In a thrilling auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ rings from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory and their 1958 NFL championship achieved remarkable sale prices, totaling more than $400,000. This auction, part of the annual Super Bowl Auction, took place in Las Vegas and featured several items from the legendary quarterback’s storied career, all consigned by his family. Despite an early exit due to injury in the Super Bowl V game against the Dallas Cowboys, Unitas’ memorabilia attracted considerable interest and fetched high bids.
The highlight of the auction was Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring, which achieved a remarkable sale price of $258,500. This ring surpassed the value of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The 1958 NFL championship ring commemorated Unitas’ crucial role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that is widely credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Alongside the Super Bowl rings, other items of Unitas’ memorabilia also drew significant attention from collectors. His Hall of Fame ring, symbolizing his illustrious career, fetched an impressive $38,175. Additionally, his 1967 NFL MVP award, acknowledging his exceptional performance that season, went for $64,625. It is evident that Unitas’ legacy and achievements continue to captivate and enthrall fans and collectors alike.
The auction also showcased other notable football memorabilia, including a game-worn jersey from Tom Brady’s 2014 season. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, fetched an equally impressive $258,500. It represents a season where Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles, further heightening its appeal to collectors and fans.
Anthony Munoz, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, was another featured player in the auction. His game-worn jersey from the 1980s Cincinnati Bengals sold for $16,450, highlighting the enduring appeal of Munoz’s career and his contributions to the sport. Additionally, Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game realized $11,456, serving as a tangible reminder of the end of an illustrious career.
The auction also featured other football memorabilia that drew significant interest. A 2023 Brock Purdy game-worn jersey achieved a sale price of $30,550, while a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn jersey sold for $22,325. A 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet fetched $19,975, a 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey went for $17,625, and a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football was sold for $14,100. These sales further highlighted the enduring legacy and value attached to memorabilia from football legends, attracting passionate collectors and fans eager to own a piece of sports history.
The auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday showcased the immense interest and value associated with football memorabilia from iconic players like Johnny Unitas, Tom Brady, and Anthony Munoz. These items not only represent significant moments in the history of the sport but also provide a unique connection for collectors and fans. The high bids and enthusiastic participation in the auction underline the lasting impact and allure of football legends throughout generations.