In a thrilling auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, the legendary Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring fetched an impressive sale price of $258,500. This auction, held in Las Vegas as part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction, 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 attracted high bids from collectors.
Notably, the auction price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring surpassed that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated his prominent role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that is widely credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Apart from the Super Bowl V ring, other remarkable pieces of Unitas’ memorabilia were also sold. His Hall of Fame ring, symbolizing his well-deserved induction into football’s elite group, fetched an impressive $38,175. Furthermore, his 1967 NFL MVP award, which recognized his exceptional performance that year, went for an impressive $64,625. The auction also featured a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats, which sold for $27,025, further cementing the quarterback’s legendary status in the football world.
In a surprising turn of events, a game-worn jersey from 2014 worn by Tom Brady fetched the same top sale price of $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represented a season where Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles, further solidifying his own legacy in the sport.
Beyond the items belonging to Johnny Unitas and Tom Brady, the auction showcased memorabilia from other football greats as well. Items belonging to Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman, attracted considerable attention and high bids. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s sold for an impressive $16,450, while the uniform from Munoz’s final NFL game realized $11,456, ultimately becoming prized possessions for football enthusiasts and collectors.
The auction didn’t stop there – it was a treasure trove of valuable memorabilia. A game-worn jersey from 2023 worn by Brock Purdy sold for $30,550, while a jersey donned by Lamar Jackson during the 2022 season went for $22,325. A helmet worn by Ronnie Lott during the 1980s fetched $19,975, adding to the prestigious collection of any football memorabilia connoisseur. Additionally, a game-worn jersey from 1997 belonging to Dan Marino, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, sold for an impressive $17,625. Finally, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football completed the lineup, selling for $14,100, firmly establishing the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends.
This highly anticipated auction captivated collectors and fans alike, serving as a testament to the enduring allure of sports history. With each item representing a significant moment or accomplishment in the lives of these football icons, these memorabilia pieces carry immense sentimental and historical value. As they change hands and find new homes, they continue to uphold the legacies of these legendary players, allowing fans and collectors to forge a deep connection to the sport and its timeless heroes.
