Tom Brady retires: The Top 10 moments of his playing career

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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FOXBORO, MA – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos and quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots shake hands after the New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 34-31 in overtime at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2013, in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Overcoming a 24-point deficit vs. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning had the better end of the battle between him and Brady and also overcame a 21-3 deficit against Brady in an AFC Championship. That said, Brady has one great moment against Peyton that the former Colt and Bronco will never escape. Blowing a 24-point lead on Sunday Night Football.

Going into the contest, both teams were among the best in the league, and early on, it seemed like Peyton and his friends could do no wrong. That worked until they got up 24-0, and Brady did his thing. The game ultimately went into overtime, showing that Brady was not incapable of overcoming large leads; his biggest was yet to come.

Denver’s Tony Carter found himself touching a punt and having a miscue before Nate Ebner’s recovery set up a Stephen Gostkowski field goal for the win. Denver got the last laugh by going to the Super Bowl, but Brady will have this memory for years to come.

No. 5: 2007 season, going 16-0 before Super Bowl XLII

If Tom could trade two Super Bowl rings to get back one of his losses, this would be it. Going 19-0 and essentially giving the ultimate middle finger to those who questioned him. Sadly, no one is perfect, and Eli Manning and Michael Strahan will forever have that memory as part of their legacy.

Still, it’s hard to diminish what Brady accomplished during that MVP season, where it seemed like everything was going so well despite the tough circumstances. Randy Moss was bouncing back. Wes Welker was on a role, the offensive line was holding up better than ever, and the defense continued to be aggressive.

However, as the playoffs approached, cracks appeared in the armor, especially in the AFC title game against the Chargers. The Giants finished the job, but you can’t take away what was accomplished during that season, and it should be regarded as one of the greatest teams to ever play in the league.

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