By J.L. Kirven

Sports collectibles vendors from around the country have gathered at the IX Center in Cleveland for the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention this week, and they’ve brought their most eye-popping threads with them. From Wilt Chamberlain to Wayne Gretzky, Mickey Mantle to Tom Brady, the sheer number of signed jerseys is overwhelming. Here are five jerseys at The National that you simply can’t miss!

Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia Warriors

The NBA has seen its share of prolific scorers, but none have come to replicate the sheer dominance of Wilt Chamberlain. The 7-foot-1 goliath reigned over the NBA from 1959-1973, piling up 31,419 points. Some of Chamberlain’s best years were when he played for his hometown Philadelphia Warriors. Chamberlain never won a title with the Warriors, but he played his most famous — or infamous — game with the team, scoring 100 points in a single game, an NBA record today. Although fans still argue if the accomplishment ever actually happened, they can’t dispute 50.4 points per game throughout the 1961-1962 season. This is the jersey Chamberlain wore that season.

Ricky Williams, 420 Edition

Substance abuse policy violations kept running back Ricky Williams out of football for significant portions of his playing career, including a suspension for the entire 2006 season. This jersey honors Williams’ love for Mary Jane and comes with a message from Williams himself: “F*** Covid, smoke weed!” 

Julius Erving, NBA All-Star

Before there was MJ, there was The Doctor. Julius Erving is one of the most popular NBA players ever, and despite his high-flying dunks, he remained a down-to-earth, approachable star. No wonder the convention is littered with memorabilia signed by the former New Jersey Net and Philadelphia 76er. From his shoes to trading cards to this game-worn NBA All-Star jersey, Dr. J’s signature is a prized possession.

Jim Taylor, Green Bay Packers

Jim Taylor was one of the most ferocious fullbacks the NFL has ever seen — just look at his jersey. The Hall of Famer's smashmouth, aggressive running style left his jerseys tattered and his opponents shredded. Today's high-quality NFL jerseys are less susceptible to wear and tear, but fans will appreciate the grit that this historic jersey carries in its threads.

Hank Aaron, Milwaukee Braves

Hammering Hank eventually passed Babe Ruth in career home runs, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greatest hitters. But before that, he was just a rookie trying to find his way in a league that hated him simply because of the color of his skin. Aaron broke through racial barriers like he did curve balls, and this jersey from his rookie season (1954) marks the start of his illustrious career.