Jerry Stovall
All-American Football Player and NFL Pro Bowler · Football - NFL / College Football
St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) / LSU Tigers
Era
Modern / Retirement (circa 2000s-2020s)
Item Type
Mini Football or White Panel Football
Condition
Excellent. The autograph is bold and clear. Some light scuffing and minor dirt marks are visible on the white leather around the signature, but the ink integrity is high.
Rarity
Common. Stovall is a generous signer through the mail and at LSU-related alumni events, leading to a steady supply of his autograph on the market.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, well-executed autograph of a collegiate legend. Ideal for LSU Tiger enthusiasts or collectors of 1960s NFL greats.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic. The signature shows natural flow, consistent pen pressure, and specific idiosyncratic letter forms (especially the 'J' and 'S') that match known exemplars of Stovall.
Signature Style
Stylized first initial with a full last name and jersey number. The signature features a distinctive sweeping top bar over the name and a vertical slash through the 'S'.
Signature Characteristics
Strong horizontal flourish atop the signature; a distinctive capital 'J' that resembles a backwards '3'; the 'S' in 'Stovall' is struck through with a vertical line; the '57' is written in a blocky, legible style.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie) on white synthetic leather. The ink shows minimal feathering and consistent saturation.
Item Description
A white souvenir panel from a football, likely a 'logo ball' or promotional item, designed for optimal autograph display and contrast.
Estimated Value
$20 - $45 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This matches perfectly with authenticated examples of Stovall's 'later-life' signature, which became more consistent and stylized than his mid-career handwriting.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, angular '7' in the '57' inscription and the horizontal bar that connects the 'J' to the top of the name. Forged versions often lack the fluid speed of the 'Stovall' loop.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. Due to the item's value, a 'Basic Cert' or 'Authentication Upgrade' during a show is most cost-effective.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink sits correctly on the pebble grain and shows proper stop-start points for a human hand.
Provenance Notes
Commonly acquired at LSU 'Meet the Team' events or through private fan signings. Documentation of an LSU-affiliated event would confirm its origin.
Historical Context
Stovall was the 1962 Heisman Trophy runner-up at LSU and became a 3-time Pro Bowler for the St. Louis Cardinals before returning to LSU as a head coach.
Market Trends
Stable. As an LSU legend and former head coach, his market is localized but consistent among SEC football collectors.
Investment Potential
Low. This is a sentimental or 'set filler' piece for LSU fans rather than a high-growth financial instrument.
Similar Autographs
Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, Bert Jones, and other LSU Hall of Fame members.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent ink fading. Store in a UV-protected acrylic football cube.
Interesting Facts
Stovall is one of the few individuals to have been an All-American player, a Pro Bowl player, and a SEC Coach of the Year.