Overview

Super Bowl XXXVI, played on February 3, 2002, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans between the AFC-champion New England Patriots and the NFC-champion St. Louis Rams, came amid celebrations of America months after the tragedies of September 2001. The Rams had won Super Bowl XXXIV and were overwhelming favorites, while the Patriots had seen starter Drew Bledsoe injured and replaced by 5th round sophomore QB Tom Brady only to see Brady injured in the AFC title game, and Bledsoe to step in and win the game. The Patriots shocked the Rams early on and had a 17-3 lead, but a late Rams rally with a touchdown from Ricky Proehl tied the score, forcing a last-minute drive by Brady for one last opportunity to win.