The Tuck Rule Game

About

The Tuck Rule Game is one of the most infamous moments in NFL history, occurring during the 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. On January 19, 2002, in a snowy Foxboro Stadium, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was hit by Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson, causing the ball to be knocked loose. Initially ruled a fumble, the play was reviewed and deemed an incomplete pass under the NFL's Tuck Rule, which states that any intentional forward movement of the arm starts a forward pass, even if the player loses possession while tucking the ball back[1][3]. This controversial call allowed the Patriots to retain possession and eventually tie the game with a field goal, forcing overtime. New England won the game 16-13 on another field goal by Adam Vinatieri. The decision had significant implications, as the Patriots went on to win Super Bowl XXXVI, marking the beginning of their dynasty. The Tuck Rule was later abolished in 2013, but its impact on this game remains a topic of debate[2][4].