The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a highly-anticipated event in the world of sports memorabilia, is set to captivate enthusiasts and collectors with an extensive collection of items from the legendary pro football player Johnny Unitas. This auction, held in collaboration between Hunt Auctions and the NFL, promises to be a highlight for football fans 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. A significant portion of the collection, consisting of hundreds of items, has been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas. Unitas, a celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback, left an enduring legacy in football before passing away in 2002 at the age of 69.
Johnny Unitas, known as “The Golden Arm,” achieved fame during his collegiate career at the University of Louisville. Despite facing initial setbacks as a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, his journey took a positive turn when he signed with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. Overcoming early challenges, Unitas established 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 historical significance as Unitas played a pivotal role in leading the Colts to victory in the 1958 NFL Championship game, famously referred to as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This landmark game, broadcast nationally and won in overtime, played a crucial role in boosting the NFL’s popularity in the 1960s.
A prime item expected to draw significant attention is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, with an estimated value ranging between $100,000 and $200,000. Unitas’ illustrious career with the Colts includes three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous passing records, including an impressive streak of 47 consecutive games with a passing touchdown. Another highlight of the auction is Unitas’ Super Bowl V championship ring.
The items from Unitas’ career, being offered publicly 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 should be noted that not all items from Unitas’ career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.
Highlights from the Johnny Unitas Collection also include professional model high-top cleats from the 1970s, estimated to be valued between $15,000 and $30,000. Additionally, his 1979 Football Hall of Fame Induction ring, an autographed Baltimore Colts professional model helmet from the late 1960s-early 1970s, his 1967 NFL Most Valuable Player award (the Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy), the 1964 Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player Award, and a Rolex wristwatch will be up for auction.
In addition to Unitas’ collection, the Super Bowl Live Auction will feature items from the personal collection of Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Muñoz. Muñoz, selected third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft from USC, had an indelible impact on the Bengals and is widely regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history. His collection includes his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s, and more.
The auction also boasts items from other notable football figures and events. A highlight is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, marking it as one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to enter the market.
Additionally, the auction includes items such as a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. NFL Auction has also contributed items with proceeds benefiting the league’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and other pieces from notable players.
The live auction items will be available for preview at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7th to 10th. Entrance to the preview will require tickets. Additionally, experts from Hunt Auctions will provide complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia during the preview hours. Not only does this auction offer a unique glimpse into football history, but it also supports various charitable causes, making it a significant event in the sports community.
