Jim Kleinsasser
NFL Tight End / Fullback (Minnesota Vikings Legend) · Football - NFL
Minnesota Vikings
Era
Modern Era - circa 2010s to present
Item Type
Art Print / Poster
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint; signature is bold and skip-free, poster shows crisp edges and no visible creases.
Rarity
Moderate; Kleinsasser is a cult favorite but not a frequent signer of non-traditional items like custom art posters.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, authentic-looking piece of regional sports memorabilia that displays exceptionally well due to the clean signature and artistic medium.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; the signature shows natural flow, consistent pen pressure, and mirrors Kleinsasser's known shortcut style for fan merchandise.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand with jersey number; features a large horizontal loop for the 'J' followed by a wave-like 'K' and a sharp, clear '#40' inscription.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, rhythmic execution; consistent baseline; right-leaning slant; the inscription is slightly more deliberate than the signature itself.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie) on a heavy matte-finish poster paper.
Item Description
A stylized caricature or illustration art print featuring the signer's likeness (Jim Kleinsasser) with partial text 'SAU...' (likely 'SAUCE') visible at the top.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-quality private signing examples and authenticated cards from the late 2000s and post-retirement appearances.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific flattened 'J' loop and the way the '4' in '#40' is often written with a sharp, open top or specific cross-stroke overlap.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett (BAS) - these services are highly respected for modern NFL memorabilia.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink absorption and stroke speed suggest a genuine hand-signed item.
Provenance Notes
Likely acquired at a fan convention, charity event, or through a local Minnesota sports gallery sale given the unique art style.
Historical Context
Jim Kleinsasser was a cornerstone of the Vikings for 13 seasons (1999–2011), known for his immense blocking ability and 'Sauce' nickname.
Market Trends
Stable; retired fan favorites from the Vikings have a loyal regional following that maintains value for unique pieces like this.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate; primarily a sentimental piece for Vikings 'purists' rather than a high-growth financial asset.
Similar Autographs
Jared Allen, Chad Greenway, or Adrian Peterson autographs from the same Vikings era.
Display & Preservation
Frame behind UV-protective glass to prevent the black Sharpie from fading to a brown/purple tint over time.
Interesting Facts
Kleinsasser was a multisport star in North Dakota and remained a 'one-team' player for his entire 13-year career.
Notes
Jim klinesaucee