Jason Hanson
Detroit Lions Legendary Placekicker / NFL All-Pro · Football - NFL
Detroit Lions (1992–2012)
Era
Circa 1995-2010
Item Type
Full-size Football
Condition
Poor to Fair. The signature is heavily faded (ghosted) into the material. The ball shows signs of handling and potential UV exposure.
Rarity
Common. Hanson was a prolific and gracious signer during his long 21-season career in Detroit.
Overall Assessment
This is a genuine, albeit faded, Jason Hanson signature on a team-themed ball. It is a classic piece of Detroit Lions history from the late 90s/early 2000s era.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; 85% confidence. The signature matches Hanson's known rapid-signing style where the 'J' and 'H' are prominent but the rest of the name compresses into rhythmic waves.
Signature Style
Stylized scrawl with loops. Features a high-arching 'J' and a distinctive lowercase 'h' or capital 'H' structure follow by a horizontal tail.
Signature Characteristics
Flowing, low-pressure cursive. The 'n' at the end often trails off into a flat line. No signs of hesitation or 'drawing' are visible.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie) on pebbled composite or leather football. Significant fading due to absorption and age.
Item Description
A pebble-grained synthetic or leather football; the user mentions a 'Lions' logo and a Barry Sanders signature on the opposing panel.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 (as part of a multi-signed ball). Hanson alone is usually $20-$40, but the presence of Barry Sanders significantly increases the total ball value.
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with 'rushed' examples signed at training camps or fan events. Higher quality 'flat' signatures usually show more legibility in the 'ason' part of the first name.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp upward stroke of the J and the specific bridge between the first and last name. Forgers rarely target kickers, making the likelihood of 'fake' Hanson signatures low.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett. Their presence in the Michigan area makes them the go-to for Lions memorabilia.
Red Flags
The primary red flag is the heavy fading. In some cases, ghosted signatures can be hard to authenticate with 100% certainty by major services if the ink has bled too much.
Provenance Notes
The proximity to a Barry Sanders signature strongly supports the Lions-specific origin, likely signed at a team event or training camp.
Historical Context
Hanson holds the NFL record for most games played with one team (327). He is the first player in NFL history to score 2,000 points with one franchise.
Market Trends
Kicker autographs remain niche but stable. Hanson is a Lions 'Ring of Honor' member, ensuring his local market remains strong.
Investment Potential
Low. Hanson's value has peaked and is primarily sentimental for Lions fans. The investment value of the ball lies with the Sanders signature.
Similar Autographs
Barry Sanders, Herman Moore, Chris Spielman, and Matthew Stafford.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight. Pebbled footballs absorb ink over time; a UV-protected acrylic case is essential to stop further 'migration' of the ink.
Interesting Facts
Hanson was so consistent that fans often joked he was the only reliable part of the Lions for two decades. He was the last player in the NFL to have played in the 1980s or 1990s.
Notes
Says lions on other side and also other side has a Barry sanders auto I’m thinking this is Jason Hanson