Patriots, Tom Brady 28-3 Super Bowl LI Comeback: Still Legendary

Six years ago, Brady and the Patriots immortalized the most improbable come-from-behind victory in Super Bowl history.

The date was Feb. 5, 2017. 

With just over 17 minutes remaining in regulation, the Atlanta Falcons held a commanding 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

At this point, a Falcons victory seemed to be a foregone conclusion. 

After all, no team had previously overcome such a large deficit the on the game’s grandest stage. In fact, ESPN’s Win Probability Chart estimated Atlanta’s chances of winning at 99.8 with 2:12 left in the third quarter. 

Little did quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots know that they were in position to construct the most improbable comeback in Super Bowl history.

New England scored 25 unanswered points to tie the game at 28 as time expired in the fourth quarter. In overtime, Brady and the Pats drove 75-yards, capped by running back James White stretching the ball across the goal line for the touchdown. With the amazing come-from-behind victory, the Patriots earned their fifth Super Bowl title in franchise history.

While the euphoria of this historic victory is still felt in New England, the vast majority of fans probably never believed it could even happen. 

In fact, most fans were likely as wide-eyed as Chief Brody (portrayed by the late Roy Scheider) when he first laid eyes on the gigantic killer great white shark in the movie ‘Jaws.’

Be honest…how many of you were feeling like the Patriots “needed a bigger boat?”

Thankfully, New England’s players and coaches believed that the vessel on which they were traveling was more than suitable for the task. 

In reality, that belief is truly what carried them to victory. 

Despite the unforgettable images of linebacker Dont’a Hightower’s strip sack, receiver Julian Edelman’s incredible catch or White’s Super Bowl record 14 catches, the Pats’ foundation for victory began to take shape in the locker room at halftime. 

Despite being down 21-3, Edelman told Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels that he believed the Pats would not only get back in the game, but also go on to win it — adding that it would be a “hell of a story.”

Just prior to the start of overtime, he once again had a message for Brady, his good friend and teammate. This time, it wasn’t so much of a game prediction, as it was a reminder to never quit the fight:

“Let’s win this thing. For your mom. For your mom, bro,” Edelman said.

Brady’s mother, Galynn, had been undergoing cancer treatment for much of 2016. Her health had prevented her from being able to attend Patriots games for the majority of the season. However, she was in Houston on that day to cheer on her son and his team as they competed for a championship. Her presence reminded the team of the true meaning of courage and perseverance. The Patriots scored on the opening drive and fulfilled Edelman’s prediction. 

In his words, it was truly one “hell of a story.”

For Brady, Super Bowl LI may have been his greatest individual display of determination. Statistically, he was as impressive as ever. Brady completed 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 15 yards. In the process, he set single-game Super Bowl records for completions, attempts, and passing yards. 

Aside from his performance, as well as the near-mythic proportions of the comeback itself, the true measure of Brady’s resolve was much more personal. In fact, it came after the game had been won. It was when an emotional and tearful Brady embraced his mother, who gallantly fought her battle to share that moment with her son. 

For one of the few times in his professional career, Brady’s “next one” did not signify an additional first down, or a key divisional victory. It did not even refer to the fifth championship, to which he had just led his team. 

Instead, Tom Brady’s “next one” was simply about seizing the opportunity to make his mother proud. 

Despite his numerous on-field heroics, this moment poignantly showcased Brady’s emotional durability. The man who seemed too good to be true (at times) was human after all. Football did not matter. Instead, he found solace in the health of his mother and the warmth of his family. 

Of all possible motivational factors for an athlete, those that are personal tend to be the most poignant.

Perhaps it is fitting that Brady announced his retirement from the NFL just a few short days before the anniversary of the game which has achieved iconic pop culture status. While Shirts, flags and other collectible items bearing the “28-3” logo continue to be part of New England fashion, the game itself has even gone Hollywood.  

In Paramount Pictures’ latest offering,  “80 For Brady,” four best friends live life to the fullest when they embark on a wild trip to see their hero (Brady) play in Super Bowl LI. Brady himself appears in the film alongside screen legends Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno and Lily Tomlin. A handful of his former Pats’ teammates make an appearance as well, including Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola. 

However, New England’s comeback ultimately serves as a reminder that the fight is never over, as long as there is a chance to win.

The chance may not be great. 

Yet, if it exists, you have to take it.

Brady and the Patriots certainly took that chance, and the results remain legendary.  

28-3 … it never gets old. 

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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