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.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 10th, just before Super Bowl LVIII, the auction will showcase over 1,000 football-related items. Among these items, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback.
Johnny Unitas, known as “The Golden Arm,” rose to fame as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville. Despite being a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, his journey took a turn when he didn’t make the team. This led to his signing with the Baltimore Colts in 1956, where he established himself as one of the preeminent players of the 1950s and 1960s.
One standout item from Unitas’ collection is his personal copy of the 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. Unitas was instrumental in leading the Colts to victory in the NFL Championship game in 1958, famously dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This landmark victory significantly boosted the NFL’s popularity in the 1960s.
A prime item in the auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, which is anticipated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Unitas’ illustrious career with the Colts included three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous NFL passing records. His Super Bowl V championship ring is also a highlight of the auction.
The items from Unitas’ career, 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. It is worth noting that not all items from his career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.
Apart from the Johnny 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. His collection includes his final game uniform and a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s.
Additionally, the auction includes items from other notable football figures and events. One highlight is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey, considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to have entered the market. Other notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed rookie year game-worn cleats, and more.
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. Hunt Auctions experts will offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia during these hours. 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.
