m Brady's Last Pre-Retirement Touchdown Football (Photo-Matched & MeiGray LOA)

Auction: Summer Classic 2022

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m Brady's Last Pre-Retirement Touchdown Football (Photo-Matched & MeiGray LOA)

Though the perspective has changed, this remains a magnificent piece nonetheless. For 40 days, this stood as one of the most significant game used footballs in history: the final touchdown ball ofTom Brady’s career. The "historic" event took place in the Tampa BayBuccaneers’ home playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadiumin Tampa, Florida, on January 23, 2002. Brady’s 55-yard touchdown pass wascaught by wide receiver Mike Evans, which cut the Rams’ lead to 27-20 with 3:20left to play in the fourth quarter. As is his habit when he scores, Evanstossed the ball into the stands, where it was caught by our consignor. Obviously,with the game not yet decided, and with Brady having given no formal indicationthat he was considering retiring at the conclusion of the Buccaneers’ season, no one couldhave realized the ball’s historical significance at the time. It was only afterthe loss, and Brady’s stunning announcement a week later, that the true valueof the piece became apparent. Just 40 days later, the GOAT announced his "unretirement," planning to return for the 2022 NFL season. It is worth noting, however, that at this point in time, TB12 has not yet returned to the gridiron, and should things change between now and the start of the season, this could, in fact, still be Brady's final touchdown ball. Unlike other items used in the commission of a famouslast event, this ball has dual significance because it was also used to establishTom Brady’s record of 86 career playoff touchdowns. To put that number in itsproper perspective, the player in second place, Joe Montana, has a total of 45.Like most of Brady’s passing records, it is a mark that will almost certainly standthe test of time.As mentioned earlier, this ball has been consigned directlyfrom the fan who caught it after Evans tossed it into the stands. That impeccableprovenance notwithstanding, the ball has also been conclusively photo matched. TheWilson Official NFL football features a large NFL logo on side panel, belowwhich, on a separate panel is a silver oval bearing the Buccaneers’ team logoand the number “435.” Additionally, that same panel displays numerous smallwhite “specks” that are a byproduct of its game use. Both the number “435” andthe “specks” can be clearly seen in two closeup Getty Images (1237945845 and1366493887) of Evans as he makes his fourth-quarter touchdown catch. It is only through an incredible stroke of luck that this ball isavailable to private collectors. If Evans had not tossed it into the stands, itwould still be in the possession of the Buccaneers and would never be offeredpublicly. Lelands too has experienced a second stroke of good fortune. It was lessthan a year ago that we offered Tom Brady’s first career touchdown ball (Lot 5;2021 Mid-Spring Classic; realized $428,841). Ironically, Brady’s firsttouchdown ball, like his "last," was also tossed into the stands by the receiverwho caught it (Terry Glenn). Whether or not Brady adds to his miraculous totals in the regular season and playoffs, this ball is still very historically important with the potential of immense value should it remain his last. Comes with full letter of authenticity and photo-match by MeiGray.