Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

[wfl1974]

I think this may be my 2nd or 2rd post ever. I usually lurk and read and appreciate all of the stuff on here, so this is the first time I've ever posted a photo of any of my stuff. I need some help with a jersey I bought a couple of weeks ago. Its an Eagles jersey from the late 1970's or early 1980's, but I have no idea who may have worn it. I've researched websites and every #14 I've seen played either too early or too late for this era jersey. The nameplate has been removed, but it was kind of a short nameplate. The sleeves had been trimmed and hemmed, I assume for a QB. Perhaps someone who didn't last beyond preseason cuts (?)Other than that I can see no real marks, repairs, or indications of game use, just age. Any input/feedback would be welcomed and appreciated...many thanks!

[beaglegypsy003]

Re: Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

According to the book Uniform Numbers of the NFL, Pete Liske (1971-72) and Marty Horn (1987) were the only players who wore #14 anytime close to that time period. The book only list those players who made the roster. No other player is listed between those two.

[bgakladd]

Re: Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

In 1976 the Philadelphia Eagles training camp roster had Jeffrey McCarthy listed as wearing #14 according to the 1976 Eagles media guide. Tagging looks like mid to late 70's.

[beaglegypsy003]

Re: Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

It's very difficult when dealing with jerseys of players who only were with the team in training camp back in those years. I have NFL preseason jerseys of University of Hawaii players luckily with nameplates still on. In fact I just bought a Mana Silva Baltimore Ravens practice jersey from 2011. He didn't make the active roster but with the Internet nowadays it makes it much easier to find information about players from the past couple years.

[Rjtcobra]

Re: Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

I have a bunch of these, the eagles ordered this style jersey no earlier than 1981, but I am pretty sure it was 82 and later. The only year tag I ever saw on this style jersey was 82, with all others not having a year. They ran from 82-85, and I think the red and blue Russell tag took over in 86 with the porthole mesh still in place. They did order many that never got used, or were only used for camp, etc. I actually have a number 99 that was never issued, brand new. is there any evidence of a nameplate removal?

[Rjtcobra]

Re: Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

I have a bunch of these, the eagles ordered this style jersey no earlier than 1981, but I am pretty sure it was 82 and later. The only year tag I ever saw on this style jersey was 82, with all others not having a year. They ran from 82-85, and I think the red and blue Russell tag took over in 86 with the porthole mesh still in place. They did order many that never got used, or were only used for camp, etc. I actually have a number 99 that was never issued, brand new. is there any evidence of a nameplate removal?

[G1X]

Re: Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

While the Eagles wore fishnets dating back to at least 1976, I agree that this particular style with the "V" neck dipping further down the body was first used circa 1981. One clarification is that Russell first employed the red and blue "eagle head" R logo in 1983. It was actually a transition year as some 1983 jerseys show the new logo while others show the old logo. Not sure if this applied to Eagles jerseys, but this was common with other teams (see below examples). Keep in mind that is was very common for teams in that era to re-use (recycle) jerseys in subsequent seasons, so finding a 1985 or '86 player wearing a jersey made in a previous year is not unusual.

Hope this information is useful.

Mark Hayne
Gridiron Exchange
gixc@verizon.net

[wfl1974]

Re: Old Philadelphia Eagles jersey help

There is evidence of a nameplate, its been removed of course. The sleeves have been timed & hemmed too.