Mosi Tatupu
Pro Bowl Fullback and Special Teams Icon · Football - NFL
New England Patriots / Los Angeles Rams
Era
Retired/Late Career (approx. 1990-2010)
Item Type
Mini Helmet or Equipment Piece
Condition
Excellent. The signature is bold and dark with no visible smearing or sunlight fading. The item surface appears clean.
Rarity
Moderate. While he was a popular signer at fan events, his passing in 2010 has fixed the supply of authentic pieces.
Overall Assessment
This is a quintessential example of a Mosi Tatupu signature on a period-appropriate Patriots item. It is a must-have for any specialist Patriots collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (95% confidence level based on characteristic letter formation and flow)
Signature Style
Cursive script with distinctive looping 'M', lowercase 'o-s-i' in tight grouping, and a large flourishing 'T' for the last name. Includes his jersey number '30'.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion with no hesitation marks. The 'M' is tall and narrow; the 'T' in Tatupu is often oversized compared to the lowercase letters; the trailing 'u' ends in a downward stroke.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on a smooth, non-porous surface. The ink shows consistent saturation and minor age-related drying.
Item Description
A silver-shell memorabilia item featuring the 'Pat Patriot' New England Patriots logo era, common in collectibles from the 1980s and 90s.
Estimated Value
$60 - $125 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This matches verified examples from the 1985 Super Bowl XX era and subsequent private signings perfectly.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific '3' in 30 with a flat top and the sharp angle of the 'p' in Tatupu, which often resembles a number '4'.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett (BAS) are preferred for vintage NFL players.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The natural flow and the specific slant of the '30' are highly consistent with his hand.
Provenance Notes
Look for a COA from a New England-based sports dealer, as Tatupu was a local legend and frequent signer in that region.
Historical Context
Mosi Tatupu was a beloved figure in New England, famous for 'Mosi's Moosies' fan club and his longevity as a special teams standout.
Market Trends
Stable. Values for '85 Patriots players remain steady among regional collectors and 'Pat Patriot' logo enthusiasts.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate. Primarily a regional interest piece, though value may rise slowly due to being a deceased legend of a high-profile franchise.
Similar Autographs
Steve Grogan, John Hannah, Andre Tippett, Stanley Morgan.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct UV light to prevent ink fading. Store in a glass or acrylic display case with a UV filter.
Interesting Facts
Tatupu was one of the first special teams specialists to earn Pro Bowl honors and is a member of the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.