In an exciting auction event leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring from the Baltimore Colts fetched an incredible price of $258,500. This auction, which took place as part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction in Las Vegas, showcased various items from the legendary quarterback’s illustrious career, all consigned by his family. Despite Unitas’ early exit from the Super Bowl V due to injury, his memorabilia, including his Super Bowl ring, garnered significant interest and attracted high bids.
The sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring significantly surpassed the price of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated his pivotal role in the historic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that propelled the national prominence of professional football.
Alongside the Super Bowl and championship rings, other pieces of Unitas’ memorabilia were also sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring, a symbol of his esteemed status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, fetched an impressive $38,175. Additionally, his 1967 NFL MVP award, recognizing his exceptional performance that season, garnered a sale price of $64,625. A pair of Unitas’ iconic high-top cleats, which were synonymous with his playing style, was sold for $27,025.
Equalling the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a game-worn jersey worn by Tom Brady in 2014, which also sold for $258,500. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, represented a remarkable season where Brady clinched his fourth out of seven Super Bowl titles.
The auction also included items from Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. Among the items sold was a game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s, fetching $16,450. Another notable item was Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game, which realized a sale price of $11,456, highlighting the sentimental value associated with the retirement of a football icon.
Alongside Unitas and Munoz, other football memorabilia also attracted attention and high bids. A game-worn jersey by Brock Purdy from 2023 sold for an impressive $30,550, showcasing the demand for jerseys from upcoming stars. A game-worn jersey by Lamar Jackson from 2022 also fetched a substantial amount of $22,325, further highlighting the appeal of memorabilia from current star players. Collectors also showed interest in vintage items, as evidenced by a game-worn helmet from Ronnie Lott in the 1980s, which sold for $19,975. A 1997 game-worn Dan Marino jersey realized a sale price of $17,625, emphasizing the enduring admiration for iconic players from the past. Additionally, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football was sold for $14,100, emphasizing the significance placed on Super Bowl memorabilia.
Overall, this auction showcased the enduring legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends. Fans and collectors alike eagerly sought to own a piece of sports history by acquiring these iconic items, recognizing the significance they hold in the annals of football.
