SUMMARY
- Previously, the New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI due to the Tuck Rule.
- In May 2022, Tom Brady made a comment on the Tuck Rule.
The “Tuck Rule” is the most shady and controversial and probably the primary reason Tom Brady has become an NFL legend. The rule indicates, “When a player is holding the ball to pass it forward, any intentional forward movement of his arm starts a forward pass, even if the player loses possession of the ball as he is attempting to tuck it back toward his body. Also, if the player has tucked the ball into his body and then loses possession, it is a fumble.”
This rule appears to be a blessing for the New England Patriots and Brady, who won Super Bowl XXXVI. Brady & Co. were playing in the AFC Divisional Round against the Oakland Raiders, and there were just 1:50 minutes left on the clock to end the fourth quarter. During that time, the Patriots were trailing 13-10, and the legendary quarterback tried to pass but was stopped by Charles Woodson.
Then the ball was caught by Raiders Greg Biekert, and the officials called it a fumble and sent it for review. After review, it was seen that Brady attempted to tuck the ball and started to move his arm forward; but, the ball dropped and it was counted as an incomplete pass, which restarted the game in favor of the Patriots. After that, they got the ball in position to score a field goal and converted it without trouble.
Finally, in overtime, they went on to score the winning points. Thereafter, they never turned back and finished the tournament as champions. However, this controversial decision is the reason why, and even now, almost 22 years later, many think the Patriots never deserved to win that Super Bowl.
Since then, multiple experts have commented on this, with a few agreeing with what happened and some disagreeing. Below are some of the NFL’s notable figures expressing their thoughts in this regard.
What did Tom Brady say about Tuck Rule?
The central figure behind the “Tuck Rule” incident was Tom Brady. More than twenty years later, on May 5, 2022, the iconic quarterback shared a post regarding the “Tuck Rule” incident. In the video clip, Brady said, “New trend alert tell me something honest.” Brady’s attire changed and said “The Tuck Rule Game against the Raiders.”
Everyone keep this on the down low please. pic.twitter.com/xPtrg1kXjr
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) May 5, 2022
Then the quarterback acted like he was revealing a secret, looked around, lowered his voice, and said, “It might have been a fumble.” Following the post, he made another and said, “I said might. Such a tough call. No choice but to respect the officials’ probably correct decision.” Despite the passage of an era, Brady still can’t believe his luck, and probably the future-changing day of his life continues to flow in front of his eyes.
NFL Legends’ verdict on the controversial Tuck Rule
Many believe “Tuck Rule” played a significant role in establishing the humongous Patriots dynasty. Regarding the incident, the franchise owner expressed his joy and even praised the former franchise owner, Al Davis.
A few years ago, Kraft said, “I love the tuck rule, and forever will, and I know Al Davis. May he rest in peace, is probably smiling.” From the owner’s verdict, it is crystal clear that he might not express it publicly, but inside, he genuinely believes that the “Tuck Rule” did change the Pats’ history.
The Los Angeles Rams quarterback, immediately after seeing the picture during a walkthrough, shared his valuable verdict on the infamous “Tuck Rule” incident. Garoppolo took no time to say, “It was a fumble. It was a fumble.”
Jimmy Garoppolo sees a photo of Tom Brady in the Tuck Rule Game.
“It was a fumble. It was a fumble.”
Jimmy G fitting right in with Raider Nation.
(video via @Raiders)pic.twitter.com/BUG7gRi6qx
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 23, 2023
Since the incident occurred, there has always been a division among the opinions on the situation. But the fact is, if the decision went the Raider’s way, then it was the right thing.