Albersheim's 2016 May Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/14/2016
We offer a very rare pre-season NFL football program signed on the cover by Don Steinbrunner (1 of 2 NFL players to die during the Viet Nam War) and FB HOF’er – Dante Lavelli (inside the program). Both are signed in bold pencil. The program is from August 23, 1953 and is in excellent condition with a small corner crease on the lower right hand corner.
In 30 plus years, we’ve only seen 2 other Steinbrunner autographs (one on a contract and one on a football). He only played with the Browns for 8 games and then joined the military. His autograph along with Bob Kalsu (the other Vietnam War casualty) is exceedingly rare!
Donald Thomas Steinbrunner (April 5, 1932–July 20, 1967) was an American football offensive tackle who was one of only two American professional football players to die in the Vietnam War.
Donald Thomas Steinbrunner was born April 5, 1932 in Bellingham, Washington. He was an All State athlete in football and basketball at Wickersham High School. He played both sports at Washington State College (now Washington State University), and was the captain of both teams. He was also a member of ROTC in college. He was an offensive tackle with the 1953 Cleveland Browns, but a knee injury ended his professional football career after only eight games. He joined the United States Air Force, serving as a navigator. He was also an assistant football coach at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Steinbrunner was sent to Vietnam in 1966, and after an injury was offered a safer assignment, which he refused. Major Steinbrunner's plane, a C-123, was shot down on July 20, 1967 during a defoliation mission, killing all five crewmen aboard. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Dante Lavelli – (D. 2009 – FB HOF – 1975) Played only three college games, served in U.S. Infantry before turning pro. . .Top AAFC receiver as rookie, scored winning TD in title game, 1946. . . Caught 11 passes in 1950 NFL championship. . .All-AAFC, 1946-1947. . .All-NFL, 1951, 1953. . . In three Pro Bowls. . . Caught 386 passes for 6,488 yards, 62 TDs. . . Had record 24 catches in six NFL title games. . .Nicknamed "Gluefingers
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim.