In a remarkable auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, the memorabilia of legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas fetched impressive prices, with his Super Bowl V ring leading the charge. The Baltimore Colts’ victory ring achieved a remarkable sale price of $258,500, exceeding expectations and garnering significant interest from collectors. This auction, part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction held in Las Vegas, featured various items from Unitas’ storied career, all consigned by his family.
Despite exiting early due to injury in the game against the Dallas Cowboys, Unitas’ memorabilia, including the coveted Super Bowl ring, garnered considerable attention and high bids. Notably, the auction price of his Super Bowl V ring surpassed that of his 1958 NFL Championship ring by over $100,000. The 1958 championship ring commemorated Unitas’ role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that helped elevate the national stature of professional football.
Apart from the Super Bowl rings, other items of Unitas’ memorabilia were also in high demand. His Hall of Fame ring fetched an impressive $38,175, while his 1967 NFL MVP award went for $64,625. Additionally, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats was sold for a noteworthy $27,025.
Matching the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a game-worn jersey worn by Tom Brady during the 2014 season, which also brought in $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, the jersey represented a season where Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles. The allure of owning a piece of Brady’s historic journey undoubtedly contributed to the fierce bidding.
The auction event also featured items from other football legends. Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz contributed a game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s, which sold for an impressive $16,450. Additionally, Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game realized $11,456, further solidifying his place in football history.
The auction showcased the value of memorabilia from current stars as well. A game-worn 2023 Brock Purdy jersey fetched an impressive $30,550, while a game-worn 2022 Lamar Jackson jersey sold for $22,325. These prices reflect the growing interest in owning pieces of the careers of today’s football icons.
Other notable sales from the auction included a 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet, which commanded a price of $19,975. A 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey found a new owner for $17,625, while a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football sold for $14,100.
This auction event served as a testament to the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends. Collectors and fans alike flocked to own a piece of sporting history, recognizing the significance and nostalgia associated with these items. The high prices achieved demonstrate the continued fascination with the past and the desire to connect with the heroes of the game.
