The Super Bowl ring is awarded in the NFL to each player on the winning team of that year’s championship game. While the Vince Lombardi Trophy only goes to the ownership, the Super Bowl ring is a way of honoring the actual players and team members. It is a unique memento that proves an individual was once a Super Bowl champion, and something that can never be taken away from them.
These rings are not only symbols of achievement but also pieces of intricate jewelry, typically crafted from yellow or white gold and adorned with diamonds. They feature the team name, logo, and the Super Bowl number expressed in Roman numerals. The NFL contributes between $5,000 to $7,000 per ring for up to 150 players and staff, with the team covering any additional costs.
The design of the rings often incorporates diamonds in the shape of the Vince Lombardi Trophy or footballs, as well as representations of the team logo. For franchises with multiple Super Bowl victories, the rings may feature diamonds or gold indicating the number of titles won. Nearly all player rings include the individual’s name and jersey number.
Determining the exact cost of a Super Bowl ring can be challenging due to the various factors involved, including manufacturing costs, the price charged to the team, the value of raw materials, and auction prices. Auctions have seen rings sold for as low as $30 to as high as $250,000.
While specific figures are hard to come by, available information suggests that modern Super Bowl rings cost a team approximately $30,000 to $50,000 each, with overall expenses for the team ranging from $5 million to $7 million. This cost is expected to continue to increase, reflecting both the rising price of materials and the growing intricacy and customization of the rings’ designs.
The decision on who receives a ring is made by the winning team and can include active or injured players, coaches, trainers, personnel, executives, and the entire coaching staff. Occasionally, teams may also award rings to former players who were not part of the winning roster.
Super Bowl rings are not just symbols of victory but also works of art that reflect the legacy and achievements of the teams and players who earn them. As the cost of these rings continues to rise, they remain a cherished and highly valuable piece of history for those who have reached the pinnacle of pro football success.