After two decades, Tom Brady’s run with the Patriots has come to an end. But even though he’s now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it doesn’t take away from the heaps of memories he created with New England.
Each day over the next few weeks, we’ll look back on one of Brady’s best moments, counting down from No. 20 to No. 1. Now, let’s relive his No. 7 moment: Leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl XXXIX win over the Philadelphia Eagles, solidifying New England’s dynasty (2004).
Greatness comes in all shapes and forms, but a dynasty represents the highest level of greatness in any sport.
Tom Brady and the Patriots were a team no one wanted to mess with during the 2004 season after coming off their second Super Bowl win in three years. They finished the regular season 14-2 — their only losses coming to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins — and were on the verge of becoming a dynasty despite a tough playoff road.
Brady led the Patriots through the Indianapolis Colts without a problem in the AFC divisional round. The AFC Championship Game presented some trouble, but the Patriots ultimately defeated the Steelers and secured a date with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, marking New England’s third Super Bowl appearance in four years.
This game proved different than Brady’s other two Super Bowl appearances, as the quarterback didn’t need to set up New England for a last-second win. Instead, the Patriots leaned on their excellent defense after gaining a 24-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Rodney Harrison eventually picked off Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to seal the Patriots’ victory, confirming New England’s status as a dynasty and furthering Brady’s legacy by giving him his third Super Bowl ring.
