In a thrilling auction event leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ iconic Super Bowl V ring from the Baltimore Colts’ victory fetched an impressive sale price of $258,500. This auction, part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction in Las Vegas, showcased several items from the Hall of Fame quarterback’s storied career, all consigned by his family. Despite Unitas’ early exit due to injury in the game against the Dallas Cowboys, his memorabilia, including his Super Bowl ring, garnered significant interest and high bids.
The sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring stood out, surpassing his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated his pivotal role in the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game often credited with elevating the national stature of professional football.
Aside from the Super Bowl rings, other noteworthy items from Unitas’ career were auctioned as well. His Hall of Fame ring, symbolizing his excellence in the sport, fetched an impressive $38,175. Additionally, Unitas’ 1967 NFL MVP award, recognizing his outstanding performance, went for a significant amount of $64,625. A pair of his signature high-top cleats, known for their distinct style, were also sold for $27,025.
A highlight of the auction was the sale of a game-worn jersey from Tom Brady’s 2014 season, which also reached a price of $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represented a year in which Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles, further solidifying his legacy as one of football’s greatest quarterbacks.
The auction didn’t solely revolve around Johnny Unitas, as it also featured items from other football legends. Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman, saw his game-worn 1980s Cincinnati Bengals jersey sell for a notable price of $16,450. Another item from Munoz’s collection was the uniform from his final NFL game, which achieved a price of $11,456, showcasing the sentimental value associated with a player’s retirement.
There were numerous additional sales during the auction, including a 2023 Brock Purdy game-worn jersey that went for an impressive $30,550. A 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn jersey garnered considerable attention, selling for $22,325. A 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet achieved a price of $19,975, highlighting the popularity of collectibles associated with this hard-hitting defensive player. A 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey fetched $17,625, showcasing the enduring appeal of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Lastly, a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football sold for $14,100, demonstrating the timeless allure of Super Bowl memorabilia.
This auction emphasized the lasting legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends, attracting both collectors and fans who sought to own a piece of sports history. The remarkable prices achieved, particularly for Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring, reflect the immense impact and significance of these iconic items in the world of football and sports memorabilia.
