Amidst the high-stakes action, celebrity attendees, electrifying halftime performances, the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy, and the iconic Gatorade shower, one element of the Super Bowl often flies under the radar—the championship rings. These dazzling pieces of jewelry hold immense significance and a rich history of their own. From who gets them to their jaw-dropping value, here are 12 fascinating facts about Super Bowl rings that you may not have known.
1. The First Super Bowl Rings Were Awarded in 1966
The tradition of Super Bowl rings began with the Green Bay Packers in 1966. Designed by legendary head coach Vince Lombardi, alongside Willie Davis and Bob Skoronski, the inaugural rings featured a 0.5-carat diamond set in white gold, marking the beginning of an enduring NFL legacy.
2. Rings Are Given to More Than Just Players
Super Bowl rings are not exclusive to the players. They are also awarded to coaches, team executives, trainers, and other essential staff members. On occasion, cheerleaders and even family members of players receive rings as part of the team’s broader recognition.
3. Even the Losing Team Gets Rings
While the ultimate glory goes to the Super Bowl champions, the losing team doesn’t walk away empty-handed. They receive rings that commemorate their American Football Conference (AFC) or National Football Conference (NFC) championship win—though these rings are far less extravagant than those of the victors.
4. The Rings Are Permanent Keepsakes
Unlike the FIFA World Cup trophy, which is returned after each tournament, Super Bowl rings belong permanently to their recipients. Many choose to keep them as cherished memorabilia, while others have auctioned them for significant sums.
5. Each Super Bowl Ring Has a Unique Design
Every year, the winning team collaborates with jewelry designers to create a custom ring reflecting their journey. Common features include the team’s logo, the words "World Champions," and an image of the Lombardi Trophy, often incorporating elements that represent the franchise’s history and achievements.
6. The Steelers and Patriots Lead in Super Bowl Rings
When it comes to team achievements, the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers hold the record with six Super Bowl victories each. Individually, quarterback Tom Brady stands alone with seven rings—five of which also bear the MVP distinction.
7. The NFL Covers a Portion of the Cost
The NFL contributes approximately $750,000 for the production of up to 150 rings per championship team, averaging around $5,000 per ring. However, since modern designs exceed this value, teams must pay the additional cost themselves.
8. Jostens Has Designed the Majority of Super Bowl Rings
Jostens, a well-known brand in sports memorabilia and class rings, has designed 38 of the 58 Super Bowl rings to date. Other notable contributors include Tiffany & Co., which designed rings for teams such as the 1987 Washington Redskins and the 2014 Seattle Seahawks.
9. The Rings Take About Four Months to Make
The journey from winning the game to receiving the rings takes approximately four months. The process includes selecting a jeweler, finalizing the design, and crafting the rings, which typically takes between four to six weeks once production begins. Recipients usually receive their rings by June.
10. The Super Bowl MVP Gets a Special Ring
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Super Bowl, typically the winning team’s quarterback, receives a unique ring customized with their name, jersey number, and the letters "MVP." This adds an extra layer of distinction to an already legendary achievement.
As the next Super Bowl approaches, keep an eye out for the post-game moment when players, coaches, and staff receive their hard-earned, glittering symbols of victory. These rings encapsulate years of dedication, strategy, and sheer passion for the sport.