Auctions
John Riggins, Joe Jacoby Redskins memorabilia headlines Super Bowl Live Auction
As a kid, John Riggins loved football more than almost anything, but he had no visions of one day playing in the NFL.
“When I first started playing football at the park half a block from our house, or across the street on the school lawn, there were no fans and no thoughts of the future. It was just a game,” the Pro Football Hall of Famer said. “In high school, I wasn’t sure I’d even make the team. My first year of college felt the same. And when I arrived in New York in August of 1971 as the sixth pick overall, I knew I was out of my league. I mean—Joe Namath.”
Riggins, of course, was not out of his league. Not by a long shot.
In five seasons with the Jets, Riggins rushed for more than 3,800 yards and 25 touchdowns. He then spent nine seasons in Washington, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards four times and helped lead the Redskins to two Super Bowls.
Related Content:
Riggins, a punishing runner and a popular fan favorite, finished his career with over 13,000 yards rushing and 100 touchdowns. He was the Super Bowl MVP in 1983, when he led the Redskins over the Vikings.
Years later, Riggins is sharing historic memorabilia from his career with fans and collectors. The John Riggins Collection headlines the 18th annual Super Bowl Live Auction by Hunt Auctions and National Football League (NFL) Auction ahead of Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.
“There came a moment when I realized I belonged, and like any competitor, I wanted to be the greatest of all time. But over fourteen seasons, my motivation changed,” Riggins said through Hunt Auctions “It became clear to me the higher order was giving fans the chance to dream of championships and to create lifetime memories for them.
“A well-known player once said he’d play even if there were no fans because he loved football so much. For me, without the fans, there was no football. You gave me something far greater than anything memorabilia can represent. Knowing my teammates and I helped create moments you’ll always remember is the only legacy I need. Now, it feels right to pass these keepsakes along to the people who made them matter in the first place. My hope is you carry them forward and the next owner enjoys them as much as I have.”
The Feb. 7 auction features over 700 football related items. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL Auction related charities.
“Each year, the Super Bowl Live Auction draws interest from bidders in this country and abroad,” said David Hunt, President, Hunt Auctions. “The annual auction has previously featured an amazing roster of important football artifacts from some of the greatest players in the history of the game. We are always pleased to present this highly anticipated event which annually generates an important related donation to the wonderful charities of the NFL Auction program.”
Highlights of the Riggins collection includes:
• Super Bowl XVII game-worn jersey (MeiGray photomatch). (Estimated Value: $100,000-$200,000)
• Super Bowl XVII Championship ring ($75,000-$150,000)
• 1983 NFC Championship ring ($25,000-$50,000)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction ring ($10,000-$20,000)
• New York Jets professional model jersey, circa 1970s ($7,500-$15,000)
• Wristwatch by Patek Philippe, circa 1970s ($15,000-$25,000)
Also highlighting the auction is the personal collection of one of Riggins’ Washington teammates. Joe Jacoby was a four-time Pro Bowler for the Redskins’ vaunted “Hogs” offensive line. In 12 years in the NFL, Jacoby, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, helped lead the Redskins to three Super Bowl championships during the 1980s and ’90s.
“I was blessed during my time in the NFL to play with and for an amazing group of teammates and fans during my time in Washington,” Jacoby said through Hunt Auctions. “Those memories will always be something I will cherish and especially all of the support my fans have given me during and after my career. I am so pleased to be able to share these items with those very same fans who cheered for me every Sunday through thick and thin. To present these items at the Super Bowl venue brings me great honor.”
Part of the proceeds from Jacoby’s collection will benefit the American Parkinson’s Foundation of Virginia and NFL Auction charities.
Jacoby’s collection includes:
• Super Bowl XVII professional model jersey ($5,000-$10,000)
• Super Bowl XVIII professional model jersey ($5,000-$10,000)
• Super Bowl XXII professional model jersey ($5,000-$10,000)
• Washington Redskins professional model helmet ($2,000-$4,000)
The auction also features the Golden State Gridiron Collection, an archive of vintage NFL game-used equipment and jerseys from the 1970-90s.
Highlights include:
• Roger Staubach Dallas Cowboys professional model jersey ($15,000-$25,000)
• Tony Dorsett Dallas Cowboys professional model helmet c. 1979-80 ($5,000-$7,500)
• 1984 Andre Tippett New England Patriots professional model jersey ($5,000-$7,500)
• Steve Young San Francisco 49ers 1990 NFC Championship Game jersey (MeiGray photomatch) ($10,000-$20,000)
Other auction highlights:
• Joe Namath New York Jets professional model jersey c.1970-71 (Est. $15,000-$30,000)
• 1969 Bart Starr Green Bay Packers professional model jersey (Est. $20,000-$40,000)
• 1973 Frank Tarkenton Minnesota Vikings professional model jersey ($10,000-$15,000)
• Brian Piccolo Chicago Bears professional model jersey c. 1966-68 ($7,500-$15,000)
• 2005 Brian Urlacher “The Bus Game” Chicago Bears game worn jersey (MeiGray) ($15,000-$30,000)
The live auction will take place at the Super Bowl Experience at 11:30 a.m. PT on Feb. 7 with previews available between Feb. 3-7 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Tickets for Super Bowl Experience are available at nfl.com/super-bowl/
You Also Might Like:
