For those teams still in the running to land the NFL’s grandest prize, the Vince Lombardi trophy is almost within touching distance. It remains agonizingly out of reach for now, but a prestigious piece of silverware is there for somebody to snap up.
That particular trophy will fit nicely into a cabinet somewhere between Tampa Bay and Los Angeles, but is it the ultimate accessory that those involved in a keenly-contested fight to the finish want to get their hands on?
On Super Bowl Sunday, once all of the fireworks have been set off and a mountain of ticker tape is readied for recycling, many of those at the center of said celebrations will have spent the briefest of moments with an ultimate accolade in their hands.
The latest NFL betting odds from Betfair suggest that it is those within the ranks of the Green Bay Packers that stand the greatest chance of savoring such an occasion, as they top the market at +333, with the Kansas City Chiefs following closely behind at +350. Both franchises have been there and done it, with talismanic quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes knowing what it takes to deliver and the NFL predictions see them as pivotal to success.
The Divisional Round is set! #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/YgqeYHZoSk
— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2022
Both, though, have scaled those heights just once before and have only one ring apiece to show for their considerable efforts at the very highest level, although it should be noted that Mahomes is only 26-years-old, whereas, Rodgers is in the latter stages of his career.
With that in mind, and with Tom Brady boasting seven successes to his name, it is a certain piece of jewelry that has become the most sought-after of commodities for those competing at an elite level in American sport.
How much are rings worth?
It is worth noting that the NFL – which helps to fund the production of glittering mementos – says the average cost per team for 150 rings is $5 million. That puts each individual piece at around $33,333.
Jostens, a Minnesota-based company, has created the vast majority of rings currently in circulation, with their design, manufacturing and delivery process taking around four months.
They estimate the value of each of their products to sit somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000 – about the same as it cost to make the Lombardi Trophy – but much depends on who takes ownership of individual offerings.
We’ve got a really big team and they need some really big rings
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 23, 2021
For example, Lawrence Taylor sold one of his rings for over $230,000. Why was a possession of the former New York Giants linebacker worth so much? Because he is an all-time great and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
History and sentiment can also play a part in the value of a ring from each passing year. Former Packers Steve Wright and Fred Thurston once auctioned off their prizes from Super Bowls I and II and brought in $70,000 and $50,000 respectively, despite the items in question costing a fraction of that price to produce at the time they were handed out.
With all of that taken into account, value would appear to be in the eye of the beholder. For those that are fortunate enough to be measured up for a winners’ ring, one that has taken years of dedication to secure, the ultimate gift in football can be regarded as a priceless commodity.