The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction is poised to captivate sports memorabilia enthusiasts with its impressive lineup of items, including a remarkable collection from the legendary Johnny Unitas. This highly anticipated event, organized by Hunt Auctions in collaboration with the NFL, promises to be a highlight for collectors and fans alike.
Taking place on Saturday, February 10th, just before Super Bowl LVIII, the live auction will feature over 1,000 football-related items. Among them, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the celebrated Hall of Fame quarterback who left an indelible mark on the sport before his passing in 2002 at the age of 69.
Johnny Unitas rose to prominence as a standout player at the University of Louisville and quickly caught the attention of professional teams. Although initially overlooked by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who drafted him in the ninth round, Unitas found success with the Baltimore Colts after signing with them in 1956. He went on to become one of the most prominent players of the 1950s and 1960s.
One of the standout items from 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 1958 NFL Championship, a game that became known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This historic triumph, which aired nationally in overtime, played a significant role in boosting the NFL’s popularity in the following decade.
Among the prime items up for auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, expected to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Throughout his illustrious career with the Colts, Unitas secured three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and set numerous passing records, including a remarkable streak of 47 consecutive games with a passing touchdown. His Super Bowl V championship ring is another highlight of the auction.
These items from Johnny Unitas’ career, offered publicly for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to NFL Auction Charities. Notably, the family has decided to retain some items from his career for public display, reinforcing the exclusivity and significance of those available for sale.
The Johnny Unitas Collection also features professional model high-top cleats from the 1970s, estimated to sell for $15,000-$30,000. Other notable items include his 1979 Football Hall of Fame Induction ring, an autographed Baltimore Colts professional model helmet from the late 1960s-early 1970s, his 1967 NFL Most Valuable Player award: the Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy, the 1964 Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player Award, and a Rolex wristwatch.
In addition to Johnny Unitas’ collection, the auction will showcase items from the personal collection of Anthony Muñoz, a Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. Muñoz, considered one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history, has contributed his December 27, 1992, final game uniform and a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s.
The auction also features items from other notable football figures and events. A standout piece is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the season opener against the Miami Dolphins. This highly coveted jersey, photo-matched by MeiGray, is anticipated to fetch between $250,000 and $500,000, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after Tom Brady game-worn jerseys on the market.
Additional notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. NFL Auction has also contributed items with proceeds going to the league’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and other pieces from renowned players.
Those eager to preview the live auction items can do so at the Super Bowl Experience, held at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7th to 10th. Tickets will be required for entrance. During these hours, Hunt Auctions experts will provide complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The Super Bowl Live Auction not only offers a captivating glimpse into football history but also serves as a platform for supporting various charitable causes. With the chance to own a piece of NFL legends’ memorabilia and contribute to worthy initiatives, this auction is undoubtedly a highlight in the sports community.
