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 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, leading them to a dynasty from 2001 to 2019, and then finished his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His accomplishments include multiple Super Bowl wins and numerous individual records, solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure 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 college game for Michigan against UCLA. His first pass attempt was intercepted for a touchdown.

2000: Drafted by the New England Patriots

In 2000, Tom Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL draft by the New England Patriots, as the 199th overall pick. He was a compensatory pick the Patriots earned due to the loss of punter Tom Tupa. Brady was the seventh quarterback taken. He and his family were stunned, believing he would be drafted earlier. Patriots owner Robert Kraft recalled Brady introducing himself with a pizza box, and Brady stating he was "the best decision this organization has ever made."

2002: Patriots Miss Playoffs for the First Time Since 2002

In 2008, despite finishing with an 11-5 record, the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 season due to tiebreakers after Brady's injury.

2002: Losing streak since 2002

In Weeks 6, 7, and 8 of 2022, Brady and the Buccaneers lost three games, which was the first three-game losing streak for Brady since his 2002 season with the Patriots.

2008: Season-Ending Knee Injury

In the 2008 season opener, Tom Brady's left knee was seriously injured, prematurely ending his season. He tore both his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament. The injury ended Brady's streak of 111 consecutive starts. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Despite Brady's absence, the Patriots managed to finish the 2008 season with an 11–5 record, but missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 season.

2009: Patriots Denied First-Round Bye in 2009

In 2009, the Patriots were denied a first-round bye for the first time since 2009, due to a loss to the Miami Dolphins.

2013: Playoff Loss

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

2016: Gisele Bündchen Discusses Brady's Concussions

In 2016, Gisele Bündchen mentioned in a CBS interview that Tom Brady had suffered concussions and that it was not healthy, although the NFL stated there were no records of Brady suffering a head injury or concussion during the 2016 season.

2020: Brady Played 2020 Season with Torn MCL

In 2020, Tom Brady played the entire season with a torn MCL in his knee, which required surgery after the season.

February 11, 2021: Brady to Undergo Knee Surgery

On February 11, 2021, it was revealed that Tom Brady had knee discomfort and would require a minor arthroscopy.

October 2022: Divorce Announcement

In October 2022, Brady and Gisele Bündchen announced their divorce.

2022: First season with eight or more losses

In 2022, Brady had his first season in which he lost eight or more games. He was pulled in the second quarter of a game to prevent injury, as the Buccaneers had already clinched their playoff position.

2023: Reported Ownership and Losses in FTX

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