In a highly anticipated auction at Sotheby’s, the final NFL jersey worn by legendary quarterback Tom Brady fetched a staggering $1,391,000, breaking all previous records for the sale of an NFL game-worn jersey. This extraordinary piece of sports memorabilia was worn by Brady during the second half of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff defeat against the Dallas Cowboys on January 16, 2022.
Although the sale price fell slightly short of the pre-auction estimates ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, it still managed to surpass the previous record held by a Joe Montana Super Bowl jersey, which sold for $1.2 million. The Jersey’s significance lies in the fact that it was the last one worn by Brady during his illustrious NFL career.
The highly anticipated auction took place amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where an array of cars and racing collectibles were also up for grabs. Brady, who retired after an impressive career spanning 23 seasons, made his final NFL appearance on February 1. In that game, he threw for an astounding 351 yards, which remains the highest yardage achieved by any player in their final playoff game.
The prized jersey, a size 44 Nike garment, possesses a variety of notable features that add to its allure. It showcases the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ emblem, a captain’s patch, and displays signs of game play such as grass stains, undoubtedly a testament to the intense action on the field. Brady’s signature adorns the jersey, and it also boasts the special notations “My Last Game” and “GOAT Out!”—a nod to Brady’s widely recognized status as the Greatest of All Time.
This is not the first time Brady’s memorabilia has commanded extraordinary prices at auction. In an auction held earlier this year, his 700th career touchdown pass jersey was sold for a staggering $1.2 million, with the proceeds being donated to charity. The provenance of the jersey sold at Sotheby’s remains confidential, as the auction house confirmed that it had been privately sold before the auction. However, details of the journey of this prized item, from Brady’s possession to the auction block, remain undisclosed to the public.
The sale of this final jersey serves as a testament to Tom Brady’s immense popularity and lasting legacy in the world of professional football. Throughout his career, he has relentlessly shattered records and achieved unparalleled success, solidifying his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. This auction not only highlights the tremendous value placed on his game-worn memorabilia but also serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable contributions to the sport.
As the auction gavel fell and the bidding concluded, the record-breaking sale of Tom Brady’s final NFL game-worn jersey left an indelible mark on the annals of sports memorabilia history. The jersey stands as a remarkable symbol of Brady’s extraordinary career and will undoubtedly be cherished by its new owner, serving as a constant reminder of the legendary quarterback’s unrivaled accomplishments on the football field.
