In June 1966, the NFL and AFL announced they were merging after six years of war. The immediate result was the creation on a title game between the two champions in 1966. For the Packers, a 1-point loss to the 49ers and a 3-point loss to the Vikings were the only thing that prevented them from a perfect season. Bart Starr was nearly flawless, completing 62 percent of his passes with only three interceptions, in being named NFL MVP. Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung began the final chapters of their storied careers. The defense ranked third in the league, giving up just 17 touchdowns all season. They sacked enemy quarterbacks 47 times and intercepted 28 passes in what may have been the finest season in Packer history.
The Packers launched the Super Bowl series by whipping the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 behind the passing of Bart Starr, the receiving of Max McGee and a key interception by All-Pro safety Willie Wood. Vince Lombardi's repeating NFL champions broke open the game with three second-half touchdowns. Starr completed 16 of 23 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns and was chosen the game's most valuable player. The Packers collected $15,000 per man and the Chiefs $7,500 apiece - the largest single-game shares in the history of team sports at the time.
Presented here is one of the most historic and coveted pieces of football jewelry known to collectors. Originally presented to Packer offensive lineman Steve Wright, this size 13.5, 14k gold players ring weighs 40 grams. The top panel reads “WORLD CHAMPIONS 1966 GREEN BAY PACKERS” surrounding a large 1-carat full-cut diamond on a white gold globe. The left panel displays two banners engraved with the final scores of the Conference Championship and Super Bowl I. The left banner reads “GREEN BAY 34 - DALLAS 27”, the right banner reads “GREEN BAY 35 - KANSAS CITY 10”. Below that is the NFL shield in relief that incorporates the AFL logo and a relief of a crown with “HARMONY, COURAGE, VALOR” engraved. The right panel displays a banner engraved with the player name “WRIGHT” above a rendering of a Packers helmet with “1965-1966” engraved. Below that is a cast relief a football with Wright’s player number “72”. The inside of the ring is stamped by the manufacturer “JOSTENS 14K”. The ring shows minimal wear and comes in its original wooden presentation box. The presentation box has a plaque which reads “DESIGNED EXPRESSLY FOR STEVE WRIGHT - GREEN BAY PACKERS WORLD FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 1966”. To our knowledge, this is the only original Super Bowl I players ring ever offered publicly.
The ring is accompanied by a LOA from Steve Wright.