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 retired American football quarterback, widely considered the greatest of all time. He played 23 seasons in the NFL, 20 with the New England Patriots and 3 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady was a key player in the Patriots dynasty from 2001 to 2019.

Sections (7)

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

1972: Matching the 1972 Miami Dolphins

In the Patriots' first playoff game of 2007, the Patriots matched the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only team to win 17 consecutive games in one season.

1978: Undefeated Regular Season

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

1995: Started playing college football

In 1995, Tom Brady began playing college football at the University of Michigan for the Wolverines.

September 28, 1996: First Collegiate Game Appearance

On September 28, 1996, Tom Brady made his first collegiate game appearance for Michigan against UCLA, where his first pass was intercepted for a touchdown.

1998: Started every game in 1998

In 1998, Tom Brady started every game for Michigan. He also set a school record for completions in a loss against Ohio State.

1999: Continued playing college football

In 1999, Tom Brady continued playing college football at the University of Michigan for the Wolverines.

1999: Started every game in 1999

In 1999, Tom Brady started every game for Michigan and capped that season with a 45–31 win over Arkansas in the Citrus Bowl.

1999: Battled for Starting Job

In the 1999 season, Tom Brady platooned with Drew Henson for the starting quarterback job at Michigan, before eventually earning the role exclusively.

2000: Achievements while at Michigan

By 2000, Tom Brady ended his career ranking third in Michigan history with 710 attempts and 442 completions, fourth with 5,351 yards and 62 completion percentage, and fifth with 35 touchdown passes.

2000: Rookie Season

During his rookie season in 2000, Tom Brady was the fourth-string quarterback for the Patriots. He completed one of three passes for six yards. Tight end Rod Rutledge caught Brady's first and only completed pass of the season in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

2000: Led Michigan to an Overtime Win in the Orange Bowl

In 2000, Tom Brady led Michigan to an overtime win in the Orange Bowl over Alabama, throwing for 369 yards and four touchdowns.

2000: Drafted by the New England Patriots

In 2000, Tom Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

2001: Central figure in Patriots' Dynasty

In 2001, Tom Brady became a central contributor to the New England Patriots' dynasty.

2001: Named Starting Quarterback

In 2001, Tom Brady was named the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots after Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury in a game against the New York Jets. The Patriots lost the game, falling to 0-2 on the season.

2001: Beginning of Brady-Belichick Era

In 2001, the Brady–Belichick era began, marking the start of the New England Patriots' dynasty.

2002: Playoff game drought for Buccaneers

By 2002, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had not won a playoff game since.

2002: Missed the Playoffs

Despite Tom Brady's absence in 2008, the Patriots managed to finish the season with an 11-5 record; however, the Patriots missed the playoffs altogether for the first time since the 2002 season.

2002: Super Bowl Win and MVP Award

In 2002, Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl victory over the St. Louis Rams. He was named Super Bowl MVP, throwing for 145 yards and one touchdown. Following this victory, Drew Bledsoe was traded to the Buffalo Bills, cementing Brady's status as the Patriots' starting quarterback.

2003: Consecutive Titles in 2003

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

2003: AFC Offensive Player of the Week

In 2003, Tom Brady led the Patriots to twelve consecutive victories to finish the regular season at 14-2. He won AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice, in Weeks 9 and 17.

2003: Patriots Regular Season

In 2003, the Patriots finished the regular season with a 14-2 record.

2004: Consecutive Titles in 2004

In 2004, Tom Brady and the Patriots secured another Super Bowl title.

2004: NFL Record Winning Streak

In 2004, Tom Brady helped the New England Patriots set an NFL record with 21 straight wins dating from the previous year.

2004: Super Bowl XXXIX Victory

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

2004: Breaking Manning's Record

In 2007, during the last game of the season against the Giants, Tom Brady threw his 50th touchdown of the season, breaking Peyton Manning's single-season record of 49 from 2004.

2006: 2006 Season

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

2007: Postseason drought for Buccaneers

By 2007, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had not reached the postseason since.

2007: Record-Breaking Season

In 2007, Tom Brady had one of the best seasons by a quarterback, leading the Patriots to the first 16-0 regular-season record in NFL history. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September and October. He attained career, franchise, and NFL records and milestones. Brady was named as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week five times.

2008: Season-Ending Injury

In 2008, Tom Brady's season was prematurely ended due to a serious knee injury sustained in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. He tore both his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament.

October 18, 2009: Brady sets NFL record for most touchdowns in a quarter

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

2009: Start of 11 consecutive division titles

From 2009 to 2019, Tom Brady led the Patriots to 11 consecutive division titles.

September 10, 2010: Brady signs a four-year 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 in the league. The extension included $48.5 million in guaranteed money.

2011: Start of eight consecutive AFC Championship Games

From 2011 to 2018, Tom Brady led the Patriots to eight consecutive AFC Championship Games.

2013: Brady breaks TD:INT ratio record

In 2016, Tom Brady ended the regular season with 28 passing touchdowns and only two interceptions, breaking the previous TD:INT ratio record of Nick Foles's 27:2 figure set in 2013 with the Eagles.

February 29, 2016: Brady signs a two-year contract extension

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

2016: Brady Declined Speaking at the 2016 Republican National Convention

In 2016, Donald Trump reached out to Tom Brady to speak at the Republican National Convention, but Brady declined due to discomfort, distinguishing between political support and friendship.

2016: Second Streak Ended due to Suspension

In 2016, Tom Brady's second streak of over 100 consecutive starts ended due to suspension.

May 12, 2017: Cover Athlete for Madden NFL 18

On May 12, 2017, Tom Brady was announced as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 18.

2017: 2017 Season Highlights

In 2017, Tom Brady broke the record for most AFC Offensive Player of the Week awards, won his third AFC Offensive Player of the Month award, was selected to the Pro Bowl for the 13th time, and was named the NFL Most Valuable Player for the third time.

2017: Brady's Absence from Patriots' White House Visit in 2017

In 2017, after the Patriots' Super Bowl victory, Tom Brady did not accompany the team to the White House to meet with President Trump, citing "personal family matters".

2018: End of eight consecutive AFC Championship Games

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

August 4, 2019: 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: 19th NFL season

In 2019, Tom Brady had his 500th career touchdown pass, secured his 200th career regular season win, and reached 70,000 passing yards, and was selected for his 14th career Pro Bowl nomination.

2019: End of 11 consecutive division titles

In 2019, Tom Brady led the Patriots to their 11th consecutive division title.

2019: Last season with the Patriots

In 2019, Tom Brady played his final season with the New England Patriots, concluding his two-decade run with the team.

2019: End of Brady-Belichick Era

In 2019, the Brady–Belichick era ended.

March 17, 2020: Brady Leaves the 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: Signs with the Buccaneers

On March 20, 2020, Tom Brady signed with the Buccaneers on a two-year contract worth $50 million.

April 2020: Reunited with Rob Gronkowski

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

April 2020: Brady Discusses Relationship with Trump on Howard Stern Show in April 2020

In April 2020, during an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Tom Brady clarified that he declined an invitation to speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Brady stated that although he has known Donald Trump since 2001 and has participated in activities like golf and judging the Miss USA pageant, he prefers to keep his political support separate from his friendships.

2020: 2020 Season with the Buccaneers

In 2020, Tom Brady completed the season with 4,633 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns and led the Buccaneers to a wild card spot.

2020: Joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2020, Tom Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and subsequently won 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: 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 had a record-breaking season, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to record 600 touchdown passes, surpassing Brees for most all-time pass completions, and finishing with an NFL record 485 pass completions.

2021: Super Bowl LV Victory

In 2021, Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 31-9 win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV, earning his fifth Super Bowl MVP award and his seventh Super Bowl win overall.

2021: Set season record for completions

In 2021, Tom Brady set the season record for completions and led the league in passing yards and touchdowns; his passing yards were a career high.

2021: Buccaneers Best Result in Franchise History

In 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers posted their best result in franchise history, eclipsing the 12–4 record of the 2002 Super Bowl winning team.

2021: Contract Extension through 2021

On August 4, 2019, Brady signed a two-year contract extension worth $70 million through the 2021 season.

February 1, 2022: Brady Announces Retirement

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

March 13, 2022: Brady Unretires

On March 13, 2022, just 40 days after initially announcing his retirement, Tom Brady announced he would 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: Contract Extension through the 2022 season

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

February 1, 2023: Retirement announcement

On February 1, 2023, Tom Brady announced on social media that he was retiring "for good" from the NFL.

March 2023: Purchase of minority stake in Las Vegas Aces

In March 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 business partner Tom Wagner entered into an agreement to purchase 10% of the Las Vegas Raiders from Mark Davis.

May 2023: Considered un-retiring a second time

In May 2023, Tom Brady heavily considered un-retiring a second time to play the 2023 season but was forced to decide against it when his friends hosted a surprise retirement party for him.

August 2023: Becomes minority owner and advisory board chairman at Birmingham City

In August 2023, Tom Brady became a minority owner and chairman of a new advisory board at English football 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: Patriots announce Hall of Fame induction and jersey retirement

During a halftime ceremony on September 10, 2023, Robert Kraft announced that the Patriots would waive the traditional waiting period for Tom Brady's candidacy to the Patriots Hall of Fame, as well as directly inducting him without the customary ballot. His number 12 jersey will be formally retired.

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.

June 12, 2024: Patriots Hall of Fame induction

On June 12, 2024, Tom Brady was inducted as the 35th member of the Patriots Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Gillette Stadium.

October 2024: Approval of revised agreement for Raiders ownership

In October 2024, a revised agreement for Tom Brady to purchase a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders was approved by NFL owners, with Brady owning a 5% stake and Wagner owning 5%.

2024: Lead Color Commentator for NFL on Fox

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

November 2025: Partnership with Colossal Biosciences to clone his dog

In November 2025, Tom Brady announced that blood drawn from his family's elderly dog prior to its death was used in non-invasive cloning technology. Brady partnered with Colossal Biosciences to create the clone named Junie and is an investor in the company.