Cris Carter
NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver · American Football - NFL
Minnesota Vikings
Era
Modern Era / Post-Retirement (circa 2013-present)
Item Type
Baseball Glove
Condition
Very Good. The signature is bold and legible with minimal bleeding. The glove shows some light scuffing but the leather is well-preserved.
Rarity
Common. Cris Carter is a prolific signer through public appearances, memorabilia shows, and media roles.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, bold example of a legendary NFL signature on a unique crossover item. Ideal for a Vikings fan or a collector of 'any-sport' Hall of Famers.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature displays natural speed and flow consistent with Carter's habitual shorthand signature style, particularly the uniquely formed 'C'.
Signature Style
Stylized shorthand 'CC' with a '#80' inscription (though this looks more like a stylized '80' or a shorthand number 80 in this specific ink application). The letters are looped and flowing with a sharp vertical trailing line.
Signature Characteristics
Natural pen pressure with a quick 'flick' at the end of loops. The spacing between the two initial 'C' shapes is tight, and the ink flow suggests a confident, rapid motion without hesitation marks.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie) on tan leather baseball glove. The ink shows slight absorption into the porous leather but retains strong contrast.
Item Description
A tan leather baseball glove featuring a red and white 'W' (Wilson) logo. It is unusual for a football legend to sign a baseball glove unless it was at a multi-sport charity event or a fan's only available item.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75. As the signature is on a 'non-sport' related item (baseball glove instead of a football), the value is slightly lower than on NFL-specific merchandise.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard post-induction exemplars. The '#80' is slightly more condensed here due to the limited flat surface area of the glove's thumb/wrist strap area.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinct 'looping C' that transitions into a sharp downward stroke. The inclusion of his jersey number 80 is a standard feature to verify.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett Authentication Services. Both are excellent for modern NFL autographs found on unique items.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink saturation and stroke speed appear as natural 'live' ink rather than a stamp or autopen.
Provenance Notes
Ask if this was signed at a celebrity softball game or a Vikings training camp; such context explains why a football player signed a baseball glove.
Historical Context
Carter is one of the greatest receivers in history, known for 'only catching touchdowns.' He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Market Trends
Stable. Hall of Fame receiver autographs remain a staple of the hobby with consistent demand but high supply.
Investment Potential
Low. While he is a Hall of Famer, the abundance of his signature and the choice of a baseball glove as the medium limits high-end appreciation.
Similar Autographs
Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, or other members of the 1990s-2000s NFL elite wide receiver class.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the black ink from fading to brown or purple. A UV-protected glove display case is recommended.
Interesting Facts
Cris Carter often adds 'HOF 13' to his signatures, though he omitted it here, likely due to the informal nature of the item or the limited writing space.