1998 Derek Loville Denver Broncos Super Bowl Championship Player Ring
(Player Provenance)
The Denver Broncos’ 1998 Super Bowl XXXIII Championship Ring: A Testament to Glory
A Legendary Season
The Denver Broncos’ journey to Super Bowl XXXIII is a tale of triumph and excellence. Following their victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII, the Broncos entered the 1998 NFL playoffs as a wild card team, boasting the league’s best offense. Their path to glory saw them conquer formidable opponents, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers, ultimately representing the AFC against the Atlanta Falcons.
In a game that showcased the Broncos’ prowess, the Falcons initially led, but a missed field goal by Morten Anderson opened the door for John Elway’s 80-yard touchdown pass to Rod Smith. The Broncos surged ahead, leading 31-6 at one point, and despite a spirited return by Tim Dwight, the Falcons could only manage one touchdown and two field goals from seven red-zone opportunities. Elway’s stellar performance, with 336 passing yards and two touchdowns, earned him the Super Bowl MVP honors in what would be the final game of his illustrious Hall of Fame career.
The Championship Ring: A Symbol of Excellence
This exquisite size 11.5, 14k gold player’s ring is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, weighing 71 grams with a total diamond weight of 5.00 carats. The top panel proudly reads “WORLD CHAMPIONS,” adorned with:
- Twenty round full-cut deep yellow diamonds
- Four trilliant-cut diamonds
- Two brilliant-cut pear-shaped diamonds
- Two marquise-cut diamonds
- Forty round full-cut diamonds
These elements form the two Broncos on the face of the ring, symbolizing the team’s back-to-back championships. The left panel features the player name “LOVILLE” above six bead-set diamonds on an engraved crown with the NFL shield and the Broncos’ 17-2 record from that season. The player number “31” and the year “1998” are engraved below.
A Legacy Etched in Gold
On the right panel, “DENVER BRONCOS” is inscribed above two marquise-cut diamonds, prong-set atop two Lombardi trophies. The final score, “BRONCOS 34 – FALCONS 19,” is cast into the panel above the Super Bowl XXXIII logo, with “BACK 2 BACK” engraved below. This ring is in MINT overall condition, accompanied by a letter from Loville stating, “This is the authentic Super Bowl 33 ring that I earned with the Denver Broncos. I played running back on that team.”
This remarkable piece of football memorabilia is not just a ring; it is a testament to the Denver Broncos’ indomitable spirit and a symbol of their historic achievements. For collectors and enthusiasts, this ring represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of NFL history, a tangible connection to a legendary team and its unforgettable season.
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* This text was generated from the original auction listing.