In an exciting auction event leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ memorabilia took center stage and fetched impressive sale prices. The auction, part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction held in Las Vegas, showcased several items from the Hall of Fame quarterback’s legendary career, all consigned by his family. Among the highlights of the auction were Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring and his NFL championship ring.
Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring, earned during the Baltimore Colts’ victory, achieved a remarkable sale price of $258,500. Despite an early departure from the game due to injury against the Dallas Cowboys, Unitas’ Super Bowl ring garnered considerable interest and drew high bids from collectors. Notably, the auction price of his Super Bowl V ring exceeded that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. This championship ring commemorated Unitas’ pivotal role in the famous overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game widely regarded as instrumental in elevating the national stature of professional football.
Alongside his Super Bowl and championship rings, other items from Unitas’ career were also sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring, a symbol of his remarkable contributions to the sport, fetched an impressive amount of $38,175. Additionally, collectors had the opportunity to acquire Unitas’ 1967 NFL MVP award, which went for $64,625. Among the unique pieces of memorabilia sold were a pair of his signature high-top cleats, which were purchased for $27,025.
Matching the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a 2014 game-worn jersey worn by another football legend, Tom Brady. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, symbolized a season where Brady secured his fourth out of seven Super Bowl titles. The jersey garnered significant attention from collectors, resulting in a fitting sale price of $258,500.
In addition to the Unitas and Brady memorabilia, the auction featured items from other football greats. Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman, had a game-worn 1980s Cincinnati Bengals jersey that sold for $16,450. Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game also drew interest, realizing a sale price of $11,456.
The auction further featured memorabilia from contemporary football stars. A game-worn 2023 Brock Purdy jersey commanded a sale price of $30,550, highlighting the value placed on the rising star’s early career items. Similarly, a game-worn 2022 Lamar Jackson jersey sold for $22,325, reflecting the popularity of the electrifying quarterback. Collectors showed interest in a game-worn 1980s Ronnie Lott helmet, resulting in a sale price of $19,975. Fans and collectors also had the opportunity to own a piece of history with a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football, which sold for $14,100. Additionally, a 1997 game-worn Dan Marino jersey fetched a respectable price of $17,625.
The auction underscored the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends. Collectors and fans alike eagerly sought after pieces of sports history, recognizing the significance and nostalgia associated with such items. The remarkable prices achieved at the auction demonstrate the continued reverence and admiration for the achievements of these iconic players, ensuring their place in football history for generations to come.
