Unitas’ Super Bowl and Championship Rings Fetch Over $400,000 at Auction
In a thrilling auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ prized possessions from his legendary career fetched impressive sale prices. The star attraction of the auction was Unitas’ ring from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory, which sold for a remarkable $258,500. This auction, presented as part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction held in Las Vegas, featured various items consigned by Unitas’ family. Despite an early exit from the game due to injury, Unitas’ memorabilia, especially his Super Bowl ring, attracted significant interest and drew high bids from eager collectors and fans.
The auction price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring stood out as it surpassed the sale price of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated Unitas’ pivotal role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that is widely credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Alongside the Super Bowl rings, other coveted items from Unitas’ storied career were also up for auction. His Hall of Fame ring, a symbol of his greatness, sold for an impressive $38,175. Moreover, his 1967 NFL MVP award, a testament to his outstanding skills, achieved a sale price of $64,625. Football enthusiasts and collectors alike were captivated by the opportunity to own a piece of Unitas’ legacy. Notably, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats, which he famously played in, was sold for $27,025.
Sharing the spotlight with Unitas was another football legend, Tom Brady. A game-worn jersey worn by Brady during the 2014 season opener against the Dolphins generated the same top sale price of $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray, this jersey represents a season where Brady added a fourth Super Bowl title to his already impressive collection of seven. Brady’s popularity and unparalleled success on the field made this jersey a highly sought-after item among collectors.
Furthermore, the auction showcased items from other football icons, including Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s, worn by Munoz during his dominant years, sold for an impressive $16,450. Additionally, Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game realized a notable price of $11,456, highlighting the sentimental value attached to such memorabilia.
Several other football artifacts found eager buyers during the event. A game-worn jersey from the talented Brock Purdy, who is expected to make waves in the NFL by 2023, fetched a substantial price of $30,550. A game-worn Lamar Jackson jersey from 2022, representing the electrifying quarterback’s prowess on the field, sold for $22,325. Football enthusiasts also vied for a 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet, which achieved a significant sale price of $19,975. A 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey, showcasing the talent of the Miami Dolphins’ iconic quarterback, was sold for $17,625. And lastly, a game-used football from Super Bowl XXXVIII became a prized possession for one lucky collector after being sold for an impressive $14,100.
This highly anticipated auction underscored the enduring legacy and immense value of football memorabilia from legendary players. Fervent collectors and fans alike eagerly participated in the auction to own a cherished piece of sports history. The remarkable sale prices attained for Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl and championship rings, along with other iconic memorabilia, demonstrate the timeless allure of football legends and their impact on the sport.