Like everyone else, I started collecting cards as a kid. As much as I still love cards, if I'm going to pay few hundred dollars for something, I'd much rather have something game-used instead of a piece of cardboard who's value can fluctuate at Beckett's whim.

My first game-used item was a LaDainian Tomlinson Chargers white road jersey from 2001.
The jersey came from Tay Cody, a CB on the Chargers.
I picked them up almost 10 years ago.
I was in the right place at the right time.
I have been able to photo match the jersey, and it is still my favorite piece.

I got a future Hall of Fame player as my first game-used item, and I was hooked.

I now have:
Game-Used Jersey (4, Tomlinson, Jay Cutler (R), Tommie Harris (R), Peerless Price)
Game-Used Cleats (3, Jones, Urlacher 2007, Urlacher 2011, Ray Lewis 2009 Pro Bowl)
Pro Day-Used Cleats (1, Rob Gronkowski)
Game-Used Chinstrap (1, George Blanda)

I love this GUU forum! You guys share my love for this hobby, and you are fighting to keep it's integrity. Thank You, Alex.