In the lead-up to Super Bowl Sunday, an exciting auction event took place in Las Vegas, where Johnny Unitas’ memorabilia went under the hammer. The highlight of the auction was Unitas’ ring from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory, which fetched an astonishing sale price of $258,500. The auction, part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction, featured several items from the legendary Hall of Fame quarterback’s career, all consigned by his family. Despite an early exit due to injury in the game against the Dallas Cowboys, Unitas’ memorabilia garnered significant interest and attracted high bids.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the auction was the fact that the sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring surpassed that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The 1958 championship ring commemorated Unitas’ role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that is often credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Apart from his Super Bowl rings, other items of Unitas’ memorabilia also sold for impressive prices. His Hall of Fame ring, a symbol of his extraordinary career, fetched $38,175, while his 1967 NFL MVP award went for $64,625. Additionally, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats commanded a price of $27,025.
Sharing the spotlight with Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a 2014 game-worn jersey worn by Tom Brady. This jersey, which had been authenticated by MeiGray and was worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, also sold for $258,500. It represented a season where Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
The auction also featured items from other football legends, including the Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s, worn by Munoz, sold for an impressive $16,450. Additionally, the uniform from Munoz’s final NFL game realized a price of $11,456, giving fans and collectors a chance to own a piece of his remarkable career.
Other notable sales from the auction included a 2023 game-worn jersey of Brock Purdy, which went for $30,550, and a 2022 game-worn jersey of Lamar Jackson, sold for $22,325. A 1980s game-worn helmet of Ronnie Lott fetched $19,975, while a 1997 game-worn jersey of Dan Marino commanded a price of $17,625. Furthermore, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football was purchased for $14,100. These sales showcased the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football icons, attracting both collectors and fans who wanted to own a piece of sports history.
In conclusion, the auction of Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl and championship rings, along with other football memorabilia, made waves in the sporting world. The remarkable sale prices highlighted the enduring legacy of football legends like Unitas and underlined the continued fascination and value attached to owning a piece of sports history.
