I've been collecting bills jerseys for 18 years.

[sox83cubs84]

He was the only Johnson on the team in 2000, so the lack of a first initial seems to be reasonable. Plus, in 2001, the Bills (along with most of the NFL) switched to Reebok.

Dave Miedema

[Firststringer]

George/Dave,

Thanks for the input. Question is, based on photo reference this looks like it could be a 1999 style jersey based on long custom sleeves. He was the only JOHNSON on the team that year too, so that checks out. The jersey is tagged 2000 but it appears he wore tight elastic sleeves that year. I know NFL teams recycle old jerseys, but not forward? In other words, seems strange he'd play the 1999 season in a jersey tagged 2000. Just trying to make sense of this. Says it was obtained directly from the Bills.

[BrianK]

I wish I had a more pleasant image for you, but these sleeves look similar to the jersey in question. 12/17/2000
http://www.apimages.com/OneUp.aspx?s...ediatype=Photo

[gkdannecker@yahoo.com]

If it is a good price I would buy it. In this hobby there is faith versus price. You might need a little more faith and therefore a lower price. Nothing is concrete I find even with a loa from the team I find. George

[gkdannecker@yahoo.com]

I give you credit for buying his jersey. I still question why I did. I passed on a legit Scott Norwood a few years ago. Maybe I shouldn't have but I would trade my Johnson for a Flutie and cash in a heartbeat. George