Jason Oppenheim Acquires John Riggins' Super Bowl XVII Jersey and Ring

Jason Oppenheim, a prominent real estate broker and star of Netflix's "Selling Sunset," recently made headlines by purchasing John Riggins' game-worn jersey from Super Bowl XVII for $470,000 and the Hall of Fame running back's Super Bowl ring for $105,750. The auction, conducted by Hunt Auctions, took place during the 18th Super Bowl Live Auction. The jersey is particularly significant as it was worn by Riggins during a pivotal moment in the game, where he scored a 43-yard touchdown that helped secure Washington's first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

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Growing up in Northern California, Oppenheim adopted the Washington team as his favorite due to his affinity for the color burgundy. He has been a dedicated fan since childhood, despite the team's struggles, including not winning a Super Bowl since the 1991 season. Oppenheim regularly attends games and has participated in team events, such as a practice session and a jersey retirement ceremony for Hall of Fame receiver Art Monk. His passion for the team fueled his determination to acquire Riggins' memorabilia, which he considers a vital part of his childhood.

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Oppenheim's bidding strategy during the auction was aggressive. Initially, the jersey was estimated to sell for around $200,000, but as the bids escalated, Oppenheim placed a bid of $350,000 to assert his commitment. After a competing bid of $360,000, he raised his offer to $400,000, ultimately securing the jersey. He expressed surprise at the competitive nature of the bidding, believing he was contending against team ownership rather than fellow fans.

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Oppenheim has expressed a desire to ensure that Riggins' jersey and ring are accessible to fans rather than being hoarded as private investments. He has communicated with the Washington team about displaying the items for public viewing, stating, "I don't feel I own these things; I feel they're owned by the fans." He views his role as a custodian of this significant memorabilia, emphasizing the importance of sharing it with the fan base.

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• “For people like me who grew up idolizing Riggins, that 70-chip play is the most important single play in the history of the franchise,” — Jason Oppenheim

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• “I wanted to make sure these items were not controlled by someone who would hoard them, keep them from the fan base and have it as some type of investment opportunity,” — Jason Oppenheim

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Oppenheim's acquisition of John Riggins' jersey and Super Bowl ring not only fulfills a personal dream but also reinforces his commitment to the Washington fan community, ensuring that these iconic pieces of sports history are shared and celebrated.

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