In a thrilling auction event held before Super Bowl Sunday, Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl V victory ring sold for an astonishing $258,500, significantly surpassing the price of his 1958 NFL championship ring. This auction, part of the 17th annual Super Bowl Auction in Las Vegas, featured various items from Unitas’ legendary career, all consigned by his family. Despite Unitas’ early exit due to injury in the game against the Dallas Cowboys, his memorabilia garnered immense interest and high bids.
The sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl V ring exceeded 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.
Several other pieces of Unitas’ memorabilia were sold at the auction. His Hall of Fame ring fetched $38,175, and his 1967 NFL MVP award was sold for $64,625. Moreover, a pair of Unitas’ signature high-top cleats was purchased for $27,025.
A game-worn jersey from 2014, worn by Tom Brady, matched the top sale price of Unitas’ Super Bowl ring, also going for $258,500. Authenticated by MeiGray and worn during the season opener against the Dolphins, this jersey represented a season in which Brady secured his fourth of seven Super Bowl titles.
The auction also featured items from Anthony Munoz, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. A game-worn Cincinnati Bengals jersey from the 1980s sold for $16,450, and his uniform from his final NFL game reached a price of $11,456.
Several other notable sales took place at the auction. A 2023 game-worn jersey by Brock Purdy fetched $30,550, while a game-worn jersey from 2022 by Lamar Jackson sold for $22,325. A 1980s game-worn helmet belonging to Ronnie Lott went for $19,975, and a game-worn jersey from 1997 by Dan Marino reached a price of $17,625. A game-used Super Bowl XXXVIII football was also purchased for $14,100.
This auction highlighted the lasting legacy and value of memorabilia from football legends, attracting collectors and fans eager to own a piece of sports history. The high prices paid for Johnny Unitas’ Super Bowl ring and other iconic items demonstrate the enduring appeal and significance of these artifacts in the world of football.
