History of Tom Brady in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. Selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, he evolved into a legendary figure, leading the franchise to six Super Bowl titles over two decades. In 2020, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, securing a seventh Super Bowl victory and further cementing his legacy. Throughout his 23-season career, Brady set numerous NFL records for passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. His unparalleled work ethic, ability to perform under pressure, and longevity transformed him into an iconic sports figure. After retiring in 2023, he transitioned into sports broadcasting, leaving behind a resume defined by seven championships and three NFL MVP awards, widely considered the gold standard for excellence in professional football.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

August 3, 1977: Birth of Tom Brady

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. was born on August 3, 1977, marking the beginning of the life of the future professional football quarterback.

1981: Attendance at the 1981 NFC Championship game

At the age of four in 1981, Tom Brady attended the NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park, where he witnessed Joe Montana's famous 'The Catch' pass to Dwight Clark.

1995: Beginning of College Football Career

In 1995, Tom Brady began his college football career at the University of Michigan, where he spent his first year redshirting.

1995: Graduation from Junípero Serra High School

In 1995, Tom Brady graduated from Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, marking the conclusion of his high school athletic career where he competed in football, basketball, and baseball.

1995: Tom Brady drafted by the Montreal Expos

In 1995, Tom Brady was drafted in the 18th round of the MLB draft by the Montreal Expos, who recognized his significant potential as a catcher, though he ultimately chose to pursue football at the University of Michigan.

September 28, 1996: Tom Brady's Collegiate Debut

On September 28, 1996, Tom Brady made his first appearance in a college football game for the University of Michigan during a blowout win against UCLA. The debut was marked by a difficult start, as his first collegiate pass attempt was intercepted by Phillip Ward and returned 42 yards for a touchdown.

1997: Wolverines Undefeated Season

During the 1997 season, Tom Brady served as a backup quarterback while the University of Michigan Wolverines achieved an undefeated record.

1998: Internship at Merrill Lynch

In 1998, Tom Brady began a summer internship at the financial firm Merrill Lynch.

1998: Michigan Football Season and Record-Setting Performance

In 1998, Tom Brady served as the starting quarterback for the University of Michigan, earning All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention honors and helping the team share the Big Ten title, while setting a new school record for completions in a single game during a contest against Ohio State.

1998: Rose Bowl Victory

The 1998 Rose Bowl victory capped off the University of Michigan's undefeated 1997 season and earned them a share of the national championship.

December 1999: Graduation from the University of Michigan

In December 1999, Tom Brady successfully graduated from the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies.

1999: Tom Brady's 1999 Michigan Football Season

During the 1999 season, Tom Brady competed with Drew Henson for the starting quarterback position at the University of Michigan. After an initial period of platooning, coach Lloyd Carr eventually named Brady the exclusive starter for the remainder of the season following a series of strong performances, including notable wins against Notre Dame, Indiana, and Penn State.

1999: Citrus Bowl Victory and Conclusion of Michigan Career

During the 1999 season, Tom Brady continued his tenure as Michigan's starting quarterback, served as team captain, and led his team to a 45–31 victory over Arkansas in the 1999 Citrus Bowl to conclude his collegiate season.

1999: End of University of Michigan Tenure

Tom Brady concluded his college football tenure with the University of Michigan Wolverines in 1999 after playing for the team since 1995.

1999: Internship at Merrill Lynch

Tom Brady continued his summer internship at Merrill Lynch throughout 1999.

2000: Victory at the 2000 Orange Bowl

During the year 2000, Tom Brady led the Michigan Wolverines to a victory in the Orange Bowl, capping off a successful collegiate career where he set multiple statistical school records.

2000: 2000 Orange Bowl Victory

In 2000, Tom Brady led the Michigan Wolverines to a thrilling overtime victory against Alabama in the Orange Bowl. During the game, he threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns, successfully guiding his team back from two 14-point deficits and setting a BCS bowl record with 35 completions.

2000: Selection in the 2000 NFL Draft

In 2000, Tom Brady was selected 199th overall by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL draft, a moment that would eventually be viewed as one of the greatest draft steals in league history.

2001: Beginning of the Brady-Belichick Dynasty

In 2001, Tom Brady became the primary starter for the New England Patriots, marking the start of the Brady-Belichick era and the team's first Super Bowl XXXVI victory.

2001: Start of the New England Patriots Dynasty

In 2001, Tom Brady began his central contribution to the New England Patriots franchise dynasty, which would span until 2019.

2003: Second Super Bowl Championship

In 2003, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots secured their second championship title during the team's historic dynasty period.

2003: Junípero Serra High School Hall of Fame Induction

In 2003, Tom Brady received the honor of being inducted into the Junípero Serra High School Hall of Fame.

2004: Third Super Bowl Championship

In 2004, Tom Brady helped lead the New England Patriots to another consecutive championship title, cementing their status as an NFL dynasty.

2007: Perfect Regular Season and MVP Award

In 2007, Tom Brady led his team to a historic 16–0 regular season record and was honored with his first league MVP award.

2008: Season Injury Absence

In 2008, Tom Brady missed the entire NFL season due to an injury, marking one of the rare interruptions in his career as a primary starter.

2008: First consecutive start streak ended by injury

In 2008, Tom Brady's impressive streak of over 100 consecutive starts as a quarterback came to an end due to an injury sustained during the season.

2009: Start of Consecutive Division Titles

Beginning in 2009, Tom Brady helped lead the New England Patriots to a streak of 11 consecutive division titles, which continued through 2019.

2010: Unanimous League MVP Award

In 2010, Tom Brady was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player, marking the first time a player had received this honor unanimously.

2011: Beginning of Consecutive AFC Championship Game Appearances

Starting in 2011, Tom Brady guided the New England Patriots to eight consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances, a streak that lasted through 2018.

2012: Naming of Brady Family Stadium

Following his appearance in Super Bowl XLVI, Tom Brady visited Junípero Serra High School in 2012, where administrators honored him by naming the school's football stadium the Brady Family Stadium.

2014: Reflection on Mentorship

In a 2014 interview with 60 Minutes, Tom Brady spoke about his reliance on Greg Harden, who provided mentorship and guidance during his college years.

2016: Second consecutive start streak ended by suspension

In 2016, Tom Brady saw his second career streak of over 100 consecutive starts conclude as a result of a league-imposed suspension.

2017: Third League MVP Award

Tom Brady was recognized for his performance by receiving his third career NFL league MVP award in 2017.

2018: Conclusion of AFC Championship Streak

The year 2018 served as the final year of an impressive eight-year run where Tom Brady and the New England Patriots qualified for every AFC Championship Game.

2019: Named to 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

In 2019, Tom Brady was unanimously selected to the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in professional football history.

2019: End of Consecutive Division Titles Streak

The year 2019 marked the conclusion of an 11-year streak during which Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to consecutive division titles.

2019: Conclusion of Patriots Tenure

The year 2019 marked the end of Tom Brady's 20-season tenure with the New England Patriots, concluding the primary phase of the franchise dynasty he helped build.

2019: Conclusion of the Brady-Belichick Era

The year 2019 marked the end of the highly successful 2001-2019 partnership between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in New England.

2020: Tampa Bay Wild Card Berth

During the 2020 season, Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to secure a wild card berth in the NFL playoffs.

2020: Move to the Buccaneers and Super Bowl Victory

In 2020, Tom Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and secured a victory in Super Bowl LV, bringing his total career count to seven Super Bowl wins.

2021: NFC South Title and Historical Victory Milestone

In 2021, Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an NFC South title and became one of only four quarterbacks in NFL history to defeat all 32 league teams.

2022: NFC South Title

Tom Brady successfully led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to another NFC South division championship during the 2022 season.

2024: Transition to Broadcasting and Team Ownership

In 2024, Tom Brady embarked on new career paths by becoming the lead color commentator for NFL on Fox and acquiring a partial ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

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