During an event at Harlem Parish on Tuesday night, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft demonstrated the enduring value he places on former quarterback Tom Brady. At Sotheby’s “Holy Grails” auction, Kraft purchased a 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket BGC card, which was graded 9.5 and autographed by the seven-time Super Bowl champion, for $120,000.
This particular card was one of four Brady cards auctioned off during the event, collectively selling for a total of $813,600. The auction marked the inaugural sale since Sotheby’s and Fanatics announced their partnership in June. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin noted that approximately 300 bidders attended the auction.
In a statement to FOX Business, Rubin highlighted the synergy between art and sports in the context of trading cards, likening them to a form of sports art. He praised the collaboration with Sotheby’s as a natural fit, aimed at merging the worlds of art collectors and sports enthusiasts.
A 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente Rookie Card PSA 9 emerged as the standout item, fetching $840,000 and becoming the most valuable card sold during the auction. Additionally, a Shohei Ohtani card set a record by selling for $336,000, the highest price ever achieved for a card of the player, who is a soon-to-be three-time MVP.
Despite previous tensions, Kraft and Brady appear to have reconciled since Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, following a 20-season tenure with the Patriots. The two, along with Patriots coach Bill Belichick, were seen together earlier this year during Brady’s induction into the team’s Hall of Fame. Throughout his career with New England, Brady secured six Super Bowl victories and five MVP Awards.
Fox News Digital continues to offer comprehensive sports coverage and invites readers to follow their updates on various platforms.