Super Bowl XXI matched the Denver Broncos against the New York Giants. The Broncos were led by John Elway and boasted the toughest defense in the AFC. The Giants lost just two games during the regular season and allowed their opponents but three points in the playoffs. With Phil Simms throwing the ball, the Giants looked like the better team. However, Denver jumped out ahead in the first quarter. The Giants methodically chipped away at the Bronco’s lead and by halftime it was 10-9 Denver.

     In the second half, the Giants came alive, scoring 30 points and beating the Broncos 30-20. Simms threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns and came away as the Super Bowl MVP while setting a Super Bowl record in completion percentage going 22-25. This stunning trophy, officially known as the “Lombardi Award”, was awarded to Giants owner Tim Mara. The Mara’s have been involved in the Football Giants since the club was founded by Timothy J. Mara (Tim Mara’s grandfather) in 1925. Mara’s owner’s version of the Lombardi Trophy consists of an almost full-size football placed on a tapered pedestal. Plated in silver, the trophy weights 6 lbs, 6 oz and is 16 inches tall. There are some condition issues with this piece. The weld securing the football to the base has come loose on the left side and the silver plating shows much tarnishing from age and damage from an attempted cleaning. Additionally, there is surface wear and scuffs from display and storage. Much of these conditions, especially the tarnish are cosmetic fixes and can be remedied by having the trophy re-plated. Upon Tim Mara’s death in 1995, the trophy passed to his best friend, a Catholic priest. The trophy comes with an LOA signed by Thomas Hannan which relates the provenance of this piece.

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