Challenges in the Life of Tom Brady in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Tom Brady. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Tom Brady is a retired American football quarterback, widely considered the greatest of all time. He played 23 seasons in the NFL, leading the New England Patriots for 20 years and contributing significantly to their dynasty. He concluded his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His accomplishments include numerous Super Bowl wins and records, solidifying his legendary status in the sport.

Sections (7)

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

September 28, 1996: First Collegiate Game Appearance

On September 28, 1996, Tom Brady made his first appearance in a collegiate game for Michigan against UCLA, late in the fourth quarter. His first pass attempt was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

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. Coming out of college, he was not highly regarded. He was grateful to be drafted as he would not have to be an insurance salesman. Robert Kraft recalled meeting Brady with a pizza box and Brady declaring he was the best decision the organization ever made.

2002: Playoff Miss

In 2008, The Patriots managed to finish the 2008 season with an 11–5 record. However, due to tiebreakers, the Patriots not only failed to win the AFC East division title, but missed the playoffs altogether for the first time since the 2002 season.

2002: Three-Game Losing Streak

In 2022, Brady and the Buccaneers lost in Weeks 6, 7, and 8, dropping the team to 3–5. It was the first three-game losing streak for Brady since his 2002 season with the Patriots.

2003: First Opening Day Loss Since 2003

Tom Brady's 2014 season started with an opening day loss to the Dolphins. This was Tom Brady's first opening day loss since the 2003 season.

2008: Season-Ending Knee Injury

During the 2008 season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tom Brady suffered a serious knee injury after a hit by Bernard Pollard. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament, ending his season and his streak of 111 consecutive starts. He underwent surgery on October 6.

2008: Injury

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

2008: Stress Fracture Originates in 2008

In 2011, Tom Brady pulled out of the Pro Bowl after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot dating back to 2008.

2009: Patriots lose to Ravens in Wild Card Round

During the 2009 season, 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 and the Patriots' first home playoff loss since 1978.

2009: Brady's 2009 Season

In 2009, Brady completed the regular season with 4,398 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, achieving a 96.2 rating, despite injuries. He was selected as a reserve for the 2010 Pro Bowl and was named the 2009 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2009: Denied First-Round Bye

In 2009, the Patriots were denied a first-round bye for the first time since 2009, which combined with a win by the Chiefs.

2013: Playoff Loss

The loss to the Cowboys marked the first time since 2013 that Brady lost in the playoffs in consecutive seasons.

May 6, 2015: NFL Publishes Report on Deflategate

On May 6, 2015, the NFL published a 243-page report concluding that Tom Brady was likely aware of intentional deflation of footballs used in the previous season's AFC Championship Game.

2015: Brady's Suspension Vacated

In 2015, Judge Richard M. Berman vacated Tom Brady's four-game suspension, allowing him to play in the first four games of the 2015 NFL season, citing the NFL's failure to provide proper notice of the charges.

2015: Allegations of Data Deletion and False Numbers in Deflategate

In 2015, it was revealed that NFL general counsel Jeff Pash ordered the deletion of PSI data from the 2015 season. Leaked transcripts revealed that NFL senior VP of football operations Dave Gardi used false numbers in his letter to the Patriots, leading to the team's investigation. It was also revealed that crucial factors were not accounted for during the testing of footballs, suggesting flawed procedures.

2015: NFL Appeals Decision to Vacate Brady's Suspension

On March 3, 2016, the NFL appealed Judge Richard M. Berman's 2015 decision to vacate Tom Brady's four-game suspension in the Deflategate scandal.

2016: Brady Returns from Suspension and Earns Player of the Month

After serving his four-game suspension, Tom Brady made his 2016 season debut on October 9, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Brady's performance in his first four games after the suspension earned him the AFC Offensive Player of the Month award for October.

2016: Brady's Performance and Team Challenges in 2016

Despite injuries to key players in 2016, the Patriots finished the season 12–4. Brady finished the regular season with a league-leading 36 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He was named to his 11th Pro Bowl and was ranked as the second best player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2016: Concussion Concerns

In 2016, Gisele Bündchen mentioned in an interview that Tom Brady suffered from concussions, raising concerns about his health. The NFL responded that they had no records indicating Brady suffered a head injury or concussion during the 2016 season.

2016: Brady's Suspension Reinstated and Accepted

In 2016, Tom Brady's four-game suspension was reinstated by the U.S. Appeals Court. After further appeals were denied, Brady announced he would accept the suspension for the first four regular season games of the 2016 season.

2020: Torn MCL Injury

In 2020, Tom Brady played with a torn MCL in his knee that required surgery. The NFL declined to comment on the Buccaneers' failure to disclose this injury at the time.

February 11, 2021: Knee Discomfort Revealed

On February 11, 2021, it was revealed that Tom Brady had knee discomfort through most of the 2020 season and would require a minor arthroscopy.

2022: Brady's First Losing Season

In 2022, Tom Brady experienced his first losing season as a starter and marked the first season where he lost eight or more games.

2023: FTX Investment Loss

In 2023, it was reported that Tom Brady owned 1 million shares in FTX and he and his wife lost an estimated combined value of $45 million when FTX went bankrupt.