
In a thrilling auction event held in Las Vegas before Super Bowl Sunday, the legendary Johnny Unitas’ championship rings fetched an impressive total of over $400,000. The highlight of the auction was Unitas’ ring from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory, which achieved a remarkable sale price of $258,500. All of the items in the auction, including the rings, were consigned by Unitas’ family, adding to the excitement and interest surrounding the event.
Despite leaving the game against the Dallas Cowboys early due to an injury, Unitas’ memorabilia attracted significant attention and high bids. His Super Bowl V ring notably surpassed the price of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter 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 notable items from Unitas’ storied career were also sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring, symbolic of his extraordinary achievements, fetched $38,175. Additionally, his 1967 NFL MVP award, recognizing his outstanding performance that season, went for an impressive $64,625. A pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats also found a new owner, selling for $27,025.
Matching the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was a game-worn jersey by another football legend, Tom Brady. This 2014 jersey, authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, represented a season in which Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles. The jersey also fetched $258,500 at the auction, showcasing the enduring popularity and value of Brady’s memorabilia.
The auction didn’t stop with Unitas and Brady; it also featured items from other football icons. Hall of Fame offensive lineman Anthony Munoz had a game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s, which sold for $16,450. Additionally, Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game fetched $11,456, highlighting the sentimental value associated with these items.
The auction further showcased the growing interest in collecting game-worn jerseys, as evident from the high prices paid for jerseys worn by current football stars. A 2023 game-worn jersey by Brock Purdy, a promising quarterback, sold for an impressive $30,550. A 2022 game-worn jersey by Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, went for $22,325. These sales demonstrate the enduring appeal of owning clothing worn by today’s athletic heroes.
Other notable sales from the auction included a game-worn helmet from Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott from the 1980s, which found a buyer for $19,975. A game-worn jersey by legendary quarterback Dan Marino from 1997 fetched $17,625. Lastly, a game-used football from Super Bowl XXXVIII sold for $14,100, further highlighting the demand for items tied to historic games.
Overall, the auction of Johnny Unitas’ rings, Tom Brady’s jersey, and other football memorabilia demonstrated the enduring legacy and value of items from football legends. Fans and collectors eagerly sought to own a piece of sports history, driving the prices of these coveted items to record-breaking heights.