In a gathering of avid sports memorabilia collectors and enthusiasts, Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring stole the show at the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction in Las Vegas. The ring, commemorating the Baltimore Colts’ victory, fetched an astonishing sale price of $258,500. This auction, featuring items consigned by Unitas’ family, showcased the enduring value and historical significance of football memorabilia.
Despite Unitas’ early exit from Super Bowl V due to injury, his ring attracted considerable interest and high bids. Surpassing the price of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000, this Super Bowl V ring holds a special place in football history. The 1958 NFL championship ring commemorates the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that elevated the national stature of professional football.
Alongside the Super Bowl V ring, several other items from Unitas’ storied career found new owners at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring, a symbol of recognition for his exceptional career, fetched $38,175. For a football fan eager to possess a piece of Unitas’ legacy, this was an opportunity not to be missed. Additionally, Unitas’ 1967 NFL MVP award, a testament to his outstanding performance that season, sold for $64,625. It was clear that collectors and fans were willing to pay a premium for items associated with the legendary quarterback.
Notably, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats also found new homes, receiving a final bid of $27,025. These cleats, iconic in their own right, were a symbol of Unitas’ style and flair on the field. Owning them allows fans to connect with the greatness that Unitas embodied during his career.
While Unitas’ memorabilia stole the spotlight, another football legend, Tom Brady, had a significant presence at the auction. A game-worn jersey from Brady’s 2014 season brought in an equal amount of $258,500, matching the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represents a milestone in Brady’s career, as he secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles that season.
In addition to Unitas and Brady, the auction featured items from Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s sold for $16,450, allowing fans to own a piece of Munoz’s impressive career. Furthermore, Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game went for $11,456, marking the end of an era for the revered offensive lineman.
The auction also included other notable sales, showcasing the enduring allure of football memorabilia. A 2023 Brock Purdy game-worn jersey fetched $30,550, while a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn jersey sold for $22,325. Collectors embraced the opportunity to own items connected to the rising stars of the modern game. Additionally, a 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet commanded a price of $19,975, a 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey sold for $17,625, and a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football reached $14,100.
In conclusion, the Super Bowl auction in Las Vegas proved to be a haven for football enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors. Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring, along with his other notable items, drew significant interest and high bids, exemplifying the enduring legacy and value of football legends. The presence of Tom Brady and Anthony Munoz’s memorabilia only added to the excitement, allowing fans the chance to own pieces of sports history. As the auction concluded, collectors and fans departed with their prized items, knowing they possessed a tangible connection to the timeless greatness of the game.