An inside look at lifelong Knicks fan Michael Teahan’s closet of New York Knicks game-worn jerseys.
Michael Teahan
Hailing from Staten Island, Michael Teahan has been a lifelong diehard Knicks fan ever since he first got into basketball when he was in the second grade. “My mother used to work for a doctor’s office in the 90’s and I guess he had season tickets. I think it was 1997. I don’t remember much of the game other than the Knicks lost the game, and we were so close to Spike Lee, I could see the misery on his face.” Michael told P&T, “The 1999 season is one I’ll never forget, specifically LJ’s 4-point play game. My mother had a dentist’s appointment and brought me and my brother with her. I was pretty annoyed she wouldn’t leave us home but thankfully the waiting room had a small TV on this tiny stand, and they had the game on. When (LJ’s) three-pointer went in, I jumped and cheered so loud I accidentally frightened the people who were waiting to be seen.”
From that moment, Michael never questioned which NBA team was his favorite.
Michael began to seriously collect Knicks memorabilia at the age of 23. He remembers the first piece of Knicks memorabilia he added to his collection was an authentic signed Amare’ Stoudemire Knicks jersey. “I had it displayed in this massive shadowbox in my small apartment and was so proud to own it. Amare was supposed to be the Brunson before Melo if you catch my drift. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way, but in my opinion, STAT put the Knicks back on the map.”
Michael Teahan
Many collectors can relate to the story Michael shared with P&T about visiting his local card shop as a kid, and how he got hooked on to the hobby. “There was this memorabilia shop in the mall that I always used to pop into when I was a kid. I can’t remember the name of the store, but I remember it was on the second floor to the left of the elevators across from the Old Navy. Anytime I went to the mall I made sure to go and look at their items. It had EVERYTHING!” Michael remembers, “The back wall had this beautiful lit up display of all types of autographed balls and NFL helmets, jerseys hung from the walls on each side of the store. My family really didn’t have the means to buy memorabilia nor are they big basketball fans like I am. So, I promised myself when I got older, I would buy all the autographs and jerseys I wanted, which has turned into an incredible hobby for the past 14 years.”
Over the years, Michael’s collection has seriously evolved into one of the best Knicks game-used jersey collections in the world. One that would certainly make Spike envious! “Compared to when I first started collecting where I grabbed a little bit of everything Knicks, I primarily focus on collecting game used/issued jerseys. I feel like collecting the jerseys is collecting a piece of the game. Plus, they’re great to display. I don’t collect a specific player however, I’m looking to close out on having a gamer from every player on the 2013 team. #KNICKSTAPE.”
Michael considers his game-used Jalen Brunson jersey to be the most valuable item in his collection. “I got it a fairly decent price but I’ve recently seen them go for ten thousand dollars.” Michael explained, “The hobby is like that, sometimes you get burned on a piece because a player doesn’t pan out and other times if a player does well when you bought low you can sell high.” The home white association jersey in Michael’s collection was worn during Brunson’s first year with the Knicks during the 2022-23 season, and also features the very rare Bill Russell memorial patch.
Michael Teahan
Just because an item can reach five figures or above in many cases of the hobby these days, it doesn’t always make it one’s favorite, as is the case with Michael’s collection. Out of all the amazing game-used jerseys that Michael owns, it’s his 1999 NBA Finals Knicks team signed game ball that Michael lists as his favorite item. “It brings me back to that day in the dentist’s office and makes me remember it every time I glance at it.” Amongst all the big names like Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell, and Larry Johnson, it’s Patrick Ewing’s signature that sits boldly in black Sharpie front and center right above the “SPALDING” logo. Allan Houston even included a “God Bless” inscription.
While the ball is Michael’s favorite item in his collection, it’s his game-used Latrell Sprewell jersey from the 2001-02 season, with the 9/11 ribbon that holds the most sentiment to him. “That (jersey) holds a special place in my heart being from New York. That was a time when it felt this country was truly united. I don’t think that’s a jersey I’ll ever let go of.”
Michael Teahan
Today, Michael has over 40 game-used Knicks jerseys in his collection. In addition to his Brunson and Sprewell gamers, some of the more notable names in Knicks history include Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Mitchell Robinson, Donte DiVincenzo, Latrell Sprewell, Julius Randle, JR Smith, Kristaps Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire, David Lee, Josh Hart, Derrick Rose, and Trent Tucker… just to name a few.
Michael Teahan
But there is still one jersey in his collection that has him curious as to just what it is that he has. “A few months back I saw a post on Facebook marketplace, and it was a Marcus Camby framed jersey. I messaged the seller asking her how she acquired the jersey, and she told me she worked for Budweiser many years ago and won it in a raffle, since Budweiser was a sponsor for the Knicks.” Michael tells, “We spoke for a while, and she was happy to sell it to me if I paid for shipping.” Michael and the lady ultimately came to terms on the deal. “The unique thing about it is I don’t know what kind of jersey it is. It could be an authentic jersey or could be a game-used jersey. Budweiser was as big if not bigger than the Knicks in the 90s, so there’s a chance it could be a game-worn jersey. I won’t know until I take it out of the frame, but it’s so well done I don’t think I ever will.”
Michael Teahan
Just like any real collector, Michael’s collection will never be complete. He is still ona quest to complete his set of gamers from the “KNICKSTAPE” team. “I’ve been trying for YEARS to get a game-used Rasheed Wallace and Jason Kidd Knicks jersey. I have never seen a ‘Sheed gamer and I’ve been outbid on a few Kidd jerseys.”
If you would like to connect with Michael over his collection, or perhaps you might even have those Rasheed Wallace and Jason Kidd gamers that Michael is looking for, you can reach Michael and see more of his collection on Instagram @knicks_gameused_collector.
Do you have a collection like Michael’s? If so, we want to hear from you as we are on the lookout for the best Knicks collections on the planet. Please email knickscollections@gmail.com. Make sure to include a brief bio along with a list of your rarest and most valuable Knicks items for consideration.