1955 Topps All-American #29 Leo Nomellini
About Leo Nomellini
Leo Nomellini took one of football's unlikeliest paths to greatness: born in Lucca, Italy and raised in Chicago, he never played high school football and first suited up with a Marine Corps team during World War II, serving in the invasions of Saipan and Okinawa. Enrolling at Minnesota afterward, he became a four-year starter at tackle on both sides of the ball, a consensus All-American in 1948 and 1949, and a Big Ten heavyweight wrestling champion besides. The San Francisco 49ers made him the first draft choice in franchise history in 1950, and he repaid them with fourteen seasons and 174 consecutive games, earning all-league honors on offense and defense and reaching ten Pro Bowls. In the offseason he wrestled professionally as 'Leo the Lion.' He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
Sources: Wikipedia · College Football Hall of Fame · Pro Football Hall of Fame · Football reference
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 580 | 0 | 19 | 129 | 155 | 118 | 85 | 72 | 2 |
| SGC | 136 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 29 | 27 | 34 | 30 | 3 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-08-23. Half grades fold down for both graders (8.5→8); PSA qualified slabs (OC, ST, PD, MC and the like) are not counted. Uncataloged wrong-back slabs are excluded.
Find this card
Search T206 Cards Buy It Now on eBay Live auctions Sold prices
As an eBay Partner Network affiliate, T206Cards.com may earn from qualifying purchases.
Related cards
More Minnesota cards:
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1955 Topps All-American Leo Nomellini card?
It is card #29 of the 100-card 1955 Topps All-American Football set. It features Leo Nomellini and Minnesota in Topps's college-football tribute issue.
Is Leo Nomellini in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Yes. Leo Nomellini is one of 17 Pro Football Hall of Fame subjects in the set.
Is Leo Nomellini in the College Football Hall of Fame?
Yes. Leo Nomellini is represented among the set's College Football Hall of Fame subjects.
How many cards are in the 1955 Topps All-American Football set?
The public checklist has 100 numbered cards. The optional 102-item Master adds the second cataloged biography-back state for #14 Gaynell Tinsley and #21 Byron R. White. Alleged short prints are not encoded.
Sources: PSA Basic Registry, PSA Master Registry, Trading Card Database, Vintage Football Card Gallery, and Cardboard Connection, PSA & SGC population reports. Card data compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-10-05.
← Browse the full interactive 1955 Topps All-American Football checklist