In a thrilling auction event held prior to Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ prestigious rings from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory and 1958 NFL championship were sold for a combined total of over $400,000. The auction, held in Las Vegas as part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction, featured numerous items from the legendary quarterback’s illustrious career, all consigned by his family. Despite Unitas’ early exit from Super Bowl V due to injury, his memorabilia garnered significant interest and fetched high bids.
Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring stole the show by achieving an astonishing sale price of $258,500, surpassing the value of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring holds historical significance as it commemorates 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.
Apart from the rings, several other pieces of Unitas’ memorabilia were also sold at the auction, each carrying a remarkable price tag. His Hall of Fame ring, symbolizing his induction into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame, fetched an impressive $38,175. The auction also saw Unitas’ 1967 NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a testament to his excellence on the field, being sold for $64,625. Additionally, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats, which witnessed many memorable plays, were purchased for $27,025.
Matching the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a 2014 game-worn jersey by none other than legendary quarterback Tom Brady. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray, was worn by Brady during the season opener against the Dolphins and represented a season where he secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles. The jersey’s final bid also reached an impressive $258,500.
The auction further showcased the remarkable popularity of football memorabilia, as items from other NFL greats found eager buyers. Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz’s game-worn 1980s Cincinnati Bengals jersey sold for $16,450, while his uniform from his final NFL game fetched $11,456. These items provided fans with a tangible connection to Munoz’s successful career and his lasting impact on the sport.
Other notable sales included a 2023 game-worn jersey by rising star Brock Purdy, which sold for $30,550, and a 2022 game-worn jersey by electrifying quarterback Lamar Jackson, which went for $22,325. Collectors and enthusiasts alike were captivated by the opportunity to own a piece of these young athletes’ early careers.
The auction also featured items from football legends of the past, with a 1980s game-worn helmet worn by hard-hitting Ronnie Lott selling for $19,975, and a 1997 game-worn jersey belonging to the legendary Dan Marino being purchased for $17,625. Furthermore, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football, capturing the essence of one of the greatest sporting events in history, found a buyer for $14,100.
Overall, the auction highlighted the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia associated with football legends. It drew collectors and fans from across the globe who were eager to own a piece of sports history and celebrate the accomplishments of their favorite players. The significant prices achieved at the auction underscored the timeless allure and cultural significance of these cherished items, solidifying their status as tangible treasures for football enthusiasts and collectors for years to come.
