Career TD #161 from Football's All-Time Rushing TD Leader, Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith Presented here for your bidding consideration is this Wilson official NFL leather game model football that was used in play during the November 7, 2004 game between the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins. Specifically, this ball was handed off by Josh McCown to Emmitt Smith for a 5-yard rushing touchdown, with the play resulting in Smith's 161 career rushing score. Ever aware of the future potential of such items, Emmitt kept this ball tucked in his side until he reached the sidelines, where the ball was given to a Cardinals attendant and stashed away until being given back to Smith when the Cardinals returned home. The ball exhibits light to moderate wear as one would expect from game usage, with scuffing and some light paint spots from the end zone logo (Emmitt dove to the ground to avoid contact while making the score). As with many footballs of it's age, the ball is no longer fully inflated, however the option to replace the inflatable inner bladder is available to the prospective new owner.
In addition to being game used, the ball has been beautifully hand signed and inscribed by Smith in silver metallic marker. Along with his autograph, Smith has added the inscription, "Career TD #161, 11/7/04 vs MIA."
About as good of provenance that one can ask for, the ball has sourced direct from the Cowboys/Cardinals legend himself, with Emmitt providing a Letter of Authenticity through his company, Prova. Additionally, the ball has been examined by End-to-End Photomatch and is accompanied by a detailed letter which concludes that the ball is a probable photo match based on several identifiers that match with imagery from the TD score. Lastly, a Letter of Authenticity for the autograph is included from Beckett Authentication Services/BAS.