The 11-day-old Gulf War was first and foremost on the minds of America as Super Bowl XXV kicked off in Tampa on January 27, 1991. Whitney Houston’s stirring version of the national anthem had viewers in the stands and at home misty eyed. The halftime show by New Kids on the Block was preempted by a special report anchored by ABC’s Peter Jennings. It was an usual backdrop for pro football’s championship game, one that would come down to the final seconds.
The Buffalo Bills were a field goal away from winning their first title but Scott Norwood’s 47-yard try sailed wide and the New York Giants had escaped with a 20-19 win.
Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor was one of six future Hall of Famers on the field that day and now the mini version of the Vince Lombardi trophy he was given as a member of the winning team is heading to the auction block. It’ll be one of the featured items in Heritage Auctions’ upcoming Fall Platinum catalog.
The trophy is autographed by Taylor and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from him but he isn’t tjhe consignor. The trophy is inscribed, “Vince Lombardi Trophy, Super Bowl XXV Champions, The New York Football Giants.” A raised NFL emblem is in the center of that text. It’s the second time the trophy has been offered at auction this year.
Despite some wear, auction officials believe it will sell for at least $40,000. Taylor’s Super Bowl XXV ring sold for over $230,000 in 2012.
“Of all the Super Bowls that I won, I think that was the most enjoyable because it was something that wasn’t supposed to happen,” Taylor said recently of the Giants’ one-point victory. “But it happened.”
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