1962 Topps #56 Yale Lary PSA 9

1962 Topps #56 Yale Lary PSA 9 – Ultra-Rare Pop 2 of a Hall of Fame Legend

By 1962, Yale Lary had already cemented his legacy as one of the most versatile and dominant defensive backs in NFL history. A key member of the Detroit Lions’ championship teams of the 1950s, Lary was known for his elite ball-hawking skills, exceptional punting ability, and game-changing presence in the secondary. A nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL champion (1952, 1953, 1957), Lary finished his career with 50 interceptions and was a crucial part of Detroit’s defensive dominance throughout the decade. Not only was he a premier safety, but he also revolutionized punting, leading the league three times and retiring with an impressive 44.3-yard career average—one of the best at the time. His ability to impact games in multiple ways made him a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1979.

This 1962 Topps #56 Yale Lary is an extremely rare PSA 9 example, with only two copies graded this high (Pop 2) and none higher! The 1962 Topps football set is notoriously condition-sensitive due to its black-bordered design, which makes finding high-grade examples nearly impossible. This card boasts outstanding centering, razor-sharp corners, and a pristine surface, making it one of the finest known examples of Lary’s 1962 issue. The bold image of Lary in his Detroit Lions uniform, combined with the deep color saturation, makes this card a true standout from one of Topps’ most challenging sets.

For collectors of Hall of Fame legends, Detroit Lions greats, or ultra-rare high-grade vintage football cards, this Yale Lary PSA 9 (Pop 2) is a truly elite investment piece. With none graded higher, this card represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own one of the best-preserved examples of a true NFL icon, making it a centerpiece addition to any serious collection.