In a remarkable auction event that took place before Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ ring from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory achieved an impressive sale price of $258,500. This auction, part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction held in Las Vegas, showcased various 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 considerable interest and high bids.
What made Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring even more noteworthy was that its auction price surpassed that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated Unitas’ role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that is credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Apart from the Super Bowl rings, other items of Unitas’ memorabilia were also sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring fetched an impressive $38,175, showcasing the value collectors place on this prestigious honor. Additionally, Unitas’ 1967 NFL MVP award, a testament to his remarkable skills and achievements, sold for $64,625. A pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats, symbolizing his unique style on the field, garnered a final bid of $27,025.
Matching the highest sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a 2014 game-worn jersey of Tom Brady, which also fetched $258,500. This particular jersey, authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, represented a season in which Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles. The jersey carried with it the legacy of one of the greatest quarterbacks in modern football history.
The auction also featured items from Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s sold for $16,450, allowing fans to own a piece of Munoz’s playing career. Additionally, the uniform from Munoz’s final NFL game, which realized $11,456, marked the end of a remarkable career on the field.
Other notable sales at the auction included a 2023 Brock Purdy game-worn jersey that fetched $30,550, a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn jersey that sold for $22,325, a 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet that went for $19,975, a 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey that fetched $17,625, and a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football that sold for $14,100. These sales illustrated the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends, attracting collectors and fans who were eager to own a piece of sports history.
The auction showcased the continued fascination and appreciation for football memorabilia, particularly from iconic players like Johnny Unitas. These items not only represent significant moments in the history of the sport but also provide a connection for fans and collectors alike to the players who have left an indelible mark on the game. With each successful auction, the value of these artifacts grows, making them treasured possessions for those fortunate enough to own them.
