Winter 2014 Auction Closing Feb 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2014
It was "The Greatest Game Ever Played." And not only for the NFL Championship won by the Baltimore Colts, and not only because the game was won in overtime, the first such overtime playoff game in league history. No, this game was significant as it was on NBC television, helping push the sport of professional football into the mainstream, much closer to the National Pastime, leading the sport to where it is today. It was also the famous "2-minute drive" late in the 4th quarter by the great Johnny Unitas, long before drives were known as such. One player on that great Colts team was rookie cornerback Lenny Lyles, who was so proud of this game and his team, that he wore this ring EVERYWHERE he went. That is why this ring has been worn down, because the love Lyle had for the game of football, but especially this particular Championship game. This 14K solid gold ring features a single diamond on top. A single diamond...so simple, similar to how the game of football was played back then, when quarterbacks called their own games, players tackled the correct way and "roughing the passer" was only called when a body part was broken. The perimeter has "BALTIMORE COLTS WORLD CHAMPIONS" with the Colts horseshoe insignia and the year "1958". Inside the ring is engraved "Leonard Lyles #26" and "14K LGB." This ring was obtained by our consignor directly from the Lyles family, with paperwork regarding this transaction included. Despite the well worn condition, this ring is extremely significant as it ushered in the modern NFL, which continues to grow year after year. Grades Very Good overall condition.