Paul Wright spent four seasons wearing the rainbow colors of the Wizards in MLS.
Wright was part of the inaugural Wiz roster after being selected 25th overall by Kansas City in the 1996 MLS Supplemental Draft. Wright had been playing in the Continental Indoor Soccer League for the Sacramento Knights prior to signing in KC for MLS's inaugural season.
Wright made 83 league appearances for Kansas City from 1996-1999, tallying 11 goals and 12 assists. In 1997, he started 18 of his 30 appearances and scored 5 goals and 3 assists.
This 1997 shirt has the twill numbering and lettering that was used in those initial seasons. Seeing where shirts are today with heat-pressed customization makes those early season jerseys all the more striking.
There are definitely signs of wear and snags and pulls in the jersey, as well as the general aging that comes with a shirt being 25 years old. One curious aspect is that the Wizards crest is very faded or washed out. I'm unsure if this is due to age or exposure to sunlight.
After 1999, Wright played for another 13 seasons -- mostly in indoor leagues.
His jersey was retired by the San Diego Sockers in 2019.