Autographed Football Buying Guide

By Sean J. O'Rourke

One of the coolest additions you can make to your sports room is an authentic autographed NFL football. Probably the most quintessential item for the serious NFL collector, we have an unmatched selection of authentic autographed footballs from your favorite players from today and yesterday.. Whether you're looking to get a new collection off the ground or searching for a piece to polish off an already-established sports room, we have the merchandise you're dreaming of. I've selected my personal top five favorite autographed NFL footballs for the serious sports collector.

• Signed Peyton Manning Football: The most gifted quarterback in recent memory, future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning has hand-signed this authentic NFL leather football in very distinct silver ink. The former first overall pick, Manning has set the record books ablaze since his taking over the reigns of the dynamic Indianapolis Colts offense. As a rookie in 1998, Manning set NFL all-time records for passing yards, touchdowns and completions on his way to being selected to the NFL's All-Rookie First Team. Since the Colts 3-13 finish in Manning's rookie season, he has led the team to greatness with his unmatched throwing accuracy, arm strength and leadership. While becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 4,000 yards in eight seasons, Manning led the Colts to a Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears where he was named the game's Most Valuable Player. On pace to own every major passing record in the NFL, this authentic NFL football hand-signed by future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is a 100 percent must-have for the serious NFL collector and comes with a Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity.

• Signed Barry Sanders Football: One of the greatest football players in NFL history, Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders has hand-signed this authentic NFL leather football in silver ink. Arguably the greatest halfback to ever step onto a football field, Barry Sanders dominated the National Football League during his ten year career. The former Heisman Trophy winner would lead the league in rushing four times, take home the 1997 NFL MVP award, be selected to ten Pro Bowls and retire as the second leading rusher in NFL history. An absolute must-have for the serious NFL collector, this authentic Barry Sanders autographed football comes complete with an All About Autographs Certificate of Authenticity and a unique serial number. A Hall of Fame addition for your sports room, solidify your collection today with this genuine NFL football signed by Hall of Famer Barry Sanders!

• Signed Lawrence Taylor Football: The heart and soul of the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew," Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor's unmatched defensive prowess led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl Championships in 1986 and 1990. One of, if not the greatest defensive player in NFL history, Taylor was named to ten Pro Bowls, was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year three times and in 1999, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. One of the most-feared and dominant defenders of all-time, Giants great Lawrence Taylor has hand-signed this official NFL leather football in distinct silver ink. An absolute must-have for Big Blue fans, this autographed football comes with a Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity. A man who changed the game forever, draft a true champion to your collection today with this authentic NFL football signed by the one and only Lawrence Taylor!

• Signed Curtis Martin Football: One of the greatest running backs in NFL history, future Hall of Famer Curtis Martin has hand-signed this authentic NFL leather football in silver ink. One of the most-gifted and tenacious athletes to ever step onto a football field, Martin's 14,101 career rushing yards rank him fourth behind only Emmit Smith, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders as the league's all-time leading rusher. The Jets' franchise leader in rushing yards and attempts, future Hall of Famer Curtis Martin is an absolute must-have for every true fan of Gang Green. An asset you'll cherish forever, this Curtis Martin autographed NFL football takes it to the house with a Schwartz Sports Credit Card Certificate of Authenticity! A dynamite cornerstone for your New York sports collection, add this Curtis Martin autographed football to your sports room today!

• Signed Walter Payton Football: One of the most prolific runners in NFL history, the late, great Walter Payton himself has hand-signed this authentic NFL leather football in distinct silver ink. Drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in 1975, "Sweetness" would dominate the NFL during his 13-year pro career before retiring as the league's all-time career leading rusher in 1987. Named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1977 and chosen to nine Pro Bowls, Payton was an integral part of the Chicago Bears' 46-10 trouncing of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. A member of both the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame, this authentic NFL leather football is an unquestionable centerpiece for the serious NFL collector. Included with Certificates of Authenticity from both Hollywood Collectibles and Steiner Sports, make a Hall of Fame addition to your collection today with this Walter Payton autographed football.