Describing an NFL middle linebacker from the 1960s as “tough” is as redundant as calling one from the current era “athletic.” Yet, the late, great Ray Nitschke stood out like a man among boys during his 15-year run in Green Bay (1958-72), personifying the Lombardi Packers ethos of discipline, focus and ferocity that remains unmatched in league history. Grainy black-and-white images of a battered and bleeding Nitschke hovering menacingly over an even-more-battered and bleeding halfback came to immortalize him as the inspirational leader of one of the greatest defenses ever assembled. The first-ballot Hall of Famer played a central role in all five championships during Coach Lombardi’s legendary run, culminating with back-to-back titles to begin the Super Bowl era.

Presented here is Nitschke’s very own 1967 NFL World Championship ring he received following Super Bowl II when the Packers pounded the Oakland Raiders, 33-14, adding another exclamation point to the widely held belief that the fledgling AFL was not yet the equal of its elder counterpart. The Jostens ring made of 14-karat gold features one full-carat diamond and two half-carat diamonds set in a football shaped tourmaline on the face, with “Green Bay Packers” and “World Champions” above and below. “Nitschke” is engraved on one shank atop “NFL - AFL” and a crown with his No. 66 above a globe and the words “Run to Win.” On the other shank are the scores of the NFL Championship and Super Bowl games, along with a Packers helmet on an emblem with pennants representing the team’s NFL titles and the word “Challenge.” A football treasure for the ages, Nitschke’s size 14.5 ring (50 g) is wonderfully preserved in near-pristine condition. Includes LOA from the Nitschke family.