1972 O-Pee-Chee Paul Desjardins #35 Toronto Argonauts

Description

1972 O-Pee-Chee Paul Desjardins #35 Toronto Argonauts The 1972 O-Pee-Chee Paul Desjardins #35 Toronto Argonauts card is an appealing piece of Canadian football history that celebrates one of the dependable linemen behind Toronto’s memorable early-1970s attack. Its bold red frame, turquoise ARGONAUTS nameplate and full-length photograph give it the unmistakable look of O-Pee-Chee’s final CFL card issue. Produced as part of a 132-card set, this original Canadian release belongs to a fascinating checklist that grouped players by team and concluded with fourteen Pro Action cards and a checklist. It is an excellent choice for an Argonauts team collector, a University of Ottawa supporter, a vintage CFL set builder or anyone who appreciates the rough-cut charm of classic O-Pee-Chee production. Desjardins is pictured in uniform number 44, poised over his helmet, while his position is identified as centre at the bottom of the photograph. The presentation has authentic period character and instantly recalls the Double Blue club that reached the 1971 Grey Cup. Paul Desjardins brought an unusual combination of strength, intelligence and professional achievement to the field. The Ottawa native played five seasons for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees before Winnipeg selected him second overall in the 1965 CFL draft. He spent six seasons with the Blue Bombers from 1965 through 1970 and was a Grey Cup finalist as a rookie. After stepping away, Desjardins was persuaded by Toronto coach Leo Cahill to join the Argonauts for 1971, beginning a three-season run in which he became one of the East’s leading centres. He helped Toronto reach the 1971 Grey Cup, earned East Division All-Star recognition in 1971, 1972 and 1973, and capped his career with a CFL All-Star selection in 1973. His story extends far beyond football: Desjardins pursued graduate studies in biochemistry during his playing career, ultimately earning a doctorate and building a distinguished career in clinical chemistry. That rare football-and-science connection gives the card additional personality and makes it a compelling conversation piece rather than simply another common from the set. This is an original ungraded card assessed only from the supplied front-and-back scans while it remains inside a protective nine-pocket sleeve. The front has attractive colour and a clear central image. All four corners show light vintage softening, with slightly irregular cuts rather than heavy rounding. The top and side edges display mild roughness and tiny areas of white fibre consistent with O-Pee-Chee manufacture and handling, but no large chip is visible. Front centering is modestly shifted toward the right, leaving a narrower white margin on that side, although the player image remains well presented. Small pale print or surface marks and specks can be seen in the photograph and around the coloured frame. The back shows even age toning to the card stock, minor edge chatter and a few tiny print flecks; the blue-and-green design and biography remain strong and readable. No definite full crease, paper wrinkle, tear, writing or pinhole is visible on either side. Because reflections and fine scratches in the plastic sleeve can imitate surface lines, the card should be inspected outside the page before any professional submission. This card has the authentic Canadian O-Pee-Chee bilingual English/French player-biography back. It does not have a puzzle back. Overall, it offers honest mid-grade eye appeal with the natural texture collectors expect from a 1972 Canadian issue. Raw Grade Estimate: EX