The storied history of the Oakland Raiders began in 1960 with the old American Football League as an expansion team. It wasn’t until 1963 with the arrival of Al Davis, that the franchise would turn around. One of the first things Davis did when he took over was to change the color scheme from black and gold to the now famous black and silver. After splitting time between Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park in the first two seasons, the Raiders would move into Frank Youell Field in 1962, where they would stay until 1965. Willie Simpson ran for the touchdown, scoring the first touchdown at Frank Youell Field.

Presented here is the very football carried by Willie Simpson for that historic touchdown run and was presented to then owner F. Wayne Valley. This Spalding football has the American Football League logo on the panel directly below the white laces and the Joe Foss Commissioner stamp on the same panel on the right and “FOR F.W. VALLEY” in black on the left. Below that panel is “”First Touchdown” AUG. 26, 1962 * OAKLAND, CALIF.” This panel, along with the remaining panel has several signatures in silver marker. The football comes with a custom presentation trophy-style display that is 14 inches tall and 13 inches wide. In the center is a gold-plated panel that has engraved “IN APPRECIATION TO F. WAYNE VALLEY PRESIDENT AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE THIS FOOTBALL WAS USED TO SCORE THE FIRST PRO TOUCHDOWN ON AUGUST 26, 1962 AT YOUELL FIELD INAUGURATING THE FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE PROFESSIONAL CONTEST IN OAKLAND, CALIF.” On the front is a gold-colored plate that reads “PRESENTED BY OAKLAND RAIDERS”. The trophy display is in fair condition with surface and edge wear and comes with an LOA from MEARS (317744) and is graded Authentic.

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