2002 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED #V81 #8 – CGC 9.2 NM – THE BEST THERE EVER WAS – JOHNNY UNITAS

2002 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED #V81 #8 – CGC 9.2 NM – THE BEST THERE EVER WAS – JOHNNY UNITAS

CGC – GRADED 9.2 NEAR MINT-

UNIVERSAL GRADE – BLUE

CERTIFICATION NUMBER – 4631137008

SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 – NEWSSTAND VARIANT – NO LABEL

COVER – The September 23, 2002 issue of Sports Illustrated (Vol. 81, No. 8) featured the cover story “The Best There Ever Was: Johnny Unitas 1933–2002”, a tribute to the legendary Baltimore Colts quarterback following his death. The issue also included coverage of Giants vs. Dodgers, the New England Patriots, and a feature questioning Notre Dame’s resurgence.

Johnny Unitas Tribute – Cover story titled “The Best There Ever Was”. A retrospective on Unitas’s career, his impact on football, and his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Cover photo: Unitas leading the Baltimore Colts against Sam Huff and the Washington Redskins (Dec. 13, 1964), shot by Neil Leifer.

Giants vs. Dodgers – Feature on the storied rivalry between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. Focused on the 2002 season’s playoff race and its historical significance.

Super Patriots – Coverage of the New England Patriots, who had recently won Super Bowl XXXVI. Analysis of their rise under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

Notre Dame Football – Article asking “Is Notre Dame for real?” Examined the Fighting Irish’s strong start to the 2002 season and whether they could return to national prominence.

PUBLISHER – TIME, INC

CONTRIBUTORS – NEIL LEIFER, COVER PHOTO

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