Sports Celebrities

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Sports Celebrities 1970 – 1978

Mego signed licensing deals with several big name celebrities and entertainers throughout the 1970’s, and that went for Sports Stars as well. The Joe Namath series kicked it all off in 1970 with multiple fashion outfits, which was followed by the Muhammad Ali toy line in 1976. Mego also created a couple of soccer action figures with the German exclusive Franz Beckenbauer and a generic UK exclusive Soccer action figure called Steve Goalgetter, which included multiple outfits and accessories.

For more information about Mego’s Sports Celebrity lines, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

Joe Namath (1970-1971): Figures and Accessories

Mego released action figures based on Joe Namath in 1970, which would make Broadway Joe the grandaddy of all Mego figures! There was a standard 12 inch Joe, along with a 22 inch “Football Passer” version. In addition, there were 12 different outfits to make sure Joe stays super fashionable.

Joe Namath (12″ Figure)

Market Value:
Boxed $175 – $250
Loose $40 – $60

Joe Namath (12 Inch)
Accessories: Jersey, Cloth Pants, Underwear, Socks, Cleats, Helmet, Pennant, Football, Stand
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed
Notes: Broadway Joe was comes dressed in his New York Jets Green & White uniform, along with a matching colored helmet. The figure stands 12 inches tall and has fully jointed arms and legs. Joe comes with lots of articulation for posing and can even pull his arm back to throw a pass.

Joe Namath Football Passer (22 Inch)

Market Value:
Boxed $400 – $400
Loose $80 – $110

Joe Namath Football Passer (22 Inch)
Accessories: Five Footballs, Football Holder, Figure Base
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed
Notes: The second version of Joe was a 22-inch Football Passer figure that can throw a football up to 15 feet when activated. Also, Joe doesn’t just throw in one direction, because he turns at the waist and can literally toss a football in any direction. The figure is battery operated with “D” batteries. This uniform is not removable as the figure is made of molded plastic.

One of the biggest things that Joe Namath is associated with (aside from Football) is fashion! So Mego created a full line of “Broadway Joe Namath Mod-About Town” accessory sets.
Fun Fact: Each set’s packaging window is shaped like Joe Namath’s silhouette.

1201: Touchdown

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Touchdown
Accessories: Workout Top, Jacket, Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1202: Bachelor

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Bachelor
Accessories: Jacket, Red Shirt, Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1203: Maximum Effort

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Maximum Effort
Accessories: Leather Overcoat, Socks, Brown Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1204: Backfield In Motion

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Backfield In Motion
Accessories: Jacket, Black Vest, Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1205: In Vest

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

In Vest
Accessories: Black Shirt, Vest, Pants, Tie, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1206: Red Dog

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Red Dog
Accessories: Coat, Red Shirt, Black Tie, Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1207: Different Drummer

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Different Drummer
Accessories: Brown Coat, Red Shirt, Orange Tie, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1208: Eligible Receiver

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Eligible Receiver
Accessories: Green Coat, Shirt, Pants, Underwear, Sock, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1209: Tuff Tux

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Tuff Tux
Accessories: Sequined Jacket w/ Ascot, Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1210: Double Coverage

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Double Coverage
Accessories: Dress Shirt, Red Tie, Coat, Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1211: Furward Pass

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Furward Pass
Accessories: White Fur Coat, Shirt, Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

1212: Jet Set

Market Value:
Boxed $40 – $60
Loose $12 – $20

Jet Set
Accessories: Blue Shirt w/ Ascot, Black Pants, Underwear, Socks, Shoes
Years Released: 1970
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed

Muhammad Ali (1976-1977): Figures and Accessories

Mego released an action figure line based on Boxing Great, Muhammad Ali in 1976. The series consisted of only two figures, Ali and “The Opponent”, who was modeled after Ken Norton. In addition, there was also a Boxing Ring and a couple of other fun role play accessories by Mego.
Fun Fact: If you look at the card closely, you can see Mego President Martin Abrams as a camera man.

Muhammad Ali: The Champ (Ring Package)

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $120
Loose $45 – $65

Muhammad Ali: The Champ (Ring Package)
Accessories: Boxing Trunks, Boxing Shoes, Robe, Rubber Gloves, Sparring Helmet
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: The Muhammad Ali figure stood 9″ tall with a rubber skin over the joints. It was actually pretty well made and it was obvious that Mego went all out on this one. The figure’s fighting action is controlled with a trigger mechanism that snaps into his back.

Muhammad Ali: The Champ (Card Package)

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $140
Loose $45 – $65

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $140
Loose $45 – $65

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $100
Loose $45 – $65

Muhammad Ali: The Champ (Card Package)
Accessories: Boxing Trunks, Boxing Shoes, Robe, Rubber Gloves, Sparring Helmet
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: The Muhammad Ali figure stood 9″ tall with a rubber skin over the joints. It was actually pretty well made and it was obvious that Mego went all out on this one. The figure’s fighting action is controlled with a trigger mechanism that snaps into his back. This carded version of Ali came in a few different packaging variations, including the ones pictured above.

Muhammad Ali (Denys Fisher)

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $200
Loose $45 – $65

Muhammad Ali (Denys Fisher)
Accessories: Boxing Trunks, Boxing Shoes, Robe, Rubber Gloves, Sparring Helmet
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed
Notes: This version of Muhammad Ali was the same as the normally packed one, but was in a solid boxed package for the UK, released under Denys Fisher.

Muhammad Ali (Mail Order)

Market Value:
W/ Packaging $250 – $350
Loose $45 – $65

Muhammad Ali: The Champ (Ring Package)
Accessories: Boxing Trunks, Boxing Shoes, Robe, Rubber Gloves, Sparring Helmet
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed
Notes: This version of Muhammad Ali was the catalog mail-order variation. The figure itself was the same as the normally packed one, but versions with the original mailer can be tough to find nowadays.

Muhammad Ali: The Opponent (Ring)

Market Value:
Boxed $90 – $120
Loose $45 – $65

Muhammad Ali: The Opponent (Ring)
Accessories: Boxing Trunks, Boxing Shoes, Robe, Rubber Gloves, Sparring Helmet
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes some patience
Notes: The “Opponent” figure was modeled after Ken Norton. He stood 9″ tall with a rubber skin over the joints. The figure’s fighting action is controlled with a trigger mechanism that snaps into his back.

Muhammad Ali: The Opponent (Card)

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $140
Loose $45 – $65

Muhammad Ali: The Opponent (Card)
Accessories: Boxing Trunks, Boxing Shoes, Robe, Rubber Gloves, Sparring Helmet
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes some patience
Notes: The “Opponent” figure was modeled after Ken Norton. He stood 9″ tall with a rubber skin over the joints. The figure’s fighting action is controlled with a trigger mechanism that snaps into his back.

Bop Bag

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $100 – $150

Bop Bag
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed
Notes: The Muhammad Ali Bog Bag was 48 Inches tall and made of Extra Heavy Gauge material. The front featured the champ, while the back was solid yellow.

Boxing Gloves

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $85 – $125

Boxing Gloves
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed
Notes: The Muhammad Ali Boxing Gloves contained a facsimile autograph of Ali, along with his catch-phrases on the wrist section.

Boxing Ring

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $700
Loose $150 – $200

Boxing Ring
Years Released: 1976-1977
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed
Notes: The Boxing Ring playset included the Ring, Round Indicator Bell, Long-Reach Activators, Buckets, Stools, Water Bottles, Gloves, Head Gear, Sponges, & Robes, along with, Ali and the “Opponent” figures.

Mego planned to release four additional opponents for Ali to fight with. There was: The Manila Mauler (modeled after Ken Norton), Lightning Lefty, The Carrot Kid and Battling Ben.

Franz Beckenbauer (1978): Basic Action Figure

Mego released a European exclusive action figure in 1978, of famed Soccer player, Franz Beckenbauer. The figure was a great likeness of the Soccer great and it came with some fun and well-done accessories. Like the Steve Goalgetter figure, Franz Beckenbauer came a Kicking Activator to allow him to kick the ball around.

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer (European Exclusive)

Market Value:
Carded $2,000 – $2,500
Loose $300 – $450

Franz Beckenbauer (European Exclusive)
Accessories: Cloth Shirt & Shorts, Warm-Up Top & Bottoms, Socks, Cleats, 2 Soccer Balls, Adidas Bag, Kicking Activator
Years Released: 1976
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly
Notes: Franz Beckenbauer was a famed European Soccer player in the 1970’s. The Mego action figure featured a 9″ figure that came with a kicking feature with a push button accessory, similar to Muhammad Ali’s boxing arm feature. Mego not only licensed the likeness of Franz Beckenbauer, but also licensed the Adidas name for his uniform.

Steve Goalgetter (1978): Basic Action Figure Line & Accessories

The Steve Goalgetter action figure line was a UK exclusive in 1978. It featured a generic soccer player that could change into the uniform of the biggest teams in the UK at the time. Like the Franz Beckenbauer figure, Steve Goalgetter came a Kicking Activator to allow him to kick the ball around.

Steve Goalgetter (UK Exclusive)

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $60 – $85

Steve Goalgetter (UK Exclusive)
Accessories: Cloth Shirt & Shorts, Socks, Cleats, Soccer Ball, Kicking Activator
Years Released: 1978
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly
Notes: Steve Goalgetter was a UK exclusive Soccer figure line that involved a generic soccer player, along with 10 different outfits to change into. The 9″ figure has a kicking feature with a push button accessory, similar to the boxing arm feature used for the 9″ Muhammad Ali figure. 

Steve Goalgetter Outfits

There were 10 different Steve Goalgetter Outfits produced in 1978, featuring the biggest teams in the UK at the time, including England and Scotland (who happened to be in the World Cup that year).

  • England (#4903)
  • Scotland (#4904)
  • Manchester United (#4905)
  • Manchester City (#4906)
  • Liverpool (#4907
  • Arsenal (#4908)
  • Chelsea (#4909)
  • Leeds (#4910)
  • Celtic (#4911)
  • Glasgow Rangers (#4912)

The Steve Goalgetter outfits typically sell for: Boxed $150 – $250 Each ; Loose $50 – $75

Steve Goalgetter Goal Game

Market Value:
Boxed $400 – $600
Loose $125 – $200

Steve Goalgetter Goal Game
Accessories: Steve Goalgetter Figure, 2 Soccer Balls, Kicking Activator, 2 Cardboard Defense Players w/ Stands, 1 Goalie w/ Stand, Clip Together Goal, Green Playing Surface
Years Released: 1978
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly

Mego signed licensing deals with several big name celebrities and entertainers throughout the 1970’s, and that went for Sports Stars as well. The Joe Namath series kicked it all off in 1970 with multiple fashion outfits, which was followed by the Muhammad Ali toy line in 1976. Mego also created a couple of soccer action figures with the German exclusive Franz Beckenbauer and a UK exclusive generic soccer action figure called, Steve Goalgetter, which included multiple outfits and accessories. 

Mego released their Joe Namath action figure in 1970, which would make Broadway Joe the grandaddy of all Mego figures! There was a standard 12 inch Joe, along with a 22 inch “Football Passer” version. In addition, there were 12 different outfits to make sure Joe stays super fashionable. Mego later released an action figure line based on Boxing Great, Muhammad Ali in 1976, that consisted of only two figures, Ali and “The Opponent”, who was modeled after Ken Norton. There was also a Boxing Ring and a couple of other fun role play accessories. In 1978, Mego released a European exclusive figure of famed Soccer player, Franz Beckenbauer, as well as a generic Soccer line called Steve Goalgetter. This was a UK exclusive and featured a generic soccer player that could change into the uniform of the biggest teams in the UK at the time. Both Soccer players came with a Kicking Activator to allow them to kick the ball around.

The packaging for each of these different lines of figures were unique to the particular sports figure. Mego wanted to give each athlete their own individual look, so they were each mdae different. Each figure was packaged in an open window box format with the focus being on the figure itself. Joe Namath’s green themed package even had his silhouette on the clothing accessories. Muhammad Ali’s packaging was shown with the crowd behind him with a black/red color scheme. The soccer figures used a red/black colore scheme with eye catching packaging. Some of the packaging had cut-outs on the back as figure accessories, while others did not. Some of these figures sold better than others, and Mego produced no new sports characters after 1979.