While perusing ebay as I often do looking for Raiders memorabilia I can't live without, I peeped a beauty. There is a perfect Gem Mint 10 rookie card of four time Pro Bowler and ex-Raider Phil Villapiano up for bid now at $999.00 buy out. Gem Mint cards from 1972 are nearly unheard of for those in the know. What's even better, is this is the only known one in existence! That's right, there is a population of one on this baby.

I'd get after it now if you're a Raiders collector with deep pockets. An item this uncommon is sure to go quickly. By the time you read this, it might have found a buyer. There are some other nice cards available from the 1972 Topps set, both graded and ungraded, so check them out.

$3 each card you pick stars from 1972 1973 1974 Topps Football set    US $3.00

1972 Oakland Raiders Team Set 9 card lot Eugene Upshaw Rooke Card RC    US $4.99

Sacrificial Anode Radiator Cap Stops Electrolysis RC 29    US $19.95

1972 TOPPS RAIDER HOFS NO 186 UPSHAW RC BLANDA    US $12.50

TYRONE WHEATLEY 1995 SELECT CERTIFIED ROOKIE 121 RC    US $2.24

1972 Topps 186 Gene Upshaw RC Raiders NM MT    US $9.95

Villapiano was a standout linebacker for the Raiders who helped the Raiders in their first of three Super Bowl wins by forcing a key fumble. His philosophy on playing style and what it meant to be a member of the Raiders went something like this...

"When you play for the Raiders you play to win and you play tough. It's not something the coaches teach or talk about. It's just there, like in the air. It's an attitude--you are going to hit people and smash them if you are a Raider."

- Phil Villapiano