Auction Item Details
Lot 371
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Lot Number: 371
Description: Important 1967 Johnny Unitas NFL Most Valuable Player award - The "Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy." Imposing presentational trophy stands a full 34" tall with life sized figural football at the top. A placard on the base front reads, "John Unitas, Professional Football Player of The Year, 1967, Selected by Newspaper Enterprise Association, The Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy." The honor was bestowed upon Unitas for his performance during the 1967 season in which he lead Colts to an 11-1-2 record passing for (3,428) yards and (20) touchdowns. It was his 12th season in Baltimore and he was by then well established as one of the most dominant forces in the NFL having lead them to a pair of League Championships. He would spend another half a dozen years playing professionally and in total won (3) NFL Championships and Super Bowl V. He was named First-team All-Pro (5) times, earned (10) Pro-Bowl selections, lead the NFL in passing and touchdowns (4) times, and by the time of retirement had earned a host of other accomplishments and accolades. The 1967 season marked his third time being named Most Valuable Player by the Associated Press and the second time the NEA had selected him for the distinction. Selection by either or both of these bodies was considered the highest tribute afforded to an NFL player at the time. The trophy is a magnificent display piece being visually imposing with only some limited wear in the form of a few scuffs/scrapes and a touch of light tarnish. Without question it ranks among the most important pieces of its' type to have entered the market with regard to the elite status of Unitas within the history of the National Football League. Includes letter of provenance from the Unitas Family: EX-EX/MTEstimated Price Range: ($25,000-$50,000)
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