Tony Dorsett
Running Back · Dallas Cowboys
Pro Line / Score #Not visible
Year & Era
Early 1990s -- Junk Wax Era
Card Type
In-Person Autograph Card
Grade
Raw -- Poor to Fair (Estimated PSA 1 to 2)
Rarity
Common base card with a customized in-person signature, making the signed piece unique.
Overall Assessment
A heavily damaged vintage-era card featuring a prominent player and a bold in-person autograph. While the technical condition of the card is poor, the autograph adds distinct collector appeal for a personal collection.
Condition Grade
Raw -- Poor to Fair (Estimated PSA 1 to 2)
Centering Assessment
Front centering is visibly shifted with heavy weight to the right border. Back centering cannot be assessed without an image of the reverse.
Surface Condition
Poor condition with a heavy, prominent vertical crease or wrinkle running down the middle right side of the card, along with surface wear.
Corner Condition
All four corners show noticeable rounding, softening, and wear, consistent with being handled raw without protective storage.
Edge Condition
Edges show heavy chipping, whitening, and roughness along all four sides, particularly on the right edge.
Print Quality
Standard 1990s print quality with typical glossy finish for Pro Line products, though heavily compromised by physical damage.
Estimated Value
10 to 25 USD (mostly derived from the Tony Dorsett authentic in-person signature, as the card itself has severe structural damage)
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is significantly below average compared to surviving examples due to the severe vertical crease and corner rounding.
Authentication Tips
Review the ink flow and signature characteristics against known authenticated Tony Dorsett signatures. In-person autos require third-party authentication (like PSA/DNA or JSA) to verify legitimacy.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for numeric card grading due to the heavy crease and severe edge wear, which would result in a very low grade (PSA 1 or 2). However, authentication-only services (like BAS or PSA/DNA) for the autograph could be worthwhile.
Red Flags
The prominent vertical crease is a major structural defect. The signature appears consistent with typical in-person signing habits, but lacks factory certification.
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained in person at a training camp, public signing, or event during the 1990s or later.
Historical Context
Tony Dorsett is a legendary Hall of Fame running back who won a Super Bowl, a Heisman Trophy, and rushed for over 12,000 yards primarily with the Dallas Cowboys.
Market Trends
Tony Dorsett autographs remain stable among Dallas Cowboys and Hall of Fame collectors, though damaged cards with unauthenticated in-person signatures have limited mainstream market liquidity.
Investment Potential
Low investment potential as a card due to condition damage, but holds sentimental and niche collectible value for a Cowboys fan.
Similar Cards
Other 1990s insert and base cards of Tony Dorsett, Pro Line autograph cards, and Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame running back memorabilia.
Display & Preservation
Place immediately into a penny sleeve and rigid top loader or semi-rigid holder to prevent further damage from the existing crease.
Interesting Facts
Dorsett holds the NFL record for the longest rushing play from scrimmage -- a 99-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings in 1983.