The New England Patriots selected Tom Brady with the 199th pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. More than two decades later, Brady is widely regarded one of, if not the greatest quarterback of all time.
Back then, however, nobody saw it coming. Not only he was not expected to be a seven-time Super Bowl winner, but his ability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL was also questioned.
Against all odds, it only took two seasons for Brady to win his first ring. But that campaign could have gone completely different for him if it weren’t for the infamous ‘Tuck Rule Game.’
Tom Brady suggests ‘Tuck Rule’ play might have been a fumble
While the 2001 season ended perfectly for Brady and the Patriots, the road to the big game didn’t lack in controversy. Their postseason hopes could have ended in the AFC Divisional playoff game, when the Patriots welcomed the Raiders to Foxboro.
In one of the most controversial plays in recent years, the visitors recovered the football as Brady lost it after a tackle. Even though it looked like a fumble, the officials determined it was an incomplete pass, which allowed the Patriots to keep possession. New England later won the game, and the rest is history.
However, more than 20 years later, Brady hilariously suggested the play might have been a fumble. “The Tuck Rule Game against the Raiders,” Brady said, then looked around pretending to check there was no one listeling, and whispered, “might have been a fumble.”
“I said might. Such a tough call. No choice but to respect the officials probably correct decision,” Brady later clarified. More than two decades and many Super Bowls later, the ‘Tuck Rule game’ remains a talking point in the league.
