In a thrilling auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, the rings belonging to Johnny Unitas, the legendary quarterback of the Baltimore Colts, fetched astonishing prices. His ring from the Colts’ Super Bowl V victory sold for an impressive $258,500, marking it as the highlight of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction held in Las Vegas. All the items on auction were consigned by Unitas’ family, and they showcased the iconic quarterback’s remarkable career.
Despite leaving the Super Bowl V game early due to injury, Unitas’ memorabilia, especially his Super Bowl ring, garnered substantial interest and drew high bids. Notably, the auction price for his Super Bowl V ring overshot that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated his vital role in the historic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that is often credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
In addition to the Super Bowl rings and championship ring, other noteworthy items from Unitas’ collection were sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring, symbolizing his illustrious career, fetched an impressive $38,175. Furthermore, his 1967 NFL MVP award, recognizing his exceptional performance that year, generated a sale price of $64,625. The auction also featured a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats, which found a new home for $27,025.
Tying the high sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a game-worn jersey from 2014, worn by none other than Tom Brady. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray, was worn by Brady during the season opener against the Dolphins. The jersey’s sale price also reached $258,500, representing a season in which Brady captured his fourth out of an eventual seven Super Bowl titles.
The auction didn’t solely revolve around Unitas’ memorabilia. It also featured items from other football legends, including Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s, attributed to Munoz, successfully sold for $16,450. Additionally, the uniform worn by Munoz during his final NFL game was purchased for $11,456.
The auction showcased several other exciting sales. A 2023 game-worn jersey by Brock Purdy, a rising star in the football world, fetched an impressive $30,550. Another game-worn jersey, this time from Lamar Jackson in 2022, was sold for $22,325, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding this dynamic quarterback. A game-worn 1980s helmet worn by Ronnie Lott, a legendary safety, was purchased for $19,975, while a 1997 game-worn jersey from the iconic Dan Marino went for $17,625. Finally, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football attracted considerable interest and resulted in a sale price of $14,100.
This auction was a testament to the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends. Collectors and fans alike flocked to own a piece of sports history, recognizing the significance and scarcity of these items. Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl and championship rings, along with the other remarkable football memorabilia on auction, solidified their place in the pantheon of iconic sports collectibles.
