The tragic story of Brian Piccolo was told in the made-for-television movie Brian’s Song in 1971. The film focused on the unlikely friendship between Piccolo and his teammate Gale Sayers, as well as the former’s sickness and untimely death at the age of 26. Late in the 1969 season, Piccolo took himself out of a game complaining of breathing problems and was soon diagnosed with embryonal cell carcinoma. Doctors were unable to stop the cancer’s spread, and after several surgeries, Piccolo died on June 16, 1970. A truly rare and remarkable jersey worn by a man whose story transcended the realm of sports.
Magnificent Chicago Bears road jersey worn by running back Brian Piccolo. The off-white durene pull-over jersey features embroidered “41” numbers to chest, back, and both sleeves, with the proper King O’Shea manufacturer's tag sewn to the front left tail listing cleaning instructions and size, “44,” with hand-annotated “+3″ body.” In fine condition, with expected light wear.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from noted Chicago sports photographer Jack Wallin, signed, notarized, and dated March 7, 1979, in full: “This letter states that I, Jack Wallin received a #41 Brian Piccolo tear-away game uniform shirt directly from the Chicago Bears storage room. This shirt was not worn by any other player since Piccolo came up in 1965, the year the Bears went to tear-away shirts for their running backs & return men. His uniform number was retired after his death.” Also accompanied by a Mears letter of opinion with official worksheet, evaluating the jersey with a base grade of 10 and a condition grade of -2 moderate wear. LOAs from Jack Wallin and MEARS, A8.
