Football truly is a game of inches.
Without one of the wildest moments in NFL history, the legacy of Tom Brady may not be what it is today. Winning the infamous “Tuck Rule Game” is what propelled the young New England Patriots quarterback to his first Super Bowl victory in 2001. That gave Brady the starting role over veteran Drew Bledsoe entering the 2002 season and the rest is history.
Brady, who recently announced his retirement, is now a seven-time Super Bowl champion who has the longest list of accolades in NFL history. He doesn’t have a losing record against any team in the league after a tremendous 22 seasons.
ESPN released a 30 for 30 documentary titled “The Tuck Rule,” and Brady discussed the impact of that play on his career.
“I’m probably the backup QB going into 2002,” Brady said, via NBC Sports Boston. “I’m not the starter if we lose that game.”
Get your popcorn ready 🍿 @30for30
Settle the debate: #ItWasAFumble or #ItWasIncomplete 🤔
"The Tuck Rule" premieres February 6. pic.twitter.com/aEBKFLqh8y
— ESPN (@espn) January 19, 2022
It was likely the most controversial call in NFL history and many will argue to this day that it was a fumble. Regardless, the outcome led to success for Brady and those around him for two decades following.
As Robert Kraft said, it was “the game that started it all.”
The game that started it all.
🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qbq8JE2N8M
— 30 for 30 (@30for30) February 7, 2022
