The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction is just around the corner, and this year, it is set to showcase an extensive collection of items from the legendary pro football player Johnny Unitas. This highly anticipated event, a collaboration between Hunt Auctions and the NFL, promises to be a highlight for sports memorabilia 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 items, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback. Known as “The Golden Arm,” Unitas rose to fame as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville and went on to establish 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. Additionally, his 14k gold 1958 championship ring, anticipated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000, is a prime item in the auction. Unitas’ illustrious career with the Baltimore Colts included three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous passing records. His Super Bowl V championship ring is also a highlight of the auction.

These items from Johnny Unitas’ career are being offered publicly for the first time and come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit NFL Auction Charities. It is important to note that not all items from Unitas’ career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.

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 Anthony Muñoz, Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. Muñoz is regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history, and his collection includes his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s, and more.

The auction will also include items from other notable football figures and events. 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 have entered the market. Other notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. Furthermore, NFL Auction has provided items with proceeds awarded to the league’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and other pieces from notable players.

For those interested in previewing the live auction items, they will be available for preview at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7-10, with tickets required for entrance. During these hours, Hunt Auctions experts will offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia. This auction not only offers a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a notable event in the sports community.

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