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View Full Version : John Elway Jersey made by Champion???



G1X
12-28-2005, 01:00 AM
I seem to recall this question being raised at some point in the past year. If this question is still on the table, please let me know.

Mark Hayne

EndzoneSports
12-28-2005, 02:22 AM
Mark-

Got any new insight? You know me... I'm always game for an education.

G1X
12-29-2005, 12:03 AM
Patrick,

I thought that someone had brought up this issue somewhere, and if I recall, there seemed to be an understanding that Elway wore a Champion jersey at some point in the mid-1980s. I could not recall if anyone was able to come up with a photo or firm confirmation.

I hope that I'm not repeating anything that's already been pointed out and discussed, but I found a great color photo of Elway wearing a white road Champion jersey. The photo can be found on page 18 of the 1987 Street & Smith Pro Football Annual (my version has Phil Simms on the cover) which means that it most likely is a photo from a 1986 game, but possibly could be from a season prior to that.

The unique Champion number font is evident including no block base at the bottom of the number (typical Broncos jerseys had a block base at the bottom of both #1 and #7). Most important, the Champion logo can be seen very clearly on the left sleeve!

Unfortuantely, it is a tight shot, so I can't see an opponent or figure out the stadium although it appears to be on astroturf. It is apparently a cold weather game as his jersey has a "handwarmer" pouch sewn on the front waist area below the number.

Hope this information is found to be helpful.

Mark Hayne

rbalm
12-29-2005, 10:58 AM
Mark,

Do you have a scan of the picture you could send me? I would like to see if it matches up with the Champion Elway I own. Mine came from the equipment manager.

Thanks
Adam

G1X
12-30-2005, 12:47 AM
Adam,

I sent you an email. Let me know if it didn't arrive.

Mark Hayne

EndzoneSports
12-30-2005, 11:40 AM
Adam/Mark-
All of the detail that I have amassed regarding the Elway Champion jerseys can be found on a couple of .pdf files which can be viewed/downloaded from our site. I believe the photo to which Mark refers is the same as is shown on p. 4 in Fig. 86-5 of our 1986 Detail Appendix (at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/Uni_1986.pdf (http://endzone.pscoggin.com/Uni_1986.pdf)). Additional information is also available in the 1985 Detail Appendix (at http://endzone.pscoggin.com/Uni_1985.pdf (http://endzone.pscoggin.com/Uni_1985.pdf)). While possibly not all inclusive, we've reviewed the team's highlight videos from these two seasons and have identified in the appropriate document in which games Elway wore this particular style of jersey. Claims from at least one Broncos' staffer were that Elway worn one particular Champion jersey from 1983 (his rookie season) through 1988 (the last season the team used Russell Athletic, before changing styles slightly and switching to Wilson jerseys). This has not, however, been substantiated with any evidence--photographic or otherwise--as the two mentioned seasons are the only two during which wear of the Champion jerseys has been confirmed.

Regards,