In a thrilling auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring from the Baltimore Colts’ victory soared to a remarkable sale price of $258,500. This auction, held in Las Vegas as part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction, featured numerous 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, particularly his Super Bowl ring, captivated collectors and generated significant interest and high bids.
What made the sale of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring even more astonishing was the fact that it surpassed the price of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter commemorated Unitas’ pivotal role in the legendary overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that is widely credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Aside from Unitas’ Super Bowl rings, several other items of his memorabilia were also sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring fetched an impressive sum of $38,175, while his 1967 NFL MVP award was acquired for $64,625. Furthermore, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats attracted a winning bid of $27,025.
Sharing the spotlight with Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a 2014 game-worn jersey by Tom Brady, which also sold for an impressive $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represented a remarkable season for Brady, during which he secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles.
The auction also showcased items from other notable football figures, including Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. Munoz’s game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s fetched a respectable price of $16,450, while the uniform from his final NFL game realized $11,456.
Notable sales from additional players included a 2023 game-worn Brock Purdy jersey, which sold for an impressive $30,550, a 2022 game-worn Lamar Jackson jersey, acquired for $22,325, a 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet, which reached a price of $19,975, a 1997 game-worn Dan Marino jersey, which sold for $17,625, and a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football, which fetched $14,100. These sales emphasized the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends, attracting collectors and fans who eagerly sought to own a piece of sports history.
The auction not only celebrated the historic achievements of football icons like Johnny Unitas, Tom Brady, Anthony Munoz, and others but also highlighted the immense passion and demand for memorabilia that connects fans with their favorite players and moments in the game. With prices reaching heights that exceeded expectations, it is clear that the allure and appeal of football memorabilia continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Overall, the auction showcased the incredible value and enduring legacy of memorabilia from football legends, demonstrating that these pieces of sports history hold a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors who seek to preserve and cherish the remarkable moments that define the game.
