1948 Leaf #16 Pete Pihos ROOKIE Yellow Jersey Number PSA NM 7

1948 Leaf #16 Pete Pihos (Yellow Jersey Number) PSA 7 – Early Gridiron Great in Rare Color Variant

A war hero, Hall of Famer, and one of the most dependable two-way players of his time, Pete Pihos was the embodiment of 1940s and ’50s football toughness. A key figure for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pihos helped the franchise secure back-to-back NFL Championships in 1948 and 1949, all while leading the league in receptions three straight years from 1953–1955—a remarkable feat for a former end in a run-heavy era. His contributions were so integral that the Eagles retired his number and the Hall of Fame enshrined him in 1970.

The 1948 Leaf Football set, groundbreaking in both design and scarcity, was the first post-war football set printed in full color, and remains a pillar of the vintage gridiron hobby. The Pihos card is especially collectible due to its rare “Yellow Jersey Number” variation, a printing nuance that distinguishes it from the more common red version and draws attention from player and master set collectors alike.

Graded PSA 7, this example offers vivid coloration, a strong print strike, and exceptional presentation for a notoriously condition-sensitive set. The bold yellow jersey digits pop against the deep blue Eagles uniform and stark red background—a powerful visual from one of the NFL’s foundational stars. With only a small population graded at this level or higher, this PSA 7 sits at the crossroads of scarcity and preservation.