Winter Auction 2015 closing February 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2015
The Patriots roared into the playoffs on a 16-0 undefeated season. Little did the rest of the NFL know that the Pats may have been given a little extra help by an intern named Matt Estrella. Estrella was caught filming the Jets defensive coaches, the whole affair dubbed "Spygate". When all was said and done Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 and the franchise was hit with a $250,000 penalty. After New England's defeat in Super Bowl XLII, Estrella's contributions to the team were recognized with not a front-office model ring, but a full-sized diamond encrusted player's version. The size 9 solid 10K gold ring weights 45.02 grams features the New England Patriot mascot mounted on a football filled with 19 real diamonds then surrounded by an additional ring of 36 diamonds. "NEW ENGLAND" and "PATRIOTS" encircles the top. The sides are further ringed by 38 diamonds. The shank has "ESTRELLA" above a ribbon proclaiming "PERFECT SEASON" "16-0" and a Patriots helmet in relief. A football and "2007" complete this side. The opposite shank features a ribbon with "AFC CHAMPIONS" above a crown and Super Bowl XLII logo in relief. The final score of "18-1" is engraved below. The ring carries the proper Jostens markings and is the exact shape, size and style of the player's version of this ring. The original 5" x "6" x 4" high-gloss wooden presentation box lined with Patriots logo on top and velvet interior is included. The ring comes with a Letter of Authenticity from the "video guy" himself, Matt Estrella. With all of the media attention about deflated footballs, this is truly a historic piece dating back to the 2007 when 'spygate' became a hot topic for football fans.