The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a highly anticipated event in the world of sports memorabilia, is set to take place with a bang. This year’s auction is expected to be an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts and collectors alike, as it will feature an extensive collection of items from the iconic pro football player Johnny Unitas. The collaboration between Hunt Auctions and the NFL promises to deliver a splendid showcase of over 1,000 football-related items, making it a highlight event leading up to Super Bowl LVIII.
Johnny Unitas, a legendary figure in football history, gained prominence as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville. Despite facing initial setbacks, such as being a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers and not making the team, Unitas’s career took a turn when he signed with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. From there, he established himself as one of the greatest players of the 1950s and 1960s.
The auction will feature hundreds of items consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas. Among the standout pieces is his personal copy of the 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card, a highly coveted item among collectors. Unitas, known as “The Golden Arm,” played a pivotal role in leading the Colts to the NFL Championship in 1958, a game famously dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This landmark victory, broadcast nationally in overtime, significantly contributed to the growing popularity of the NFL in the 1960s.
One of the prime items in the auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, expected to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Unitas’s illustrious career with the Colts includes three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous NFL passing records. The auction will also highlight Unitas’ Super Bowl V championship ring, solidifying his place among football’s finest.
The items from Unitas’ career, which are being publicly offered for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit NFL Auction Charities. It is worth noting that not all items from Unitas’ career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.
The Johnny Unitas Collection contains several noteworthy items, including professional model high-top cleats from the 1970s, estimated to be valued between $15,000 and $30,000. Also included is Unitas’ 1979 Football Hall of Fame Induction ring, expected to be worth between $25,000 and $50,000. Other notable items in the collection are an autographed Baltimore Colts professional model helmet dating back to the late 1960s-early 1970s, estimated at $25,000-$50,000, and various awards, such as the Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy for the 1967 NFL Most Valuable Player and the 1964 Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player Award. Additionally, a Rolex wristwatch owned by Johnny Unitas will also be up for auction.
In addition to Johnny Unitas’ collection, the auction will also showcase 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, played a pivotal role in the success of the Bengals. Some items from his collection include his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s, and more.
Notably, the auction will also include items from other influential football figures and events. One of the highlights is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7, 2014. This jersey, photo-matched by MeiGray and estimated to be valued between $250,000 and $500,000, is considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to enter the market.
Other notable items up for auction include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, estimated to be worth between $20,000 and $30,000, as well as Lamar Jackson’s autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats, estimated to be valued between $7,500 and $15,000. NFL Auction has also provided items with proceeds benefiting the league’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and other pieces from notable players.
To provide enthusiasts and collectors with a preview, the live auction items will be available for viewing at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7th to 10th. Tickets are required for entrance. During these hours, Hunt Auctions experts will offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia. This auction not only offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of football but also supports various charitable causes, making it an unforgettable event in the sports community.
In conclusion, the 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction promises to leave a lasting impression on sports enthusiasts and collectors. With Johnny Unitas’ iconic collection taking center stage, along with other NFL legends’ memorabilia, this auction serves as a celebration of football’s greatness and a means to support charitable endeavors.
