Who Won Super Bowl 2002? Patriots Beat Rams in Upset

By Sarah Miller · November 8, 2053

The New England Patriots won Super Bowl 2002 (Super Bowl XXXVI), defeating the St. Louis Rams 20-17 in a thrilling upset on February 3, 2002. This victory marked the Patriots' first Super Bowl win in franchise history and launched their legacy of success under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

Super Bowl XXXVI Overview

Super Bowl XXXVI took place on February 3, 2002, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game featured the AFC champion New England Patriots against the NFC champion St. Louis Rams, who were heavily favored to win. The Patriots' triumph was one of the most significant upsets in Super Bowl history and marked the beginning of a new NFL dynasty.

Key Facts About Super Bowl 2002

Date: February 3, 2002
Location: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Final Score: New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17
MVP: Tom Brady (Quarterback, Patriots)
Attendance: 72,922
Broadcast Network: Fox
Halftime Performer: U2 (in tribute to 9/11 victims)

The Road to the Championship

The Patriots entered the playoffs as a wild card team with a 11-5 regular season record. They defeated the Oakland Raiders in the Divisional Round ("Tuck Rule Game") and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Meanwhile, the Rams finished the regular season 14-2, led by MVP quarterback Kurt Warner and the high-powered "Greatest Show on Turf" offense.

Why the Patriots Were Underdogs

The Rams scored more points than any other team during the regular season.
Tom Brady was only in his second year as a starter and considered inexperienced.
New England had never won a Super Bowl before this appearance.
The Rams had defeated the Patriots 24-17 earlier in the 2001 season.

Game Highlights and Turning Points

The game remained close throughout, with the Rams leading 17-13 late in the fourth quarter. With just over two minutes remaining, Tom Brady led a clutch drive from New England's own 17-yard line. The drive culminated in Adam Vinatieri kicking a 48-yard field goal as time expired, securing the win.

Critical Moments

Brady's Fourth-Quarter Drive: Completed 5 of 6 passes for 53 yards under pressure.
Vinatieri's Game-Winning Kick: One of the longest successful field goals in Super Bowl history.
Defensive Stand: Patriots defense held Rams to zero points in the second half.
Warner's Final Pass: Nearly completed a deep pass to Isaac Bruce but was broken up by Otis Smith.

Statistic	New England Patriots	St. Louis Rams
First Downs	20	23
Total Yards	354	444
Passing Yards	266	384
Rushing Yards	88	60
Turnovers	1	3
Time of Possession	26:46	33:14
Third Down Efficiency	6/13	7/14

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while the Rams outgained the Patriots in total yards and controlled the ball longer, New England capitalized on key plays and committed fewer turnovers. The Patriots' ability to limit mistakes and execute in critical moments—especially on third downs and in the red zone—proved decisive despite being out-possessed.

Legacy and Impact

Super Bowl XXXVI marked the beginning of the Patriots' dynasty. Tom Brady earned his first Super Bowl MVP, launching a career that would include seven championships. The win also established Bill Belichick as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. For the Rams, it was the end of their dominant run, as they never returned to the Super Bowl during the Warner era.

Long-Term Significance

First of six Super Bowl wins for Tom Brady with the Patriots.
Patriots became the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl since the 1980 Raiders.
Game symbolized resilience after 9/11, with patriotic themes and U2's emotional halftime show.
Adam Vinatieri joined elite company as a clutch kicker in big games.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 2002

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 2002?

Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, was named Super Bowl MVP. He completed 16 of 27 passes for 145 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions, leading two crucial fourth-quarter scoring drives.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XXXVI?

The final score was New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17. The game ended with Adam Vinatieri's 48-yard field goal as time expired.

Where was Super Bowl 2002 held?

Super Bowl XXXVI was played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 3, 2002.

Were the Patriots favored to win Super Bowl 2002?

No, the Patriots were 14-point underdogs. The Rams were considered overwhelming favorites due to their 14-2 record and explosive offense known as the "Greatest Show on Turf."

Who kicked the winning field goal in Super Bowl 2002?

Adam Vinatieri kicked the game-winning 48-yard field goal with just seconds remaining. It was his second field goal of the fourth quarter and cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history.