Super Bowl Ring History: Championship Rings from Every Super Bowl

The Super Bowl championship ring is the ultimate symbol of NFL achievement. From the relatively modest rings of the 1960s to the modern jewel-encrusted masterpieces that can cost over $50,000 each, the rings have grown more elaborate with each passing decade. Here is the complete history of Super Bowl rings, including who gets one, how much they are worth, and the most notable designs in championship history.

Notable Super Bowl Championship Rings

Who Gets a Super Bowl Ring?

Every member of the winning Super Bowl team's roster receives a championship ring, but that is just the beginning. The NFL requires winning teams to provide rings to all players on the active roster, injured reserve, and practice squad at the time of the Super Bowl. Coaches, assistant coaches, team executives, scouts, and front office staff also receive rings.

The number of rings produced per championship typically ranges from 150 to 200. Teams have become increasingly generous in recent years, with some organizations like the New England Patriots producing over 200 rings for staff at all levels, including equipment managers, trainers, and administrative personnel.

There is no requirement for players to actually wear the ring or keep it in their possession. Many championship rings have been sold at auction over the years, either by players seeking funds or by estates of former players. A Super Bowl ring sold at auction typically commands significant premiums above its face value due to the collectibility and historical significance.

How Much Are Super Bowl Rings Worth?

The cost of Super Bowl rings has escalated dramatically over the decades. The first rings from the 1960s cost roughly $1,000 to produce and were relatively simple gold bands with small gemstones. By the 1980s and 1990s, ring costs had risen to $5,000–$15,000 per ring. Modern rings regularly cost $25,000–$50,000 or more to produce.

At auction, championship rings have sold for far above their production cost. In 2023, a Super Bowl ring belonging to a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears sold for over $200,000. Rings belonging to celebrated players or especially iconic teams command the highest prices on the secondary market.

The Most Expensive Super Bowl Ring Ever Made

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV ring (2021) is widely considered the most elaborate and expensive championship ring in NFL history. The ring featured a record-setting 319 diamonds totaling approximately 15 carats, set in 14-karat white gold with yellow gold accents. Each ring was custom-personalized for the recipient and reportedly cost over $50,000 to produce.

Tom Brady's personal ring was reportedly even more elaborate than the standard championship ring, with custom design elements reflecting his seven Super Bowl championships. The ring was created by Jostens, the same company that has produced championship rings for the NFL, NBA, and MLB for decades.

What Happens to Losing Team Rings?

The losing Super Bowl team does not receive championship rings. Instead, the NFC and AFC Championship rings (sometimes called "conference championship rings") are awarded to both conference champions — including the Super Bowl loser — before the game. These rings are typically less elaborate than the Super Bowl ring but are still significant pieces of jewelry.

Some players who have lost the Super Bowl multiple times have spoken about the emotional experience of receiving a conference championship ring in lieu of the ultimate prize. The Buffalo Bills, who lost four consecutive Super Bowls (1991–1994), hold the dubious distinction of having the most conference championship rings without a Super Bowl ring.