The Super Bowl ring is one of the most coveted prizes in all of sports. This iconic jewelry symbolizes the dedication and triumph required to win it all. But out of the team staff, players, and personnel, who actually gets to take home these diamond-encrusted rings?
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Players, coaches, executives, and staff who were employed by the Super Bowl-winning team at some point during that season all generally receive rings.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the full list of who gets rewarded with Super Bowl rings and the rules behind the meaningful tradition.
Background on the Super Bowl Ring Tradition
The Super Bowl ring tradition is one of the most cherished and iconic traditions in American sports. It symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement for players, coaches, and staff members who have contributed to a team’s victory in the Super Bowl.
Let’s delve into the origins and history, design and value, and the significance of receiving a Super Bowl ring.
Origins and History
The tradition of awarding Super Bowl rings dates back to the very first Super Bowl in 1967. The Green Bay Packers, led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, were the first recipients of these iconic rings. Since then, every winning team has continued the tradition, creating a legacy of champions.
Over the years, Super Bowl rings have evolved in terms of design and materials. Originally, the rings were made of gold with a single diamond, symbolizing the championship victory. However, as the popularity and prestige of the Super Bowl grew, so did the design and value of the rings.
Design and Value
Today, Super Bowl rings are exquisite pieces of jewelry that showcase the team’s logo, the Super Bowl number, and other intricate details. The rings are custom-made for each player, coach, and staff member, ensuring a personalized memento of their championship victory.
The value of Super Bowl rings varies depending on various factors, including the materials used, the size and quality of the diamonds, and the historical significance of the team’s victory. Some rings have been known to fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars in auctions, making them highly coveted collector’s items.
Significance of Receiving a Ring
Receiving a Super Bowl ring is a tremendous honor and a symbol of excellence in the world of professional football. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. For players, coaches, and staff members, wearing the Super Bowl ring is a constant reminder of their remarkable achievement and the camaraderie built within the team.
Not only does the Super Bowl ring hold sentimental value, but it also opens doors to various opportunities. It serves as a badge of honor, enhancing the recipient’s reputation and providing a sense of pride and accomplishment.
It is a tangible reminder of their place in football history, forever etched in the annals of the game.
Rules for Awarding Super Bowl Rings
All Players and Coaches
When it comes to awarding Super Bowl rings, all players and coaches on the winning team are guaranteed to receive a ring. These rings serve as a symbol of their achievement and are a cherished memento of their victory.
Each player and coach, from the star quarterback to the assistant trainers, plays a crucial role in the team’s success and is recognized with a ring.
Front Office Executives
In addition to the players and coaches, front office executives also receive Super Bowl rings. These individuals, who work behind the scenes to make crucial decisions and shape the team’s strategy, play a significant role in the team’s success.
They are rewarded with a ring to commemorate their contributions to the organization’s victory.
Team Staff and Personnel
The Super Bowl victory is not just about the players and coaches. It takes a dedicated team of staff and personnel to ensure that everything runs smoothly, both on and off the field. From equipment managers to trainers to the kitchen staff, everyone’s efforts contribute to the team’s success.
Therefore, it has become a tradition to award Super Bowl rings to these hardworking individuals as well.
Notable Exceptions
While the majority of individuals associated with the winning team receive Super Bowl rings, there are some notable exceptions. For example, players who were released or traded before the Super Bowl may not receive a ring.
Additionally, individuals who were only with the team for a short period or were not officially part of the organization during the championship season may be excluded from receiving a ring.
It’s important to note that the specific rules for awarding Super Bowl rings can vary slightly from team to team. Each organization has its own criteria and policies regarding who is eligible to receive a ring.
However, in general, the rings are meant to recognize the collective efforts of all those involved in achieving the ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.
Other People Who May Get Rings
Injured Reserve Players
While injured reserve players are not able to participate in the Super Bowl on the field, they still play a vital role in the team’s success. These players often spend countless hours rehabilitating and supporting their teammates throughout the season.
As a token of appreciation, teams may choose to award injured reserve players with Super Bowl rings. This gesture recognizes their dedication and contributions to the team’s journey, even if they weren’t able to physically compete in the big game.
It’s a heartwarming tradition that acknowledges the importance of every member of the team, regardless of their playing status.
Practice Squad Players
The practice squad is made up of players who are not part of the active roster but train and practice with the team. These players often play the role of opponents during practice sessions, helping the starters prepare for upcoming games.
Although they may not get the opportunity to take the field during the Super Bowl, practice squad players are still an integral part of the team’s success. Some teams choose to include practice squad players in the Super Bowl ring tradition as a way to recognize their hard work and commitment.
It’s a gesture that highlights the team’s unity and the shared journey towards victory.
Family Members
The NFL understands the importance of family support in the players’ lives, and Super Bowl rings are not only limited to the athletes themselves. Players often have the option to purchase additional rings for their family members, including spouses, children, and parents, as a way of acknowledging their unwavering support and sacrifices.
These rings serve as a symbol of the shared accomplishment and the bond between the player and their loved ones. It’s a touching tradition that allows players to express gratitude to those who have been with them every step of the way.
The Privilege of Owning a Super Bowl Ring
Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate achievement for any NFL player and team. It represents the culmination of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. One of the most coveted symbols of this victory is the Super Bowl ring.
Only a select few individuals have the privilege of owning one, making it a highly esteemed piece of jewelry in the sports world.
The History and Design
The tradition of awarding Super Bowl rings began in 1967 when the Green Bay Packers won the first-ever Super Bowl. The rings serve as a tangible reminder of the team’s accomplishment and are custom-made for each player, coach, and staff member.
These rings are often adorned with diamonds, showcasing the team’s logo and the Super Bowl number.
Over the years, the design of the Super Bowl rings has evolved to reflect the changing trends and styles. Each ring is unique and serves as a representation of that particular team’s journey to victory.
The rings are crafted by renowned jewelers and are often considered works of art in their own right.
Who Receives a Super Bowl Ring?
Super Bowl rings are not limited to just the players. While the players are the main recipients, coaches, team staff, and even the team’s owner may also receive a ring. The exact distribution of rings is determined by the team’s management and varies from organization to organization.
Typically, all the players on the winning team’s active roster, injured reserve list, and practice squad members receive a Super Bowl ring. Coaches, trainers, and other members of the coaching staff also receive rings as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the team’s success.
Additionally, the team’s owner may choose to gift rings to other individuals who played a significant role in the organization’s journey to the Super Bowl victory.
A Symbol of Pride and Accomplishment
Owning a Super Bowl ring is not just about flaunting a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of immense pride and accomplishment. It represents the countless hours of practice, the sacrifices made, and the camaraderie built within the team.
It serves as a constant reminder of the hard work and dedication that went into achieving the ultimate goal.
For players, coaches, and staff members, the Super Bowl ring holds a special place in their hearts. It is a testament to their skill, perseverance, and ability to perform under pressure. It is a tangible representation of their place in NFL history and the legacy they leave behind.
So, the next time you see an NFL superstar showing off their Super Bowl ring, remember the journey they took to earn that privilege. It represents not just a victory on the field, but a lifetime of memories and an everlasting bond with their teammates.
Notable Super Bowl Ring Stories
The Super Bowl ring is one of the most coveted prizes in all of sports. For the lucky players and coaches who earn one, it represents the pinnacle of professional achievement. Over the years, there have been many notable stories surrounding the iconic Super Bowl rings.
The Missing Rings
After the New England Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, team owner Robert Kraft designed rings containing 205 diamonds to commemorate the team’s 205 total wins from 2001-2014. But when the rings were distributed, quarterback Tom Brady noticed his ring was missing.
It turned out the rings given to Brady and two other Patriots had been stolen by a former team employee. Thankfully, the FBI recovered the rings just two months later.
The Costly Upgrades
Super Bowl rings keep getting bigger and more expensive. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ ring for Super Bowl XIII in 1979 contained just a single diamond. But the New England Patriots spent a whopping $36,500 per ring for their Super Bowl LI win in 2017.
The rings featured 283 diamonds as a tribute to the team’s amazing 28-3 comeback victory. As Super Bowl rings continue to grow more elaborate, the costs are sure to keep increasing.
The Special Inscriptions
Many players opt to customize their Super Bowl rings with special engraved messages. After the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII, running back Marshawn Lynch inscribed his ring with “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” – referring to his avoidance of the media.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady went with “We are all Patriots” after Super Bowl LI, honoring the team effort. These personalized inscriptions add meaning and make each ring unique.
The Unusual Designs
Some teams have gotten creative with their Super Bowl ring designs. The Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl XLV ring from 2011 contained four concave diamonds to represent the four franchise titles. The Baltimore Ravens’ ring for Super Bowl XLVII was shaped like the Ravens’ logo, with purple gemstones and gold feathers.
And the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2018 ring has the score 22-12 engraved on the bezel – immortalizing their upset win over the Patriots.
No matter the cost or design, the Super Bowl ring remains a coveted symbol of football excellence. The stories behind each unique ring just add to the lore and tradition of the NFL’s greatest prize.
Conclusion
In the end, ownership of a coveted Super Bowl ring comes down to more than just being on the right team at the right time. It represents months of hard work and dedication from players, coaches, staff, and executives alike.
The tradition rewards all those who played a part in accomplishing the ultimate goal.
