The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a highly anticipated event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts and collectors, is set to take place on Saturday, February 10th. This year, the auction will showcase over 1,000 football-related items, with a significant focus on the late Johnny Unitas, a revered pro football player and Hall of Famer.
Johnny Unitas, known as “The Golden Arm,” rose to fame as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville. Despite facing initial challenges as a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Unitas found success when he signed with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. He went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players of the 1950s and 1960s.
One of the standout items from Unitas’ collection is his personal copy of his 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. This card holds immense historical significance, as Unitas played a pivotal role in leading the Colts to victory in the 1958 NFL Championship, a game remembered as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.”
The auction also features Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Throughout his career with the Colts, Unitas secured three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and set numerous passing records. His Super Bowl V championship ring is another highly sought-after item at the auction.
These items from Unitas’ illustrious career are being publicly offered for the first time, with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit NFL Auction Charities, furthering charitable causes supported by the league.
In addition to Unitas’ collection, the auction features items from the personal collection of Anthony Muñoz, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman. Muñoz is recognized as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history, and his collection includes memorable items such as his final game uniform and a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s.
The auction also offers items from other notable football figures and events, including a Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the 2014 season opener. Considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys available, it carries an estimated value of $250,000 to $500,000. Other notable items include Lamar Jackson’s game-worn jersey and rookie year game-worn cleats, as well as pieces from Trevor Lawrence and other notable players.
To provide a unique opportunity for preview, the live auction items will be on display at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7th to 10th. Tickets will be required for entrance, and Hunt Auctions experts will be available for complimentary appraisals during these hours. In addition to offering a glimpse into football history, the auction supports various charitable causes, making it a significant event in the sports community.
In conclusion, the Super Bowl Live Auction presents a remarkable opportunity for collectors and fans to acquire iconic memorabilia from the late Johnny Unitas and other NFL legends. With a wide range of items available, this auction not only celebrates the rich history of football but also contributes to important charitable initiatives supported by the NFL.