Tom Brady
7x Super Bowl Champion and NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback · Football - NFL
New England Patriots / Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Era
Late career/Retirement - circa 2020-2023
Item Type
Composite/Junior-sized American Football
Condition
Good. The signature is bold but shows typical 'skip' marks due to the pebbled surface texture. The ball appears unused/new.
Rarity
Moderate. While a prolific formal signer, authentic street-signed items are rarer, and market demand always exceeds supply.
Overall Assessment
A classic Tom Brady signature on a budget-tier item. If authentic, it is a great entry-level piece for a fan, though serious investors prefer 'The Duke' official balls.
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication due to common mimicry and pebbled texture distortion. Confidence: 50%.
Signature Style
Abbreviated 'T Brady' with jersey number '12' inscription. Features typical vertical loop 'B' and rapid tail flourish.
Signature Characteristics
Highly vertical 'B', sharp angular ascent on the 'T', and a looped 'y' that often blends into the number 12.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on pebbled synthetic/composite leather surface.
Item Description
A retail-grade, synthetic textured football with visible barcode sticker, indicating it's not an Official On-Field Wilson 'Duke' game ball.
Estimated Value
$500 - $800 (Unauthenticated/Pebbled ball) / $1,200+ (Authenticated). Note: Value is lower on non-official footballs.
Comparison to Known Examples
The '12' and the 'B' loop align with Fanatics-witnessed examples from the 2020 era, though the texture makes forensic comparison difficult.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'B' loop crossover and the spacing of the '12'. Forgeries often show hesitation (tremor) on pebbled surfaces.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), PSA/DNA, or James Spence Authentication (JSA).
Red Flags
The retail barcode suggests a 'street' signature or a budget item. The ink has slight pooling at stroke ends which can indicate a slow hand.
Provenance Notes
Obtain details on where and when this was signed; 'In-person' signatures on retail balls without COAs require strict scrutiny.
Historical Context
Signed during the twilight of his career or early retirement, a period marked by his transition to the Buccaneers and 7th Ring.
Market Trends
Stable/Appreciating. Brady remains the 'Blue Chip' of football memorabilia following his second and final retirement.
Investment Potential
High. As the consensus 'Greatest of All Time,' his autograph functions as a liquid asset within the sports hobby.
Similar Autographs
Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Patrick Mahomes.
Display & Preservation
Use a UV-protected acrylic football display case. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the black ink from turning brown or fading.
Interesting Facts
Brady has an exclusive memorabilia deal with Fanatics; signatures on items without their hologram are often scrutinized more heavily.