1971 O-Pee-Chee Jerry Keeling #128 Calgary Stampeders CFL

Description

1971 O-Pee-Chee Jerry Keeling #128 Calgary Stampeders CFL This 1971 O-Pee-Chee Jerry Keeling card, number 128, should attract both quarterback collectors and fans of CFL versatility. Keeling is shown in a red Stampeders jersey with the stadium sky and lights behind him, giving the card a classic game-day atmosphere. The bilingual reverse identifies him as an import quarterback listed at 6 feet 1 and 180 pounds out of the University of Tulsa and highlights an unusual career path: after spending eight years as one of Canada’s top defensive backs, he took over as Calgary’s number one quarterback in 1969. That two-way background makes his card especially interesting because few players in any professional league could move from the secondary to the offensive huddle and then become the leader of a CFL offense. The back credits his leadership with taking the Stamps to the Grey Cup in 1969 and specifically praises the Presidents’ Award recognition he received, while the cartoon shows him being honored for that achievement. For collectors, Keeling represents a transitional era in professional football, when rosters were smaller and players were often asked to contribute in multiple phases. His Tulsa background also gives the card appeal to college football collectors who track players who found their greatest success north of the border. Within this sheet, his card pairs well with Wayne Harris and the Stampeders defenders because it shows the other side of the Calgary roster during a memorable period. This is the standard Canadian O-Pee-Chee bilingual English and French card back, printed in Canada, with the standard cartoon and biography format, and it is not a puzzle back. The front shows softness at the top corners, especially the top-right tip, along with minor rounding at the bottom-left and light edge contact on the red border; the image is close to 50/50 top to bottom and shifts slightly toward the right, while the reverse has corresponding corner wear but no stains, writing, creases, or paper loss. The colors remain strong and the card has no structural damage, though the corner contacts are clear enough to keep it in the Excellent range rather than Excellent-Mint. A conservative EX 5 grade is the right call because the card retains strong color and no major damage, but the corner wear prevents it from reaching EX-MT. It is a compelling addition to a quarterback collection, a Calgary Stampeders team set, or a search for 1971 O-Pee-Chee Jerry Keeling #128 Calgary Stampeders CFL. Grade Estimate: EX 5