Tom Brady’s final pass as a New England Patriot didn’t quite go as planned. Intercepted by Logan Ryan of the Tennessee Titans during the 2020 AFC Wild Card Game, the memorable play marked the end of an era for Brady and the Patriots. However, this football, which symbolizes both an unfortunate moment in football history and the conclusion of Brady’s 20-year tenure with the Patriots, is now taking on a new purpose—an auction for animal welfare.
In the closing moments of the game, with the Patriots pinned on their one-yard line, Brady’s toss intended for Mohamed Sanu was tipped and caught by Ryan, who then returned it for a touchdown, sealing the Titans’ victory and the abrupt end of the Patriots’ playoff journey. This interception not only marked a dramatic finale to the game but also signaled the final chapter of Brady’s storied career with the Patriots.
As fate would have it, Brady and Ryan found themselves as teammates once again after Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During their time together in Tampa, Ryan approached Brady with a unique request—to sign and inscribe the football from that historic play. Brady, recognizing the significance of the moment, obliged and wrote on the ball: “Last Pass As A Patriot,” “1/4/20,” and “Logan Ryan INT.” The autographed football quickly gained traction on social media, garnering widespread attention.
Both Brady and Ryan, beyond their football achievements, share a commitment to animal welfare causes. Their involvement in supporting animal welfare was evident during their time in Tampa, where they volunteered at the Tampa Bay Humane Society, and the Brady family even adopted a kitten. In line with their shared passion, Ryan decided to auction the football through Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds benefiting the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation (RARF), a nonprofit organization he and his wife, Ashley, established to support animal welfare initiatives.
The Wilson “Duke” ball, confirmed through photomatching to be the same ball from Brady’s final pass as a Patriot, is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA and a Letter of Provenance signed by Logan Ryan, ensuring its authenticity and historical significance.
The upcoming auction presents a unique opportunity for football enthusiasts and fans of Brady to own a piece of football lore while contributing to a noble cause. As Ryan articulates, this football represents more than a mere play—it symbolizes fresh beginnings, for both the animals benefiting from the auction proceeds and the player who intercepted the legendary quarterback.
Anticipated to attract considerable interest, the auction for this historic football embodies a pivotal moment in football history and underscores the ongoing dedication of athletes like Ryan and Brady to making a difference in their communities.
To partake in the auction and support RARF’s mission of promoting animal welfare, interested individuals can engage in the bidding process through Goldin Auctions. By joining the auction, participants not only commemorate a significant football moment but also contribute to a meaningful cause championed by Ryan and Brady.