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The most unforgettable Patriots Super Bowl moments fans still talk about
Boston.com readers revisit the games, plays, and personal moments that defined the Patriots' Super Bowl history.
Patriots fans don’t just remember Super Bowl games by the final score or the Lombardi Trophy photo. They remember where they were, who they were with, and the moments that made time stop — whether it was a shocking comeback, a perfectly placed kick, or one impossible play that flipped everything in an instant.
With the New England Patriots dynasty spanning two decades and six championships, certain Super Bowls have taken on a life of their own, etched into personal history as much as team lore.
When we asked Boston.com readers which Patriots Super Bowl they’ll never forget, more than 180 readers responded. A few familiar Super Bowls quickly rose to the top, along with deeply personal memories that had little to do with the score and everything to do with where, how, and with whom the game was watched.
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For many, Super Bowl LI (2017) against the Atlanta Falcons still stands alone. Readers recalled the shock of the 28–3 halftime deficit, the disbelief as the comeback slowly became real, and iconic moments like Julian Edelman’s impossible catch.
Whether they were packed into a house full of family and friends, watching on a tiny TV far from home, or lucky enough to be in the stadium, fans described the game as something you could feel unfolding — the sense that history was being made in real time.
“You could feel that something really big was happening, and it couldn’t be stopped,” Boston.com reader Nathan said of the Patriots’ 2017 Super Bowl win.
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Others pointed to the Patriots’ first title, Super Bowl XXXVI (2002), as the most unforgettable of all. The underdog victory over the Rams wasn’t just about Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning kick — it marked a turning point for the franchise and for New England sports. Readers shared stories of downtown Boston erupting in celebration, of watching in hospitals, bars, and new homes, and of the emotional weight of finally seeing a championship after years of waiting.
“This game showed the world the Patriots were here and on top of the world,” said David from Swampscott.
And then there’s Super Bowl XLIX (2015), where one play changed everything. Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception against the Seattle Seahawks remains burned into fans’ memories as the ultimate swing from heartbreak to euphoria — a split-second that defined the Patriots’ dynasty and left many still shaking their heads years later.
“Butler’s insane storybook interception to end the game was the stuff of legends. Cemented the dynasty and legacy of the team,” said Jason C. from Arlington.
Here’s what readers had to say about their top three most memorable Patriots Super Bowls.
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Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Which Patriots Super Bowl will you never forget?
2017: NE vs. Atlanta Falcons (W)
“The greatest comeback of all time! Great party with family and friends pulling for the home team to get it!” — Paul, Boston
“Julian Edelman’s unbelievable catch!” — Rick W., Moorestown, New Jersey
“Watched it with my Dad on a tiny TV at an Airbnb in the Florida Keys.” – Dan C., Somerville
“3-28 at halftime!” — Norman W., Medway
“Was there for the greatest Super Bowl ever.” — Stephen, Marion
2002: NE vs. St. Louis Rams (W)
“Their first Super Bowl win. I literally went into labor because I was jumping up and down and gave birth to my daughter the next day.” — Laurie V.
“We were expected to get blown out in Super Bowl 36. The first win is etched in my mind forever. When Vinatieri kicked the game winner, there was nothing like being in Downtown Boston. It was electric and people were crying for joy and high-fiving in the streets. It was incredible!” — Jamie, Boston
“Understated underdogs through and through! The teamwork, the snow, the whole organization was still growing before big shopping and entertainment centers. This harkens back to when life and football were in simpler times …. aaaah, with offset I-form, fullbacks, jumbo-sized nose tackles, and you could be physical (especially in the passing game)!” — Johnny, Winthrop
“Watching Adam Vinatieri line up for that game winning field goal against the Rams with time expiring, was just phenomenal! What a memory for any Pats fan from the previous 25 years, so soon after the whole Bill Parcells drama in 98. ‘Nuff said.” — Darrell, Littleton, New Hampshire
“This is the one that pushed us to the upper echelon.” — David P., Swampscott
“Ultimate underdog story. Being introduced as a team. Ty Law’s interception. Tebucky Jones’ near game-sealer. The nerves as the Rams seized momentum and tied the game. Brady’s pass to Troy Brown which made the impossible seem possible. Brady’s calm spike to … himself. Adam, right down the pike, no doubter. John Madden’s mea culpa!” — Tony M., Boerne, Texas
“Super Bowl Party in our new marital home in Newton. Our daughter was just about one and a half years old. Celebrating with friends is the best!” — Maureen T., Newton
“I watched this one with a few friends at the old Boston Billiards near Fenway Park. I still remember the rush of emotions — amazement and happiness when they went up 17-3, concern when the Rams tied it up late, and, finally, exhilaration when Vinatieri made the field goal to win it. It took me a few days to fully take in the fact that the Patriots were Super Bowl champions.” — Brian C., Marblehead
“I watched this from a room at Children’s Hospital as our then seven-month-old recovered from cancer related surgery. The TV was tiny, but our son was on the mend and it felt miraculous.” – Jim M., Medford
“No Boston team had won a championship in quite a while. St. Louis was a very good team. Their comeback to tie the game seemingly gave them momentum for overtime. When the Pats started trying to get to field goal range with that last possession rather than run out the clock for overtime, I was surprised but not opposed. Still, even John Madden went so far as to say, ‘I don’t agree with this at all.’ When Adam V’s kick went through the uprights, I was so stunned the Pats were Super Bowl Champs that I needed convincing there wasn’t still 1 second that would be put back on the clock!” — Thomas O., Madison, New Jersey
2015: NE vs. Seattle Seahawks (W)
“‘The Pick.’ Malcolm Butler’s clutch interception turned the emotional roller coaster from a sense of inevitable impending doom to ‘pinch me, I must be dreaming’ sense of astonishment and celebration. It just edges out the 2008 loss to the Giants, which is so terribly memorable because the Patriots were by far the best team in the league, as deserving of a perfect record as any team in history, denied by a Giants team playing over their heads (and benefiting from some incredible luck). The only team deserving of a win to lose the Super Bowl was the Bills in 1991 in the ‘Wide Right’ game, again to the Giants, who again played over their heads and benefited from incredible luck.” — Robert K., Emporium, Pennsylvania (formerly of Acton)
“The one-eighty off snatching victory from what looked like sure defeat. Kearse’s unbelievable catch, while on his back was like a dagger and then to have Malcom Butler’s interception at the goal line with almost no time left on the clock and Seattle looking to score the game winning touchdown was just incredible and exhilarating. To this day it is in the top two memorable plays (maybe number one) of Super Bowl history, right there with D. Tyre’s catch for the NYG (that’s another story) over Rodney Harrison.” — Bill K., Saugus
“I’ve seen them all and there are so many great moments, but if I have to choose a singular moment that stands out, two words: Malcolm Effing Butler.” — Brian M., Rhode Island
“Butler’s insane storybook interception to end the game was the stuff of legends. Cemented the dynasty and legacy of the team as a Bill Belichick-Tom Brady combo, after losing the prior two appearances from 07/11 seasons to New York Giants. We had never gone away (hence the two appearances since last win in ’05), but this W truly cemented the dynastic success, and in miraculous fashion no less, of course. Can’t make this stuff up.” — Jason C., Arlington
“We were dead in the water waiting for Marshawn Lynch to punch in it for Seattle with only a short time left on the clock and then Macolm Butler intercepts Russell Wilson’s pass on the goal line. Indescribable emotions ensued for the Patriot faithful. Can’t be beat.” — Tom, Pelham, New Hampshire
“It had been ten years since they won and it felt like a repeat of the two Giants’ Super Bowls with the ridiculous carts and the Patriots giving up a go ahead score with very little time left. Then everything changed in one huge play.” — Tim, Portland, Maine
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
Which Patriots Super Bowl will you never forget?
2019: NE vs. Los Angeles Rams (W)
1%
2018: NE vs. Philadelphia Eagles (L)
0%
2017: NE vs. Atlanta Falcons (W)
32%
2015: NE vs. Seattle Seahawks (W)
16%
2012: NE vs. New York Giants (L)
0%
2008: NE vs. New York Giants (L)
4%
2005: NE vs. Philadelphia Eagles (W)
0%
2004: NE vs. Carolina Panthers (W)
0%
2002: NE vs. St. Louis Rams (W)
28%
1997: NE vs. Green Bay Packers (L)
0%
1986: NE vs. Chicago Bears (L)
19%
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