Super Bowl LI

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.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere shifted dramatically after Atlanta increased their lead to 28–3. Instead of surrendering, the Patriots began an unprecedented rally. Tom Brady completed 43 of his 62 pass attempts for 466 yards, guiding the offense through critical drives that included two onside kicks. The turning point came when the defense held Atlanta just long enough for New England to score their first touchdown since the second quarter. As the clock wound down in regulation, a Patriots field goal tied the game at 28–28, sending the match to overtime. Upon winning the coin toss, the Patriots took possession and marched straight down the field. James White caught the pass for the game-winning touchdown, sealing a historic victory that broke more than 30 team and individual Super Bowl records.

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.

Did You Know?

• This was the first Super Bowl in history to be decided in overtime.
• Tom Brady became the oldest player to win Super Bowl MVP at age 39.
• The Patriots overcame a 28–3 deficit, the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.
• James White set a single-game record with 14 receptions and scored 20 total points.
• The game averaged 111.3 million viewers, while the halftime show drew 117.5 million.