Career Timeline of Tom Brady: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Tom Brady built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tom Brady is a former American football quarterback, widely considered the greatest of all time. He played 23 seasons in the NFL, spending 20 seasons with the New England Patriots and three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a key player in the Patriots' dynasty from 2001 to 2019. Now he is a sports broadcaster.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1972: Reference to 1972 Miami Dolphins

During the 2007 playoffs, with a win over the Jaguars, the Patriots matched the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only team to win 17 consecutive games in one season.

1978: Undefeated Regular Season Since 1978

In 2007, Tom Brady led the Patriots to the first undefeated regular season since the 16-game schedule was implemented in 1978.

1995: Drafted by Montreal Expos

In 1995, Tom Brady was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 18th round of the MLB draft but chose to play football at the University of Michigan instead.

September 28, 1996: First Collegiate Game

On September 28, 1996, Tom Brady made his first appearance in a collegiate game for Michigan, throwing an interception on his first pass attempt which was returned for a touchdown by UCLA.

1998: Started Every Game at Michigan

In 1998, Tom Brady started every game for the Michigan Wolverines, battling for the starting job under head coach Lloyd Carr.

1998: Set New Michigan Records

In 1998, during his first full year as a starter, Tom Brady set new Michigan records for most pass attempts and completions in a season. He also set a school record for completions in a game against Ohio State, and he capped the season with a win in the Citrus Bowl.

1999: Platooning and Late-Game Heroics

In 1999, Tom Brady platooned with Drew Henson during the first seven games. He nearly led Michigan to a comeback win against Michigan State after being reinserted into the game. He went on to play the entire game against Indiana, throwing for 226 yards. He also led Michigan to a 4th-quarter comeback against Penn State.

1999: Started Every Game at Michigan

In 1999, Tom Brady started every game for the Michigan Wolverines, battling for the starting job under head coach Lloyd Carr.

1999: Tom Tupa leaves Patriots

In 1999, Tom Tupa left the Patriots in free agency, leading to the Patriots receiving a compensatory pick in the 2000 NFL draft, which they used to draft Tom Brady.

2000: Rookie Season

During the 2000 season, Tom Brady started as the fourth-string quarterback but ended the season as the second-string. He completed 1 of 3 passes for six yards. His only completed pass was caught by tight end Rod Rutledge in a loss against the Detroit Lions.

2000: Drafted by New England Patriots

In 2000, Tom Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round as the 199th overall pick. He was a compensatory pick due to the Patriots losing Tom Tupa in 1999. Brady was the seventh quarterback selected, which surprised and embarrassed him and his family who expected him to be drafted earlier.

2000: Won the Orange Bowl

In 2000, Tom Brady won the Orange Bowl.

2001: Start of Brady-Belichick Era

In 2001, Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick began what would be known as the Brady-Belichick era with the Patriots.

2001: Central to Patriots' Dynasty

In 2001, Tom Brady became a central figure in the New England Patriots' dynasty.

2001: Named Starting Quarterback

In 2001, after Drew Bledsoe was injured during a game against the New York Jets on September 23, Tom Brady replaced him and was subsequently named the starting quarterback for the season. The Patriots lost the game against the Jets 10-3. The Patriots then went on to win against the Indianapolis Colts 44-13.

2002: First Super Bowl Win

In 2002, Tom Brady led the Patriots to a 20-17 Super Bowl victory over the Rams. He was named Super Bowl MVP, throwing for 145 yards and one touchdown. He became the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl at the age of 24. Drew Bledsoe was traded to the Buffalo Bills in April, solidifying Brady's role as the starting quarterback.

2003: Won Consecutive Super Bowl Titles

In 2003, Tom Brady and the Patriots won a consecutive Super Bowl title.

2003: AFC East Champions

In 2003, Tom Brady led the Patriots to a 14-2 record and an AFC East title. He won AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice and finished third in NFL MVP voting.

2003: First Opening Day Loss Since 2003

In 2014, Tom Brady experienced his first opening day loss since the 2003 season.

2004: Continued Success

During the 2004 season, Tom Brady and the Patriots set an NFL record with 21 straight wins, and finished the season with a 14-2 record, matching their 2003 record and winning the AFC East. Brady was voted to his second Pro Bowl.

2004: Reference to Peyton Manning's Record

During the 2007 season, Brady broke Peyton Manning's single-season record of 49 touchdowns from the 2004 season.

2004: Won Consecutive Super Bowl Titles

In 2004, Tom Brady and the Patriots won a consecutive Super Bowl title.

2004: Super Bowl XXXIX Champions

In 2004, Tom Brady led the Patriots to victory in Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, winning 24-21. He threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns in the win, securing their third championship in four years.

2005: AFC East Champions

During the 2005 season, Tom Brady led the Patriots to a 10-6 record and won their third straight AFC East title. He won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his Week 5 performance against the Falcons and was named to his third Pro Bowl.

2006: 2006 Season Summary

In 2006, Tom Brady led the Patriots to a 12-4 record. He finished the season with 3,529 yards and 24 touchdowns. He declined an injury-replacement selection to the Pro Bowl.

2007: Tied Career High

In 2007, Tom Brady had a previous career high of six touchdowns, which he tied during the October 18, 2009 game against the Titans.

2007: Record-Breaking Season

In 2007, Tom Brady had a record-breaking season, leading the Patriots to a 16-0 regular-season record. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September and October and AFC Offensive Player of the Week five times. He also had a career-high six passing touchdowns in a game against the Dolphins.

2008: Missed Season Due to Injury

In 2008, Tom Brady missed the entire NFL season due to injury.

October 18, 2009: Brady Sets NFL Record Against the Titans

On October 18, 2009, Tom Brady set an NFL record against the Titans for most touchdowns in a quarter with five in the second quarter. He finished the game with six touchdowns, tying his career-high, and 380 yards, achieving a passer rating of 152.8. The Patriots' 59–0 victory tied the record for the largest margin of victory since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

2009: 2009 Regular Season

During the 2009 regular season, Tom Brady finished with 4,398 passing yards and 28 touchdowns for a 96.2 rating, despite playing with a broken right ring finger and three fractured ribs.

2009: 2009 Season Opener Against the Bills

In 2009, Tom Brady played his first game in over a year during the season opener against the Bills. He threw for 378 yards and two touchdowns. With the Patriots down 24–13 in the final three minutes, Brady connected with Benjamin Watson for two touchdowns, leading the Patriots to a 25–24 victory. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.

2009: Start of 11 Consecutive Division Titles

In 2009, Tom Brady started a streak of leading the Patriots to 11 consecutive division titles, a period of sustained dominance.

2009: Wild Card Round Loss

In 2009, Tom Brady threw for 154 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in a 33–14 Wild Card Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. This marked his first career home playoff loss.

September 10, 2010: Signed Contract Extension

On September 10, 2010, Tom Brady signed a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the NFL, making him the highest-paid player, with $48.5 million guaranteed.

2011: Start of 8 Consecutive AFC Championship Games

In 2011, Tom Brady began a streak of leading the Patriots to eight consecutive AFC Championship Games, demonstrating sustained success.

2011: Career-High Performance in Week 1 of the 2011 Season

In Week 1 of the 2011 season, Tom Brady threw for a career-high 517 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in a victory over the Dolphins, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He also threw a record-tying 99-yard touchdown pass. Brady was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November and December, and Week 16 AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Brady passed for 5,235 yards, finishing second in passing yards behind Drew Brees. The Patriots finished the season 13-3 and clinched the AFC's #1 seed.

2012: 2012 Season Performance

During the 2012 season, Tom Brady started all 16 games and led the Patriots to a 12–4 record. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week three times and became the first quarterback to lead his team to ten division titles. The Patriots scored 557 points, the first team to score at least 500 points in a season four times. Brady finished with 4,827 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 98.7, and was named to the Pro Bowl for the eighth time.

February 25, 2013: Signed Contract Extension in 2013

On February 25, 2013, Tom Brady agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Patriots, keeping him with the team through 2017. Peter King described it as an "amazing" deal, reflecting Robert Kraft's desire for Brady to retire as a Patriot.

2014: Named to Pro Bowl for Ninth Time

In 2014, Tom Brady was named to the Pro Bowl for the ninth time and was ranked third on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014 list. The Patriots finished the season 12–4 and earned the second seed in the AFC. Brady made his 25th playoff appearance in the Divisional Round against the Colts, breaking Brett Favre's record. The Patriots won 43–22, but lost to the Broncos in the AFC Championship.

2014: 2014 Season Performance

Tom Brady started the 2014 season with a loss to the Dolphins, his first opening day loss since 2003. After a 2-1 start, the Patriots went on a seven-game winning streak, with Brady having multiple games with four or five touchdown passes. He won AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October and clinched his NFL record 12th AFC East division title.

January 20, 2016: Launch of TB12Sports.com

On January 20, 2016, Tom Brady announced the launch of his website TB12Sports.com, featuring his training regimen information and a store to purchase TB12 equipment and merchandise.

February 29, 2016: Signed Two-Year Contract Extension

On February 29, 2016, Tom Brady signed a two-year contract extension covering the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

August 23, 2016: TB12 Snack Line Expansion

On August 23, 2016, the TB12 brand expanded to offer a snack line.

2016: Brady's Return After Suspension

After serving his four-game suspension, Tom Brady made his 2016 season debut on October 9 against the Browns, throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week and was later named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October.

2016: 2016 Season Performance

Despite numerous injuries to key players, the Patriots lost their first game against the Broncos in overtime after a 10-0 start in 2016. They finished the season 12-4, earning the 2-seed in the AFC. Tom Brady led the league with 36 touchdown passes and was named to his 11th Pro Bowl. He was ranked as the second-best player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2016: Second Streak Ended Due to Suspension

In 2016, Tom Brady's second streak of consecutive starts ended due to suspension.

March 2017: Partnership with Purple Carrot for TB12 Performance Meals

In March 2017, Tom Brady partnered with meal-kit startup Purple Carrot to offer TB12 Performance Meals, focusing on providing nutrients for workout recovery.

2017: Ranked #1 on NFL Top 100 Players of 2017

In 2016, Tom Brady clinched an eighth consecutive AFC East title and a seventh consecutive first-round bye. He ended the regular season with 28 passing touchdowns and only two interceptions and was named to the AP All-Pro Second Team. Brady was also ranked first on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017 as the best player in the league.

2017: Contract Extension Through 2017

On February 25, 2013, Tom Brady signed a contract extension to stay with the Patriots through 2017.

2018: 8th Consecutive AFC Championship Game

In 2018, Tom Brady led the Patriots to their 8th consecutive AFC Championship Game.

2018: Contract Covering the 2018 Season

On February 29, 2016, Tom Brady signed a two-year contract extension that included the 2018 season.

August 4, 2019: Brady Signs Contract Extension

On August 4, 2019, Tom Brady signed a two-year contract extension worth $70 million through the 2021 season, allowing him to become a free agent after the 2019 season.

2019: 11th Consecutive Division Title

In 2019, Tom Brady won his 11th consecutive division title with the Patriots.

2019: End of Patriots Era

In 2019, Tom Brady's time with the New England Patriots came to an end, concluding his 20 seasons with the team.

2019: End of Brady-Belichick Era

In 2019, the Brady-Belichick era came to an end.

2019: Contract Covering the 2019 Season

On February 29, 2016, Tom Brady signed a two-year contract extension that included the 2019 season.

March 17, 2020: Brady Announces Departure from Patriots

On March 17, 2020, Tom Brady announced that he would not re-sign with the Patriots for the 2020 season, ending his 20-year tenure in New England.

March 20, 2020: Brady Signed with the Buccaneers

On March 20, 2020, Tom Brady signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $50 million in fully guaranteed money.

April 2020: Reunion with Rob Gronkowski

In April 2020, Tom Brady reunited with former Patriots teammate Rob Gronkowski, who came out of retirement and was traded to the Buccaneers.

2020: Buccaneers Make Playoffs

In 2020, Tom Brady finished the season with 4,633 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, leading the Buccaneers to the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.

2020: Joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2020, Tom Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and subsequently won Super Bowl LV.

2020: Launch of 199 Productions

In 2020, Tom Brady launched a production company named 199 Productions.

2020: Led Tampa Bay to Wild Card Berth

In 2020, Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a wild card berth in the playoffs.

2020: Signed with Tampa Bay

In 2020, Tom Brady signed with Tampa Bay, ending a long postseason drought for the team and leading them to Super Bowl LV.

January 2021: Autograph Raises $170M in Funding

In January 2021, Autograph, the sports-based NFT platform co-founded by Tom Brady and Richard Rosenblatt, announced it raised $170M in funding.

March 12, 2021: Brady Signs Contract Extension

On March 12, 2021, Tom Brady signed a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season with the Buccaneers.

2021: Record-Breaking Season

In 2021, Tom Brady finished the season with an NFL record 485 pass completions for a career-high 5,316 passing yards and 43 passing touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the 15th time.

2021: Brady wins Super Bowl LV

In 2021, Tom Brady led the Buccaneers to a 31-9 Super Bowl LV victory over the Chiefs, earning his fifth Super Bowl MVP award and seventh Super Bowl ring. He threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns, marking a historic achievement as the oldest quarterback to win the Super Bowl.

2021: Led Tampa Bay to NFC South Title

In 2021, Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an NFC South title.

2021: Set Season Record for Completions

In 2021, Tom Brady set a single-season record for completions and led the league in passing yards and touchdowns, also achieving a career-high in passing yards.

February 1, 2022: Brady Announces Retirement

On February 1, 2022, after 22 seasons in the NFL, Tom Brady announced his retirement from professional football.

March 13, 2022: Brady Announces Return to Buccaneers

On March 13, 2022, just 40 days after announcing his retirement, Tom Brady announced his return to the Buccaneers for the 2022 season.

May 10, 2022: Brady Joins Fox Sports as Lead Color Commentator

On May 10, 2022, Fox Sports announced that Tom Brady would join the network as the lead color commentator, in a deal reportedly worth $375 million over 10 years.

2022: First Season with Eight or More Losses

In 2022, Brady experienced his first season in which he lost eight or more games, marking a significant challenge in his career.

2022: Led Tampa Bay to NFC South Title

In 2022, Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an NFC South title.

February 1, 2023: Brady Announces Retirement "For Good"

On February 1, 2023, Tom Brady announced his retirement "for good" on social media, signaling the end of his NFL playing career.

March 23, 2023: Purchase of Minority Stake in Las Vegas Aces

On March 23, 2023, Tom Brady purchased a minority stake in the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA.

May 2023: Agreement to Purchase Stake in Las Vegas Raiders

In May 2023, Tom Brady and his business partner, Knighthead Capital Management co-founder Tom Wagner, entered into an agreement to purchase 10% of the Las Vegas Raiders.

August 3, 2023: Becomes Minority Owner and Chairman at Birmingham City

On August 3, 2023, Tom Brady became a minority owner and chairman of a new advisory board at English club Birmingham City.

September 6, 2023: Hired as Strategic Advisor for Delta Air Lines

On September 6, 2023, it was announced that Delta Air Lines had hired Tom Brady as a strategic advisor.

September 10, 2023: Kraft Waives Waiting Period for Hall of Fame Candidacy

On September 10, 2023, during the Patriots' week one game of the 2023 season, Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced that he would waive the traditional four-year post-retirement waiting period required for Brady's candidacy to the Patriots Hall of Fame and directly induct him.

2023: Founds Team Brady

In 2023, Tom Brady founded Team Brady, an electric boat racing team which competes in the E1 Series.

January 2024: Merger with NoBull

In January 2024, Tom Brady agreed to merge his health and apparel brands with NoBull and to become its second largest shareholder.

May 5, 2024: The Roast of Tom Brady Aired on Netflix Live

On May 5, 2024, The Roast of Tom Brady aired on Netflix live, drawing two million live viewers.

June 12, 2024: Patriots Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

On June 12, 2024, Tom Brady's Patriots Hall of Fame induction took place within Gillette Stadium. Brady was also the first person in Gillette Stadium history to become a "Keeper of the Light", ringing the bell in the newly redesigned lighthouse.

October 15, 2024: Revised Agreement for Raiders Stake Approved

On October 15, 2024, a revised agreement was unanimously approved by NFL owners, with Tom Brady owning a 5% stake and Wagner also owning a 5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

2024: Team Brady Wins World Championship

After winning three races in 2024, Tom Brady's team, Team Brady, became world champions in the E1 Series.

2024: Broadcaster and Part Owner

In 2024, Tom Brady became the lead color commentator for the NFL on Fox and a partial owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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2024: Brady's Broadcasting Career Begins

In 2024, Tom Brady began his broadcasting career during the UFL Championship Game's second quarter, and made his NFL on Fox debut alongside play caller Kevin Burkhardt starting with the 2024 NFL season.