Tony Dorsett
Date of Birth: 4/7/1954
Rookie Card Year: 1978
Investment Rating: 7.0
Overview
Tony Dorsett football cards and autographed memorabilia may be slightly under-appreciated by collectors outside of the Dallas Cowboys fan base. Still, there is no denying that Dorsett was one of the NFL's most dynamic running backs during his 11-year career.
Dorsett's resume reads like the text book definition of a Hall of Fame player, which he is, having been inducted in 1994. Included in his list of accolades are a Heisman trophy, four Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl Championship, to name just a few.
As a result of his career achievements, flashy running style and outgoing personality, Dorsett was one of the most highly coveted players to collect throughout much of the 1980s. While he has remained out of the spotlight for several years, he continues to be a regular signer at autograph events across the country. Tony Dorsett autographed memorabilia remains in high demand and his personable nature during such events provides a rewarding in-person signing experience. Autographed footballs, particularly those with a white signing panel and Dallas Cowboys logo, are among his most frequently signed pieces.
Tony Dorsett's rookie card was part of the 1978 Topps Football set. While not considered true rookie cards, Dorsett did have other cards issued during his freshman year including a pair of cards is 1978 Fleer Team Action.
Through the years, Dorsett has also been a regular on the checklist of modern football card sets and has, literally, hundreds of autograph and memorabilia cards. Being a fan favorite with a tremendous amount of material makes him desirable for player collectors.
Tony Dorsett Rookie Card
1978 Topps Football Tony Dorsett RC #315
The 1978 Topps Football set is notorious for being off-center. Dorsett's card is no exception. As a result, high-grade cards can sell for hundreds of dollars. Tony Dorsett is also featured on card #507 along with other Dallas rookies. He is also pictured on card #168, celebrating the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII victory.
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Key Cards
1992 Pro Line Portraits Autographs Tony Dorsett #38
Tony Dorsett's first officially certified autograph is part of this popular set. Ahead of its time, the set features on-card autographs of some of the game's all-time greats. An embossed seal (visible in the bottom right corner) ensures the authenticity of the autograph.
2000 Greats of the Game Cowboy Clippings Tony Dorsett #2CCL
This is Tony Dorsett's first memorabilia card that includes a jersey swatch of a Dallas Cowboys uniform jersey. The die-cut star houses the swatch and makes for a nice design element as it mirrors the Cowboys helmet logo. The card is not serial numbered.
2000 Leaf Certified Heritage Collection Tony Dorsett #TD33H
Produced during the same year as the previous card, this one depicts Dorsett in his final season as a member of the Denver Broncos. The card is serial numbered to 100 copies and a Gold parallel version, numbered to 21, also exists. The pained expression on Dorsett's face really captures the emotion of a once great player resigned to the fate all athletes face at some point during their careers - retirement.
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Autographed Memorabilia
Tony Dorsett Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find examples of what an authentic Tony Dorsett autograph looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Tristar and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Tony Dorsett Cut Signature Exemplar
Tony Dorsett Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Tony Dorsett signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- Hastily written, with several unique letter.
- The letter "T" is very odd and includes a lopsided heart shape at the top and a triangle shaped loop at the bottom.
- The "o" is legible and fully closed.
- The "n" looks upside down resembling more of a :u:.
- The "y" is legible with a straight down stroke.
- The "D" is his signature letter which is created with a short down stroke that has a slight curl at the start, a ling upstroke on a 75 degree angle, then shoots straight down to the right on a 45-degree angle where it loops into a guitar pick like shape before coming back around to underline the last name.
- The remaining letters are legible, however the "e" does not for a loop.
- The first "t" does form a loop and then a straight line comes up, these two characters are crossed to create the double "t."
Tony Dorsett Signed Football Pricing:
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More Info
For general information and player statistics for Tony Dorsett, visit:
Glenn Blalock
I’m really hoping you can help identify a card that I have searched for years to get any information on.
I have been unable to find any card even remotely close to this card.
I do belive it is a one off. Prototype card.
The card was given to my aunt as a tip from a client when she worked as a hair stylist.
Knowing I was a fan and a Collector
She gifted it to me in ’94 as a Birthday gift.
The card is a:
TONY DORSETT
Outstanding life champion™
1994 Super Slam Prototype
Card. [P1]
That Reads:
Published and ©1994 Super Slam™SPORTS. INC.
Newport Beach, CA.
Patent Pending for Statuegraphy™ and the Biographical layout. All rights reserved
and strictly enforced. Reproduction of any means prohibited.
Along with a six number code.
The card is thick card board with a out of focus crowd as a background
With a perfectly cutout tony (blue jersey) pressed/glued on top.
-the card is as thick as 6 modern cards-
The back of the card gives more information than anyone need to know.
The back of the card starts with:
This Is My Life™ANTHONY DREW DORSETT
then list his vital stats
Family
Education
Honors
Favorite things
Advice
Biggest moments
Current line of work and a “did you know”
& finally his Record /stats from his years playing in the NFL.
I have tried contacting the company in CA.
But they are out of business.
Searched everywhere. And asked a hundred other collectors.
But to no avail.
Sory to take up so much of your time.
But, If you could help in any way. It would be greatly appreciated.