The Super Bowl XLVII ring given to former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis was sold in an auction for more than $50,000 on Sunday.
Despite the fact that Lewis didn’t play for the 2012 NFL champions, owner Steve Bisciotti chose to award Super Bowl rings to members of the Ravens Ring of Honor that also included Jonathan Ogden, Peter Boulware, Michael McCrary, and Matt Stover at the time. The owner may now think twice about that decision after Lewis sold the ring to a pawn shop before it went to auction, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell.
The ring ultimately sold for $50,820 after 15 total bids facilitated by Goldin Auctions. It is made of solid 10K white gold and contains 3.75 carats worth of diamonds.
Though it clearly isn’t a good look for Lewis to publicly sell what was a gift from the Baltimore owner, the 35-year-old’s financial difficulties have been no secret after he filed for bankruptcy in 2012. It might also be a sign that awarding Super Bowl rings to former players with no direct ties to the organization may not be the best idea.
It’s noble to want to recognize members of the Ring of Honor, but Bisciotti likely didn’t anticipate his gift being turned around and sold in such a short period of time. On the flip side, unless it’s someone like Harry Swayne or O.J. Brigance who currently owns another title within the organization, it would be tough for a former player — especially one who already owns a Super Bowl ring from his playing days — to view the ring with any special feelings.
Lewis played with the Ravens from 2000-2006 and remains the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.
Former Ravens running back Lewis' Super Bowl XLVII ring auctioned off
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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