9781422276181

First Playoff Victory Brady’s first career playoff victory came in his first full season as the starter for the New England Patriots. Brady faced the Oakland Raiders on January 19, 2002, in a divisional matchup. The Patriots were trailing the Raiders by the score of 13–10 in the 4th quarter when, on the final drive, Brady appeared to fumble the football. Upon official review, it was determined that Brady’s arm was going forward, indicating a throwing motion, resulting in an incomplete pass and not fumble. Under the NFL’s Tuck Rule, this ruling gave the ball back to the Patriots who tied the game with a field goal by Adam Vinatieri,

who also kicked the game winning field goal in overtime.

Watch Brady and the famous 4th-quarter Tuck Rule play in a divisional round playoff game against the Oakland Raiders on January 19, 2002.

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Gridiron Greats: Pro Football’s Best Players