Tom Brady’s last pass as a New England Patriot holds significance far beyond the football field. Intercepted by Logan Ryan in the 2020 AFC Wild Card Game, this pivotal moment marked the end of an era for Brady and the Patriots. Now, this iconic football is taking on a new role in supporting animal welfare.
In the closing moments of the game, with the Patriots in a precarious position on their one-yard line, Brady’s pass intended for Mohamed Sanu was intercepted by Ryan. The interception turned into a touchdown, securing the Titans’ victory and bringing an abrupt close to the Patriots’ playoff campaign. This play not only signified the end of a game but also symbolized Brady’s departure from the Patriots after two decades of success.
Following his move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady and Ryan found themselves as teammates once again. During their time in Tampa, Ryan approached Brady with a special request to autograph the football from that memorable interception. Brady graciously complied, signing the football with the inscription “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, along with their families, share a passion for supporting animal welfare causes. Their involvement extended to volunteering at the Tampa Bay Humane Society, where the Brady family even welcomed a new kitten into their home. Inspired by this shared dedication, Ryan has decided to auction the historic football through Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds benefitting the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation (RARF)—a nonprofit organization he established with his wife, Ashley. RARF aims to enhance animal welfare by providing financial and educational support to shelters and rescues, positively impacting the lives of countless animals.
The football, a Wilson “Duke” ball, has been verified to be the same one used in Brady’s final pass as a Patriot and comes with a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from PSA/DNA. Additionally, it includes a Letter of Provenance signed by Logan Ryan, guaranteeing its authenticity and historical significance.
The upcoming auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors and fans of Brady to own a piece of football history while contributing to a noble cause. Ryan emphasizes that the football is more than just a symbol of a game-ending play—it represents fresh beginnings, both for the animals that will benefit from the auction and for the player who intercepted the legendary quarterback.
Anticipated to attract substantial interest, the bidding for the football promises to be an exciting event due to its rich history and the charitable purpose it supports. Individuals keen on participating in the auction can place their bids via Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds directly aiding RARF in its mission to promote animal welfare.
This auction not only memorializes a crucial moment in football history but also underscores the ongoing commitment of athletes like Ryan and Brady to give back to the community in meaningful and impactful ways.
