The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a highly anticipated event in the world of sports memorabilia, is set to feature an extensive collection of items from the legendary pro football player Johnny Unitas. This collaborative effort between Hunt Auctions and the NFL promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Taking place on Saturday, February 10th, just before Super Bowl LVIII, the auction will showcase over 1,000 football-related items, with hundreds directly consigned by the family of Johnny Unitas. Unitas, a celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback, had a remarkable career that left a lasting impact on football history.
One of the standout items from Unitas’ collection is his personal copy of his 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. Known as “The Golden Arm,” Unitas played a crucial role in leading the Baltimore Colts to the NFL Championship in 1958, famously known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This historical moment significantly boosted the NFL’s popularity in the 1960s.
A prime item in the auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Throughout his illustrious career with the Colts, Unitas won three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and set numerous NFL passing records. His Super Bowl V championship ring is another highlight of the auction.
The items from Unitas’ career, being offered publicly for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL Auction Charities, adding to the significance of these items. It’s worth noting that not all items from his career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.
In addition to Unitas’ collection, the auction will also feature items from the personal collection of Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Muñoz. Muñoz, regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history, had a profound impact on the Bengals during his career. His collection includes notable pieces such as his final game uniform and a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s.
The auction also includes items from other notable football figures and events. One of the highlights is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the season opener. Considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to enter the market, it carries an estimated value of $250,000 to $500,000.
Other notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. NFL Auction has also provided items with proceeds awarded to the league’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey.
For sports enthusiasts and collectors, the live auction items will be available for preview at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7-10, with tickets required for entrance. During these hours, Hunt Auctions experts will offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia. This auction not only offers a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a notable event in the sports community.