The Lombardi Trophy is produced by Tiffany & Co., the renowned jeweler famous for its luxury goods and fine craftsmanship. Here’s a closer look at the process:
- Material: The trophy is made of sterling silver, a precious metal known for its durability and brilliance.
- Design: Standing 22 inches tall and weighing about 7 pounds, the trophy features a football in a kicking position atop a three-sided stand.
- Craftsmanship: It takes four months and over 72 hours of labor by skilled artisans to complete each trophy.
- Engraving: After the Super Bowl, the winning team’s name is engraved onto the trophy, making it a cherished keepsake for the victors.
The cost of producing the Vince Lombardi Trophy is approximately $50,000. While this figure might seem steep, it reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials used in its creation. The trophy is handcrafted each year, ensuring that every iteration is as flawless and unique as the teams battling for it.
Although the essence of football has been practiced in the United States since 1869, the first Super Bowl trophy was awarded almost 100 years later, in 1967, when the Green Bay Packers, led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I. The Packers repeated the feat the following year against the Oakland Raiders, ending the era of Lombardi’s Packers and their quarterback Bart Starr
At that time, the cup was called: ‘World Professional Football Championship Trophy’ but, as a recognition to this team, which dominated the old NFL before the Super Bowl era and also became the first two-time champion of this new era, the new NFL decided to honor the legendary coach by giving his name to the trophy, who died of cancer at the age of 57, in late 1970
Therefore, the Lombardi Trophy was formally presented for the first time to the Baltimore Colts in their victory in Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys
The manufacture and delivery of the NFL champion’s trophy follows a very strict protocol during the presentation ceremony after the Super Bowl. You can read more on the link above.
Each year, only one official Lombardi Trophy is created for the winning Super Bowl team, which remains in their possession permanently.
The players receive smaller replicas along with Super Bowl rings. Unlike the Stanley Cup, which is engraved and passed around annually, a new Lombardi Trophy is made each season
