The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction is causing a stir in the sports memorabilia world, with its extensive collection of items from the legendary pro football player Johnny Unitas taking center stage. This highly anticipated event, organized by Hunt Auctions and the NFL, promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Taking place on Saturday, February 10th, just before Super Bowl LVIII, the auction will feature over 1,000 football-related items. Among these, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback.
Johnny Unitas, a prominent figure in football history, gained fame as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville. Despite being a ninth-round draft pick, his career took a turn when he signed with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. Overcoming initial challenges, Unitas established himself as one of the preeminent players of the 1950s and 1960s.
One of the standout items from Unitas’ collection is his personal copy of his 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. Known as “The Golden Arm,” Unitas played a vital role in leading the Colts to victory in the 1958 NFL Championship, a game famously dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This landmark victory, broadcast nationally in overtime, significantly boosted the NFL’s popularity in the 1960s.
A prime item in the auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, which is expected to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Unitas’ illustrious career with the Colts includes three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous NFL passing records, including an impressive streak of 47 consecutive games with a passing touchdown. His Super Bowl V championship ring is another highlight of the auction.
The items from Unitas’ career, publicly offered for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL Auction Charities. It’s worth noting that not all items from his career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.
Some additional highlights from the Johnny Unitas Collection include professional model high-top cleats from the 1970s, his 1979 Football Hall of Fame Induction ring, an autographed Baltimore Colts professional model helmet from the late 1960s-early 1970s, his 1967 NFL Most Valuable Player award, the Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy, the 1964 Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player Award, and a Rolex wristwatch.
In addition to Unitas’ collection, the auction will also feature items from the personal collection of Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Muñoz. Muñoz, selected third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft from USC, is regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history. His collection includes his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s, and more.
Notable items from other football figures and events will also be up for auction. One of the highlights is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey, considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to hit the market. There is also a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. Proceeds from some items will go to the league’s nonprofit partners.
Sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to preview the live auction items at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7-10, with tickets required for entrance. Hunt Auctions experts will also be offering complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia during these hours. This auction not only offers a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a truly notable event in the sports community.
