The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction is set to take place, featuring an extensive collection of items from legendary pro football player Johnny Unitas. This highly anticipated event, organized by Hunt Auctions in collaboration with the NFL, promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
With over 1,000 football-related items, this year’s auction offers an impressive selection for football fans. Hundreds of these items have been consigned directly by Johnny Unitas’ family, adding a personal touch to the event. Unitas, a celebrated Hall of Fame quarterback, passed away in 2002 at the age of 69.
Johnny Unitas rose to fame during his collegiate years at the University of Louisville before becoming a notable player in football history. Despite being a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Unitas’ journey took a turn when he ended up signing with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. He overcame initial challenges and established himself as one of the preeminent players of the 1950s and 1960s.
Among the standout items from Johnny Unitas’ collection is his personal copy of his 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. Known as “The Golden Arm,” Unitas played a pivotal role in leading the Colts to victory in the NFL Championship in 1958, a game that became famously known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This landmark victory, which was broadcast nationally, significantly contributed to the surge in the NFL’s popularity during the 1960s.
One prime item in the auction is Johnny Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, with an estimated value between $100,000 and $200,000. Throughout his illustrious career with the Colts, Unitas achieved numerous accolades, including three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and multiple NFL passing records. His Super Bowl V championship ring is another highlight of the auction.
The items from Johnny Unitas’ career, which are being offered publicly for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL Auction Charities. It is important to note that not all items from Unitas’ career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.
Apart from Unitas’ collection, the auction will also feature items from the personal collection of Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Muñoz. Muñoz, selected third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft from USC, had a significant impact on the Bengals and is considered one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history. His collection includes his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, and a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s.
Additionally, the auction includes items from other notable football figures and events. One of the highlights is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7, 2014. This jersey, considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to enter the market, is estimated to be worth between $250,000 to $500,000.
Other notable items in the auction include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. NFL Auction has also provided items with proceeds benefiting the league’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey.
Those interested in previewing the live auction items can visit the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7-10. Complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia will be offered by the experts at Hunt Auctions during these hours. This auction not only provides a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a truly remarkable event in the sports community.
