Floyd Little
Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back · Football - NFL
Denver Broncos
Era
Post-playing career / Retirement period - 1990s-2010s
Item Type
Mini helmet
Condition
Excellent condition overall. The signature is clean, bold, and well-preserved within the protective clear plastic display case, which shows minor shelf wear on the edges.
Rarity
Common to moderately common. Floyd Little signed extensively at card shows and private signings throughout his retirement, making authentic examples readily available.
Overall Assessment
A classic, visually appealing piece of Denver Broncos memorabilia featuring a clear, attractive autograph from a beloved franchise pioneer and Hall of Famer.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - strong flow and correct formation matching known exemplars of Floyd Little's later signature style with his iconic #44 inscription.
Signature Style
Flowing, large cursive script including the first and last name along with his jersey number 44. The signature exhibits smooth, continuous strokes with distinct loops on the capital letters.
Signature Characteristics
Characterized by sweeping upward loops, steady pressure, natural speed without hesitation, and a pronounced slant to the right.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker, likely a Sharpie, displaying good contrast against the orange helmet shell with minimal fading.
Item Description
Riddell NFL mini replica helmet featuring the distinctive orange shell, white facemask, and clear plastic display case packaging typical of licensed sports merchandise from the era.
Estimated Value
$50 - $100 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard exemplar patterns for Floyd Little's late-career graph, particularly in the formation of the double 'L' and the addition of the uniform number 44.
Authentication Tips
Look for the fluid motion in the capital 'F' and 'L', consistent pen pressure, and the distinct formation of the number 44 which was a staple of his signed memorabilia.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA are the top recommended services for vintage and modern football memorabilia authentication.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink sits naturally on the glossy plastic surface without signs of unnatural pooling or stamper tremor.
Provenance Notes
Originates likely from a retail sports memorabilia shop or collector show; standard third-party authentication letter or sticker hologram strongly recommended for maximum resale value.
Historical Context
Floyd Little, known as 'The Franchise', was the very first star player for the Denver Broncos, keeping professional football alive in Denver during difficult early years.
Market Trends
Stable market demand. Prices experienced a modest bump following his passing in 2021, but overall supply remains healthy enough to keep prices accessible.
Investment Potential
Hold/Stable. While unlikely to experience dramatic appreciation due to ample supply, it remains a stable, affordable piece for any dedicated NFL or Broncos collection.
Similar Autographs
Other Denver Broncos Hall of Famers such as John Elway, Terrell Davis, and Shannon Sharpe.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the black marker and the orange helmet shell. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment inside its protective acrylic case.
Interesting Facts
Little famously recruited Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe to Denver and was instrumental in saving the Broncos franchise from relocation in the 1960s.