Albersheim's 2015 November Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2015
Tyrer (D 1980 suicide) was an American football offensive tackle in the American Football League for the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs. He also played in the National Football League for the Chiefs and the Washington Redskins. He served as an anchor for the Texans' (who became the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963) line, and was selected as The Sporting News AFL All-League tackle eight consecutive years, from 1962 through 1969. He was an AFL Western Division All-Star seven times, in 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968 and 1969 before also capturing a pair of All-AFC accolades in 1970-71. His efforts in the upstart league would result in his selection to the American Football League All-Time Team.
In Super Bowl IV, Tyrer used his uncanny ability to open a hole for Chiefs running backs, single-handedly taking on two of the Minnesota Vikings's vaunted defensive linemen to help the team to an upset 23-7 victory. Tyrer was named AFL Offensive Lineman of the Year that same year and play in 180 consecutive games for the franchise.
Remaining in the Kansas City area following his retirement, Tyrer turned down an opportunity to serve as a scout for the Chiefs. He then spent the next three years as a salesman before tiring of the constant travel and investing in a tire business. However, a mild winter proved to be financially disastrous for Tyrer, who moved on to work for Amway. This series of business misfortunes culminated on September 15, 1980 when Tyrer, a father of four, shot his wife and then committed suicide by turning the gun on himself. Many say that he would be in the Pro FB HOF today if the circumstances of his death hadn't occurred.
A very tragic figure and tough autograph on this team issued personalized 7.5 x 10 inch team issued KC Chiefs photo. Killer signature! He personalized it writing “To my Pal Bruce, Best Wishes + Regards Jim Tyrer.”
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim.