The Patriots win Super Bowl XXXVI, and the legend of Brady is born
Feb. 3, 2002: Heading into an emotional Super Bowl in the wake of 9/11, the Brady-led Patriots were 14-point underdogs to the St. Louis Rams’ Great Show on Turf. Kurt Warner was the regular season MVP, and Marshall Faulk was the Offensive Player of the Year. The odds were stacked. And the game began.
The Rams took an earlier 3-0, but then turned the over twice which is resulted in a 14-3 Patriots lead at the half, including Brady’s only turnover of the game. A New England interception of Kurt Warner led to a field goal to make it 17-3. Momentum also markedly turned for good on the ensuing drive when Kurt Warner was sacked at the Pat’s 2-yard line and safety Tebucky Jones’s returned it 97 yards for the score, except … linebacker Willie McGinest was called for the holding. The Rams scored, then they scored again. Game tied.
With 1:21 and no timeouts left, at their own 21-yard line, conventional wisdom (and broadcaster John Madden) suggested the Patriots take a knee and try to win it in overtime. Instead Tom Brady secured his place in Super Bowl lore, masterfully driving the Patriots downfield to set up Adam Vinatieri for the 48-yard Super Bowl winning field goal. Brady was named MVP, finishing 16-27 for 145 passing yards and a touchdown. A dynasty—and legend—were officially born.