In a thrilling auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ rings from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory and his 1958 NFL championship achieved impressive sale prices, collectively fetching over $400,000. Consigned by his family, these items were part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction held in Las Vegas, attracting collectors and fans eager to own a piece of football history.
Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring stole the show, achieving a remarkable sale price of $258,500. Despite leaving the game early due to injury, the significance of this ring, symbolizing the Colts’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys, captivated bidders and surpassed expectations. The auction price notably exceeded that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000, highlighting the popularity and allure of Super Bowl memorabilia.
Unitas’ 1958 NFL championship ring commemorated his pivotal role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants. This game, often referred to as “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” is credited with elevating the national stature of professional football. With its historical significance, the ring fetched a notable price from avid collectors, underlining the enduring value of football legends’ jewelry.
The auction also featured other remarkable items from Unitas’ storied career. His Hall of Fame ring, a symbol of his lasting impact on the sport, secured a sale price of $38,175. Additionally, his 1967 NFL MVP award, recognizing his exceptional performance that season, went for an impressive $64,625. Completing the collection, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats was sold for $27,025, reminding fans of his distinctive playing style.
Sharing the spotlight at the auction was a 2014 game-worn jersey by the legendary Tom Brady, which also sold for $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represented a season where Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles. The sale price mirrored that of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring, demonstrating the high demand for collectibles associated with iconic quarterbacks.
The auction didn’t stop at Unitas and Brady. It also featured items from other football stars, including Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s fetched $16,450, showcasing Munoz’s impact on the field. Another notable item was the uniform from Munoz’s final NFL game, which realized $11,456, serving as a symbol of his illustrious career.
Other items that drew interest and high bids at the auction included a 2023 Brock Purdy game-worn jersey, which sold for $30,550, and a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn jersey, fetching $22,325. Furthermore, a 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet, associated with the legendary defensive back, commanded a price of $19,975. A 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey, paying homage to the legendary Miami Dolphins quarterback, sold for $17,625. Lastly, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football reached a final bid of $14,100, highlighting the enduring legacy of championship games.
The auction showcased the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends. Collectors and fans alike eagerly bid on these exceptional items, as they not only represented milestones in the sport but also allowed individuals to own a tangible piece of history. With each sale, the significance of these collectibles, both in monetary and sentimental value, was reaffirmed, solidifying their status as cherished mementos of football’s past.
