Tom Brady Reveals How Tuck Rule Impacted His Status With Patriots

Tom Brady had great career in the NFL, and the tuck rule definitely changed its course. You read it right. The tuck rule had a huge impact on Brady’s career.

It happened in 2002. Head coach Bill Belichick decided to use Brady as a replacement for Drew Bledsoe. It was a great opportunity for the young quarterback and he got the best of it. Of course, the tuck rule gave him a hand in the process. The Patriots were playing their divisional round game against the Raiders and Brady made a “mistake.” He lost control of the ball late in the game, but it was ruled as incomplete pass. The tuck rule “saved his life.”

During his conversation with Charles Woodson for the “Tuck Rule” 30 for 30 documentary on ESPN, Brady talked about this particular game.

“I’m probably the backup QB going into 2002,” Brady said. “I’m not the starter if we lose that game.”

Tom Brady kept his job with the help of the tuck rule

He was right about this. Belichick would never forgive him. This rule pushed him forward. Brady led the Patriots to the Super Bowl and they got the trophy. This was of key importance for the former Patriots quarterback. Belichick gave him the starting job and traded Bledsoe in the offseason.

Brady and the Patriots won six Super Bowls in twenty years. They celebrated a lot of wins together. Well, all the good things come to an end. Brady left the Patriots to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won his seventh ring in his first season as a Buccaneers quarterback. Tampa Bay lost the divisional round game this season and Brady announced his retirement. He retired after 22 years in the NFL.

Head coach Belichick congratulated Brady on his excellent career. He said that Brady was the greatest player in the NFL and even called him the ultimate competitor.

Brady is up to different heights now, and we can only make guesses on his next move. Will he even consider returning to the NFL? It’s hard to say it, but no, Brady is probably done with the game.