
Who Has Tom Brady Lost to in Super Bowl? Full Breakdown
Tom Brady lost Super Bowl games to the New York Giants twice (XLII, XLVI) and the Philadelphia Eagles once (LII). These three losses came across his record-setting ten Super Bowl appearances.
Tom Brady's Super Bowl Losses: A Closer Look
Tom Brady, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, played in a record ten Super Bowls, winning seven. However, even legends face defeat. Brady suffered three Super Bowl losses, two of which came against the New York Giants and one against the Philadelphia Eagles. These defeats are notable not only for their outcome but also for how they unfolded—each marked by dramatic moments and unexpected performances.
Key Questions About Brady's Super Bowl Defeats
- Which teams defeated Tom Brady in the Super Bowl?
- What were the scores of the games he lost?
- Were any of the losses considered upsets?
- How did Brady perform statistically in those games?
- Did injuries or team weaknesses contribute to the losses?
Super Bowl XLII: Giants Stun the Undefeated Patriots
In Super Bowl XLII (2008), the 18-0 New England Patriots faced the New York Giants. The Patriots were heavy favorites, aiming to complete a perfect season. However, the Giants pulled off one of the biggest upsets in sports history with a 17-14 victory.
Why Was This Game Significant?
- The Patriots entered the game undefeated at 18-0.
- The Giants' final drive included the famous "Helmet Catch" by David Tyree.
- Brady threw for 266 yards and 1 touchdown but was pressured throughout.
Super Bowl XLVI: Giants Repeat the Feat
Four years later, in Super Bowl XLVI (2012), the Patriots and Giants met again. Once more, New York emerged victorious, winning 21-17. This rematch reinforced the Giants' status as Brady’s kryptonite during his early dynasty years.
Key Moments from Super Bowl XLVI
- Eli Manning escaped a near-sack to launch a deep pass to Mario Manningham, setting up the game-winning drive.
- Brady threw for 276 yards and 2 touchdowns but couldn’t overcome late-game pressure.
- The Patriots’ defense failed to contain the Giants in critical moments.
Super Bowl LII: Eagles Soar Over the Patriots
In Super Bowl LII (2018), Tom Brady and the Patriots faced the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite a historic offensive performance, New England lost 41-33. This game featured the highest combined score in Super Bowl history.
Why Was Super Bowl LII Unique?
- Brady threw for a Super Bowl-record 505 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- The loss marked the first time Brady lost a Super Bowl after leading his team to a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
- Eagles quarterback Nick Foles outperformed Brady in key situations, earning Super Bowl MVP.
Detailed Breakdown of Tom Brady's Super Bowl Losses
| Super Bowl | Date | Opponent | Final Score | Brady's Passing Yards | Brady's TD-INT | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLII | Feb 3, 2008 | New York Giants | 14-17 | 266 | 1-0 | Loss |
| XLVI | Feb 5, 2012 | New York Giants | 17-21 | 276 | 2-1 | Loss |
| LII | Feb 4, 2018 | Philadelphia Eagles | 33-41 | 505 | 3-1 | Loss |
The data shows that despite Brady’s strong individual performances—especially in Super Bowl LII, where he set a passing yardage record—his team could not secure victories. The two losses to the Giants occurred in tightly contested games with defensive dominance, while the loss to the Eagles was an offensive shootout where defense faltered on both sides. Brady’s passer rating across these three losses averaged 95.4, higher than many winning quarterbacks, underscoring that elite performance doesn't always guarantee wins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Brady's Super Bowl Losses
Who defeated Tom Brady in the Super Bowl?
Tom Brady was defeated by the New York Giants in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, and by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
How many Super Bowls did Tom Brady lose?
Tom Brady lost three Super Bowls out of his ten appearances, giving him a 7-3 record in the big game.
Did Tom Brady ever lose a Super Bowl to the Seahawks?
No, although the Patriots lost Super Bowl XLIX to the Seattle Seahawks, that game ended in a dramatic fashion when Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson at the goal line. However, Brady led the winning drive, so this was a win for Brady, not a loss.
What was Tom Brady’s worst Super Bowl loss?
Statistically, Super Bowl LII was his most productive loss (505 yards), but emotionally, Super Bowl XLII may have been the toughest due to the Patriots’ undefeated season being ruined.
Has any other quarterback lost more Super Bowls than Tom Brady?
No. Three quarterbacks—Bob Griese, Fran Tarkenton, and Peyton Manning—each lost four Super Bowls, one more than Brady. However, Brady holds the record for most Super Bowl appearances and most wins (7).



