In an exciting auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ memorabilia proved to be a hot commodity, fetching over $400,000 in total. Held in Las Vegas as part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction, this event showcased items from the legendary Hall of Fame quarterback’s career, all consigned by his family.
The highlight of the auction was Unitas’ ring from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory, which achieved a remarkable sale price of $258,500. Despite exiting the game early due to injury, Unitas’ Super Bowl ring attracted considerable interest and high bids, cementing its status as a coveted piece of football history.
What made this sale even more noteworthy was the fact that the auction price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring surpassed that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated Unitas’ crucial 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.
But the Super Bowl V ring was not the only piece of Unitas’ memorabilia to attract attention. His Hall of Fame ring, symbolizing his exceptional contributions to the sport, fetched an impressive price of $38,175. Additionally, his 1967 NFL MVP award, which demonstrated his skill and leadership on the field, went under the hammer for $64,625. Even a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats found their way into the auction, selling for $27,025.
However, Unitas was not the only football legend whose memorabilia garnered high bids. Matching the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a 2014 game-worn jersey by Tom Brady, which also garnered $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represented a season where Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles, solidifying his place in football history.
The auction also featured items from Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. A game-worn 1980s Cincinnati Bengals jersey belonging to Munoz sold for $16,450, showcasing the enduring value of his contributions on the field. Additionally, Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game realized $11,456, highlighting the sentimental and historical significance of such items.
Other notable sales included a 2023 game-worn jersey by Brock Purdy, which fetched an impressive $30,550, and a 2022 game-worn jersey by Lamar Jackson, selling for $22,325. A 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet also found a buyer, achieving a price of $19,975. A 1997 game-worn jersey by Dan Marino attracted a bid of $17,625, while a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football was sold for $14,100, further emphasizing the enduring appeal of football memorabilia.
This auction event showcased the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends like Johnny Unitas, Anthony Munoz, and even current superstars like Tom Brady. With collectors and fans eager to own a piece of sports history, these high bids and considerable interest confirm the everlasting impact these players have had on the sport.