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The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a much-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 event, a collaborative effort between Hunt Auctions and the NFL, promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

This year, the auction will showcase over 1,000 football-related items, culminating in a live auction event on Saturday, February 10th, just before the much-awaited Super Bowl LVIII. Among these items, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the celebrated late Hall of Fame quarterback who passed away in 2002 at the age of 69.

Unitas, a remarkable figure in football history, 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 Steelers' team, leading to his signing with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. After overcoming initial challenges, he established himself as one of the preeminent players of the 1950s and 1960s.

Among the standout items from Unitas' collection is his personal copy of his 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. Known as “The Golden Arm,” Unitas was instrumental in leading the Colts to the NFL Championship in 1958, a game famously dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This landmark victory, an overtime triumph broadcast nationally, significantly boosted the NFL's popularity in the 1960s.

A prime item in the auction is Unitas' 14k gold 1958 championship ring, anticipated to fetch between $100,000 and $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 another highlight of the auction.

The items from Unitas' career, offered publicly for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL Auction Charities. The family has noted that not all items from his career are being sold, with some previously donated for public display.

Highlights from the Johnny Unitas Collection include professional model high-top cleats from the 1970s (estimated at $15,000-$30,000), his 1979 Football Hall of Fame Induction ring (estimated at $25,000-$50,000), an autographed Baltimore Colts professional model helmet from the late 1960s-early 1970s (estimated at $25,000-$50,000), his 1967 NFL Most Valuable Player award: the Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy (estimated at $25,000-$50,000), the 1964 Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player Award (estimated at $1,500-$3,000), and a Rolex wristwatch (estimated at $5,000-$10,000).

In addition to 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. Selected third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft from USC, Muñoz had a profound impact on the Bengals and is regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history. His collection includes his December 27, 1992, final game uniform (estimated at $5,000-$10,000), a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s (estimated at $5,000-$10,000), and more.

The auction also includes 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 on September 7, 2014. This jersey, photo-matched by MeiGray and carrying an estimate of $250,000 to $500,000, is considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys to have entered the market.

Other notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey (estimated at $20,000-$30,000), Lamar Jackson's autographed 2018 rookie year game-worn cleats (estimated at $7,500-$15,000), and more. NFL Auction has also provided items with proceeds awarded to the league's nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey (estimated at $15,000-$30,000) 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 7-10, with tickets required for entrance. Hunt Auctions experts will offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia during these hours. This auction not only offers a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a notable event in the sports community.