The History of the Ring

There is no arguing that an epic fantasy football championship ring in a custom engraved glass display is an impressive sight to behold, but what is the story behind the ring? Let’s take a look.

The four most well known championship rings in North American professional sports are the NFL’s Super Bowl ring, the NBA Championship ring, MLB’s World Series ring, and the NHL’s Stanley Cup ring. While the traditions and history of each of these rings varies slightly, the purpose remains the same. Since only one championship trophy is awarded by the league to the winning team, championship rings are distributed as a collectible memento for the individual players and officials to keep for themselves to symbolize the victory.

The championship ring has its first roots in Major League Baseball. Prior to the 1922 World Series, players on the World Series winning team were given keepsakes, such as a pin or pocket-watch. The first World Series ring was given to the members of the New York Giants following their victory in the 1922 World Series over the New York Yankees. Rings became an annual tradition in the 1930s, as every World Series winning team has given rings to its players since 1932.

In regards to the NFL Super Bowl ring, arguably the most well-known championship ring, the tradition started after the first Super Bowl in 1967 when the Green Bay Packers were crowned champions. Ever since, winning teams have tried to one-up their predecessor which leads us to the extravagance seen in today’s styles. The NFL pays for the cost of 150 rings to the winning team. The winning team can typically present rings to whomever they choose, including usually, but not limited to: players (active roster or injured), coaches, trainers, executives, personnel, and general staff. In 2015 (for the New England Patriots), it was reported that each ring cost $36,500, totaling over $5 million. The record for the most NFL Super Bowl Rings rewarded to any individual is seven, held by both Bill Belichick and Neal Dahlen.

At Fantasy Champs, we absolutely believe that fantasy football franchise owners deserve the same respect and recognition. We know how much work you put in prepping for your draft. We understand how late you stayed up each week fine tuning your waiver claims and FAAB bids. We get the effort it took to formulate the most tactical and skillful trades ever concocted. That title certainly didn’t come easy. And as great as it feels to have your team name perpetually engraved on that beautiful league champion trophy, you’re left with only the distant memory of your victory when that trophy inevitably changes hands. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a Fantasy Football Championship Ring from Fantasy Champs brightening up your man cave, you (and your league mates) will never be able to forget the time(s) you and your fantasy prowess proved to be unrivaled.


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