Super Bowl LI

From a 28–3 hole to an overtime victory: the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.

On February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the New England Patriots achieved the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. Trailing the Atlanta Falcons 28–3 midway through the third quarter, the team scored 25 unanswered points to tie the game in regulation and won 34–28 in overtime. This victory marked the franchise's fifth Super Bowl title, moving them into a three-way tie with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers for second-most wins. It was also the first Super Bowl ever decided in overtime, cementing the game as one of the greatest ever played.

Quick Facts

Visitor: New England Patriots
Visitor coach: Bill Belichick
Visitor record: 14–2
Visitor place: 1
Home: Atlanta Falcons
Home coach: Dan Quinn
Home record: 11–5
Home place: 2

Lore & Background

The Patriots entered the 2016 season with a league-best 14–2 record, overcoming the suspension of quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games. Despite losing All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski to a back injury in Week 13, New England scored 441 points while allowing only 250. In the Super Bowl, Atlanta's offense, led by MVP Matt Ryan, dominated early, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to take a 21–3 halftime lead and extending it to 28–3 midway through the third quarter. The Patriots responded with 25 straight points, tying the game in the final seconds of regulation. In overtime, New England won the coin toss, received the kickoff, and scored a touchdown immediately to claim the title. Running back James White set records with 14 receptions and 20 total points scored during the contest.

Reader's Guide

Super Bowl LI is defined by the New England Patriots' record-breaking comeback against the Atlanta Falcons. The game took place on February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston. Key statistics include Tom Brady's 466 passing yards and his record fourth Super Bowl MVP award at age 39. James White's performance was historic, with 14 receptions and 20 points scored, while the team overcame a 25-point deficit. The victory represented New England's ninth Super Bowl appearance and seventh under head coach Bill Belichick. Fox's broadcast reached an average of 111.3 million viewers, with a total audience for all or part of the game hitting a record 172 million. Lady Gaga's halftime show drew 117.5 million average viewers. NFL.com later ranked this contest as the ninth-greatest game in history and the fourth-highest among Super Bowls.