After starting 0-2, Tom Brady in his second NFL season led the New England Patriots to an 11-5 record.
That run puts the Patriots into the playoffs.
Brady threw for 312 yards against the Oakland Raiders in his first playoff game, and led what would become a trademark come-from-behind victory.
The win against the Raiders also saw Brady mired in his first major controversy. Brady looked to fumble the ball late in the game, with Oakland recovering the ball.
But Brady and the Patriots were handed possession back under the “tuck rule.”
Later on that playoff series, Brady overcame a knee injury that occurred during the second quarter of the Patriots’ AFC championship game against the Steelers.
While Brady missed much of that win, with Drew Bledsoe coming into the game, he recovered in time for the Super Bowl.
Brady then led the Patriots to their first ever league championship in Super Bowl XXXVI with a 20–17 over the St. Louis Rams.
He is named Super Bowl MVP.
