The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a highly anticipated event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts and collectors, is set to feature an extensive collection of items from legendary pro football player Johnny Unitas. This collaborative effort between Hunt Auctions and the NFL promises to be a highlight of the Super Bowl week.
Taking place on Saturday, February 10th, just before Super Bowl LVIII, the auction will showcase over 1,000 football-related items. Among these items, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback.
Johnny Unitas, a remarkable figure in football history, rose to fame as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville. Although he was a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, his journey took a turn when he didn’t make the team. However, this led to his signing with the Baltimore Colts in 1956, where he ultimately became one of the preeminent 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 was instrumental in leading the Colts to victory in the 1958 NFL Championship game, famously dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This historic game, broadcast nationally, significantly boosted the NFL’s popularity in the 1960s.
An item of prime importance in the auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, which is anticipated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Unitas’ illustrious career with the Colts included three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous NFL passing records. His Super Bowl V championship ring is also a highlight of the auction.
The items from Unitas’ career, being offered publicly for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit NFL Auction Charities. The family has chosen to sell only a selection of items from his career, while others have been previously donated for public display.
Highlights from the Johnny Unitas Collection include professional model high-top cleats from the 1970s, 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 Unitas’ collection, the auction will also feature items from the personal collection of Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Muñoz. Muñoz, regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history, had a profound impact on the Bengals. His collection includes his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s, and more.
The auction also includes items from other notable football figures and events. One highlight is a Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the 2014 season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to have entered the market, it carries an estimated value of $250,000 to $500,000.
Other notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. Proceeds from certain items will be awarded to the NFL’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and other pieces from notable players.
The live auction items will be available for preview at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7-10, with tickets required for entrance. Hunt Auctions experts will offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia during these hours. This auction not only offers a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a notable event in the sports community.
