Lot # 38: 1971 T.C. Williams Titans Game-Used Football Jersey with Titans Foundation LOA - Inspiration for "Remember the Titans" Film - Potentially First Ever Publicly Offered!

Boomers know how vastly different the social climate in America was 60 years ago. Passed in 1965, the Civil Rights Act was already six years old by the time the offered jersey was worn by a black player on the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team of Alexandria, Virginia. Named for a known segregationist, the T.C. Williams High School was integrated. However, there was friction, as Alexandria's three high schools were consolidated into one in 1971, bringing a lot of new students together for the first time. This team, and coach Herman Boone, were the basis for the 2000 Walt Disney Pictures biopic "Remember the Titans." Relating an uplifting story, this inspiring feature film tells the tale of how black and white players came together at a southern school to win the state championship, while overcoming racial tensions and conflicts, to become teammates and friends. Though there are still strides to be made, the playing field in America is much different now, and the school has been renamed Alexandria City High School.

Make a relevant impact on your collection by claiming this number 74 jersey, worn by 1971 Titans player Jerome Murphy. Affixed to the front tail at left is a Champion Knitwear Company size 46 label. The jersey number is seen on the front and back in red, matching the accent band around the collar. Authentic signs of use are abundant, including overall sweat staining, collar and sleeve end fraying, small holes and tears, color fading, and multiple small stains, with what appears to be a blood stain on the front of the right sleeve. Murphy was a 5'9", 170-pound senior, who manned the linebacker position for the 1971 Titans state champions squad. Accompanying is a Titans Foundation LOA, signed by Bob Luckett, who wore number 50 as a center on the 1971 Titans team.

Seen below is a 1971 Titans team photograph with #74 Murphy in the second row at right, who wore the jersey, and #50 Luckett in third row, third from right, who signed the Titans Foundation LOA.