The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a highly anticipated event in the world of sports memorabilia, is set to feature an extensive collection of items from the legendary pro football player Johnny Unitas. This collaborative effort between Hunt Auctions and the NFL promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Taking place on Saturday, February 10th, just before Super Bowl LVIII, this year’s auction will showcase over 1,000 football-related items. Among these items, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback.
Unitas, known as “The Golden Arm,” rose to fame as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville. Despite being a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, his journey took a turn when he didn’t make the team. However, he quickly made a name for himself when he signed with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Unitas established himself as one of the preeminent players of his time.
One of the standout items from Unitas’ collection is his personal copy of his 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. This card holds significant historical value as Unitas was instrumental in leading the Colts to victory in the NFL Championship in 1958, a game famously known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This landmark victory, broadcast nationally in overtime, greatly boosted the NFL’s popularity in the 1960s.
An item of prime importance in the auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, with an estimated value of $100,000 to $200,000. Unitas’ illustrious career with the Colts included three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous NFL passing records, including an impressive streak of 47 consecutive games with a passing touchdown. His Super Bowl V championship ring is yet another highlight of the auction.
The items from Unitas’ career are being publicly offered for the first time and come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL Auction Charities. The family has emphasized that not all items from his career are being sold, as some have been previously donated for public display.
Alongside Unitas’ collection, the auction will also feature 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, had a profound impact on the Bengals. His collection includes his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, and a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s.
The auction includes items from other notable football figures and events as well. One highlight is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey. This jersey, estimated to be worth between $250,000 and $500,000, is considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to have entered the market. Additional notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats, and more.
Not only can attendees preview the live auction items at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7-10, but Hunt Auctions experts will also offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia during these hours. This auction not only provides a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a highly anticipated event in the sports community.
