Collector: Kirk Pittman

• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Occupation: Information Systems Consultant
• Collecting Since: 1998
• Favorite USFL Team: Washington Federals
• Other Sports Collecting Interests: CFL-USA, College

Kirk Pittman's Collection Highlights

• Eight Game Worn USFL Helmets: Federals; Breakers; Generals; Wranglers; Outlaws; Blitz; Gunslingers; Renegades.
• USFL Federals items: Two game worn jerseys (one of which is from the same player as my game worn Feds helmet); foam "We're #1" hand; sock-em puppet; "lucky stripes" hat; "goal post" hat; sun visor; wrist/sweat bands; silver shell full-size authentic helmet; 1983 limited edition steins #'s 8 and 12; plastic mini-football; ceramic mini-mug; complete set of 1983 home game programs; four 1984 home game programs; unused ticket from their very first game, very last game and one I actually attended; 1983 and 1984 media and fan guides; 1984 Topps team card set; 1984 team poster; posed, training camp and game action photos; bumper sticker; four different pennants; three different pins; two different patches.
• Other USFL items: At least one "lucky stripes" hat from each team; full-size LA Express authentic helmet autographed by QB Steve Young; over 40 hat/lapel pins (at least one variety from each team); full set of mini helmets including an Oklahoma Outlaws' autographed by QB Doug Williams; coaster sets from six different teams.
• Other items: CFL Las Vegas Posse game worn helmet and jersey (from the same player), kerchief, autograph cards, as well as several Posse T-shirts & hat/lapel pins; University of Idaho game worn helmet; commemorative football from Las Vegas Bowl III (12/15/94), which was UNLV's last bowl game!

1. What interests you in the USFL?
Primarily, it was the attraction of football year-round. The other attraction was to see former NFL players (like Steelers QB Joe Gilliam) get another shot (in this case, with the Feds). Plus, when you realize the talent that was present in the league, it's just amazing! People are always impressed when I start to name the players who got their start in the USFL!! If nothing else, the logo, helmet and jersey designs were very unique.

2. How did you get started collecting USFL memorabilia?
Honestly, my collection started by visiting web sites (like this one) and realizing that there was still a USFL "community" of fans and places to buy/sell/trade memorabilia. Hello, my name is Kirk Pittman and I'm an "eBay-aholic"!

3. What item began your collection?
The set of USFL mini's and a few full-size, authentic (but not game-worn) USFL helmets.

4. Tell us about yourself and your other hobbies.
A 34 year-old single man who has lived all over the U.S., but who greatly enjoys the desert southwest. My other interests include concerts, sporting events, walking/hiking, bowling, projects around the house, etc.

5. Are there any particular items you're looking to add to your collection?
Right now I'm primarily looking for clever and cost-effective ways to display my items. Over time, I would also like to collect more game-worn USFL helmets.

6. What do you enjoy most about collecting?
I enjoy the thrill of finding items I didn't expect to find or that I'd forgotten existed!

7. Which item or part of your collection is your favorite?
My collection of USFL "lucky stripes" hats. The ones that are actually from the era are very hard to find. Luckily, I came across three different sellers over the course of a month who were all looking to unload their entire collections. At a huge risk, I bought 'em sight unseen, kept what I needed/wanted for myself and then sold/traded the rest. I've since added to the collection with some "look alikes" in slightly different colors & styles, but the originals will always be my favorites.

8. What advice would you give to new collectors?
Keep a close eye on how much you spend, but don't let really unique items pass you by! Also, do your homework!! Realize what authentic jerseys, logos, helmets and other items look like and just how "available" they should be!