In a remarkable auction event prior to Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring from the Baltimore Colts’ victory achieved an astonishing sale price of $258,500. Held in Las Vegas as part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction, this event showcased several items from the Hall of Fame quarterback’s illustrious career, all consigned by his family. Despite an early exit due to injury in the game against the Dallas Cowboys, Unitas’ memorabilia, including his Super Bowl ring, garnered significant interest and high bids.
What stood out was that the auction price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring surpassed that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. This ring, a symbol of his contribution to the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, is widely credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Aside from the Super Bowl rings, other items of Unitas’ memorabilia also saw impressive sales. His Hall of Fame ring, a prestigious symbol of recognition, fetched $38,175, while his 1967 NFL MVP award went for $64,625. A pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats were also sold for $27,025, completing the collection of cherished artifacts from his storied career.
Matching the highest sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a game-worn jersey by Tom Brady from 2014, also fetching $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represented a season that saw Brady secure his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles. The enduring popularity and success of Brady in the NFL undoubtedly contributed to the high value of his game-worn memorabilia.
The auction further featured items from Anthony Munoz, the renowned Hall of Fame offensive lineman. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s sold for $16,450, showcasing the demand for artifacts from one of the greatest linemen in NFL history. The uniform worn by Munoz in his final NFL game realized $11,456, preserving a piece of his legendary career.
Additional notable sales included a 2023 game-worn jersey by Brock Purdy, which sold for $30,550, showcasing the interest in emerging football stars. A 2022 game-worn jersey by Lamar Jackson sold for $22,325, highlighting the demand for memorabilia from one of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks. A game-worn helmet by Ronnie Lott from the 1980s achieved a sale price of $19,975, drawing attention to the defensive prowess of this legendary player. A 1997 game-worn jersey by Dan Marino fetched $17,625, cementing his status as one of the all-time great quarterbacks. Lastly, a game-used football from Super Bowl XXXVIII sold for $14,100, giving fans the opportunity to own a piece of one of the most memorable Super Bowls in history.
This auction not only showcased the enduring legacy of football legends like Johnny Unitas, Tom Brady, Anthony Munoz, and others but also demonstrated the significant value collectors and fans place on owning a piece of sports history. The high prices achieved for these iconic items confirm their status as valuable and cherished artifacts, representing the rich heritage and excitement of professional football.
