1970 O-Pee-Chee Ken Sugarman #25 BC Lions EX-MT 6

Description

1970 O-Pee-Chee Ken Sugarman #25 BC Lions EX-MT 6 Own a piece of Vancouver gridiron lore with this vintage 1970 O-Pee-Chee Ken Sugarman #25 BC Lions EX-MT 6 football card, available exclusively at Alex Collect. The 1970 O-Pee-Chee football issue stands as a cornerstone release in Canadian card collecting, celebrated for its full-bleed photography, vibrant team logos, and rich historical documentation that captures the heroes of the CFL. Ken Sugarman was a powerhouse offensive tackle who became one of the most reliable and decorated linemen in BC Lions franchise history. After starring at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, where he earned All-American honours and was voted Whitworth Lineman of the Year, Sugarman was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1964 NFL Draft (92nd overall). Choosing Canada instead, Sugarman joined the BC Lions in 1964 and immediately contributed to the team's historic Grey Cup championship victory that same season. Over a stellar nine-year CFL career from 1964 through 1972 spent entirely with British Columbia, Sugarman earned four consecutive CFL Western Division All-Star nods (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971) and was named a league-wide CFL All-Star in 1970. In addition to his dominance on the football field protecting quarterbacks and clearing running lanes, Sugarman was beloved in the community as a dedicated elementary school teacher during the off-season. His extraordinary blend of academic dedication and on-field dominance made him a true role model for Canadian football fans and young athletes across British Columbia during the 1960s and 1970s. Linemen of Sugarman's calibre formed the backbone of the Canadian game, battling in the trenches in all weather conditions to pave the way for championship victories. His status as a championship-winning pillar of the offensive line ensures that his vintage cards remain foundational pieces for CFL collectors, historians, and BC Lions faithful. This card features an authentic Canadian O-Pee-Chee bilingual back printed in Canada with English and French biographical text and cartoons, rather than a puzzle back. Centering is excellent at approximately 50/50 left-to-right and 50/50 top-to-bottom, framing the iconic kneeling portrait of Sugarman in his number 68 jersey with his helmet resting on the grass. The corners exhibit light vintage softening at the upper tips with minor white showing, while the lower corners remain crisp and well-defined. The edges are smooth with typical O-Pee-Chee vintage rough-cut character and negligible chipping. The surface maintains strong gloss, rich stadium colours, and crisp lettering with zero creases, indentations, or surface wear. The reverse side is remarkably clean with bold green printing, charming teacher cartoon artwork, and an intact cardstock backing with no stains or markings, making it an essential vintage football card. Grade Estimate: EX-MT 6