In a highly anticipated auction event just ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, several items from the legendary career of Johnny Unitas were put up for bidding in Las Vegas. All of the items were consigned by Unitas’ family and garnered significant attention from collectors and fans alike.
One of the star attractions of the auction was Unitas’ ring from the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory, which achieved an astonishing sale price of $258,500. Despite Unitas leaving the game early due to injury, his Super Bowl ring captured the imagination of bidders and surpassed the auction price of his 1958 NFL championship ring by over $100,000. The latter ring commemorated the iconic overtime victory against the New York Giants, a game that elevated the national stature of professional football.
Apart from the Super Bowl rings, other important items of Unitas’ memorabilia were also sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring, an esteemed symbol of his illustrious career, fetched $38,175. Additionally, his 1967 NFL MVP award, highlighting his exceptional skills on the field, found a buyer at $64,625. Even a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats, part of his iconic image, generated considerable interest and were sold for $27,025.
Notably, the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring was matched by a 2014 game-worn jersey belonging to Tom Brady. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, commanded a price of $258,500. It represented a season in which Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
The auction 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 $16,450. Munoz’s uniform from his final NFL game also found a buyer at a price of $11,456, marking the end of an illustrious career.
In addition to Unitas and Munoz, other notable sales took place at the auction. A 2023 Brock Purdy game-worn jersey fetched an impressive $30,550, while a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn jersey went for $22,325. A 1980s Ronnie Lott game-worn helmet was sold for $19,975, a 1997 Dan Marino game-worn jersey found a buyer at $17,625, and a game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football was purchased for $14,100.
This auction not only showcased the enduring legacy of football legends like Johnny Unitas and Anthony Munoz but also highlighted the immense value placed on their memorabilia. Collectors and fans were drawn to the opportunity to own a piece of sports history, paying impressive prices for items that represented exceptional moments and iconic careers in the world of football.
