Title: Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl and Championship Rings Fetch Over $400,000 at Auction
Subtitle: Iconic memorabilia from Hall of Fame quarterback’s career draws high bids
Meta Description: Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring and other memorabilia sold for top prices at a Super Bowl auction, highlighting the enduring legacy of football legends.
Johnny Unitas, the legendary Hall of Fame quarterback, continues to make waves even after his playing days. In a significant auction event preceding Super Bowl Sunday, Unitas’ ring from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory achieved a remarkable sale price of $258,500. This auction, part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction held in Las Vegas, featured several items from the quarterback’s storied career, all consigned by his family. Despite an early exit due to injury in the game against the Dallas Cowboys, Unitas’ memorabilia, including his Super Bowl ring, attracted considerable interest and high bids.
It was a showdown of rings at the auction as the price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring notably surpassed that of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter commemorated his role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game credited with elevating the national stature of professional football. Unitas’ Super Bowl ring, on the other hand, symbolized the Colts’ triumph in Super Bowl V, where they emerged victorious against the Cowboys.
The auction didn’t stop at the rings. Other items of Unitas’ memorabilia also garnered attention and fetched impressive prices. His Hall of Fame ring, a symbol of his induction into football’s elite, fetched $38,175 from a passionate bidder. Additionally, his 1967 NFL MVP award, which recognized his exceptional performance that season, went for an impressive $64,625. These items offer a glimpse into the illustrious career of one of football’s greatest quarterbacks.
But Unitas wasn’t the only football icon making waves at the auction. Tom Brady, the record-breaking quarterback, caught the attention of collectors as well. A 2014 game-worn jersey by Brady matched the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring, bringing in $258,500. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray, was worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, representing a season where Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles. The presence of both Unitas and Brady’s memorabilia at the auction showcased the enduring appeal of football legends and their impact on the sport’s history.
The auction also featured items from other notable players. Anthony Munoz, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, had his fair share of impressive sales. A game-worn 1980s Cincinnati Bengals jersey sold for $16,450, while the uniform from his final NFL game realized $11,456. These items serve as a tribute to Munoz’s remarkable career and his contributions to the game.
Other notable sales included a 2023 Brock Purdy game-worn jersey, fetching a remarkable $30,550. The jersey represents a rising star in football and a promising future in the sport. Additionally, a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn jersey sold for $22,325, showcasing the popularity of the dynamic quarterback. Collectors also took an interest in a 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet, which sold for $19,975, and a 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey, which fetched $17,625. Finally, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football went under the hammer for $14,100, highlighting the timeless appeal of Super Bowl memorabilia.
The auction served as a tribute to the legacy of football legends and offered collectors and fans a chance to own a piece of history. With high bids and impressive prices, the memorabilia from Johnny Unitas, Tom Brady, Anthony Munoz, and other iconic players continue to captivate both collectors and football enthusiasts alike. As these items change hands, they become symbols of the incredible moments and achievements that have shaped the sport of football and the athletes who have left an indelible mark on the game.
