In a historic moment for football memorabilia collectors, the final NFL jersey worn by Tom Brady has fetched a staggering price of $1,391,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. The sale of Brady’s jersey surpassed all previous records for an NFL game-worn jersey, including the previous record held by Joe Montana’s Super Bowl jersey, which sold for $1.2 million.
The iconic jersey was worn by Brady during the second half of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff defeat against the Dallas Cowboys on January 16, 2022. Despite falling short of the pre-auction estimates, which ranged from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, Brady’s jersey still commanded an impressive price.
The Sotheby’s auction took place amidst the excitement of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where the spotlight was not only on cars and racing collectibles, but also on this historic piece of football history. It was a fitting stage for the jersey of a legendary quarterback like Brady, who retired after an incredible 23 seasons in the NFL on February 1.
Brady’s final NFL appearance saw him throw for a remarkable 351 yards, making it the highest yardage by any player in their final playoff game. The significance of this jersey as the last one worn by Brady in his illustrious career surely played a role in the high demand and soaring price it garnered at the auction.
The size 44 Nike jersey, adorned with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ team emblem and captain’s patch, bore unmistakable signs of game play, including grass stains. It also featured Brady’s signature and the inscriptions “My Last Game” and “GOAT Out!”—a nod to his widely acknowledged status as the greatest of all time in football.
This was not the first time Brady’s jerseys attracted enormous attention at auction. Earlier this fall, his 700th career touchdown pass jersey achieved an extraordinary price of $1.2 million, with the proceeds benefiting charity. The sale of his final game-worn jersey at Sotheby’s only adds to the already impressive legacy of Brady’s football memorabilia.
While the details of the journey from Brady to the auction block remain undisclosed, Sotheby’s has confirmed that the provenance of the jersey was obtained privately before the auction. This mystery surrounding its origin and the anticipation of owning a piece of history likely added to the allure for passionate collectors eager to claim this iconic artifact.
As the hammer came down on the final bid, football fans and collectors alike were left in awe at Brady’s impact on the sport and the undeniable value that his memorabilia holds. This record-breaking sale at Sotheby’s only solidifies Brady’s status as an undisputed legend both on and off the field.
In conclusion, Tom Brady’s last game-worn jersey proved to be an extraordinary piece of sports history, shattering records and fetching an incredible price at Sotheby’s auction. The jersey’s connection to Brady’s final NFL appearance, its unique features, and its status as the ultimate symbol of his illustrious career undoubtedly contributed to its tremendous value. It serves as a testament to Brady’s unparalleled legacy and the lasting impact he has had on the sport of football.
