Who Won Super Bowl 2002? Patriots Victory Over Rams

By Sarah Miller · October 30, 2049

The New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002, defeating the St. Louis Rams 20-17 in a stunning upset. This victory marked the Patriots' first Super Bowl title and launched their dynasty under quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.

Super Bowl XXXVI: A Historic Upset

Super Bowl XXXVI took place on February 3, 2002, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The game featured the underdog New England Patriots (11-5 regular season record) against the heavily favored St. Louis Rams (14-2), who were known as "The Greatest Show on Turf" for their explosive offense.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Patriots entered the game as 14-point underdogs, making their win one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history.
Tom Brady, in just his second season, was named Super Bowl MVP after leading a game-winning drive in the final minutes.
The winning score came from a 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri as time expired.
This victory marked the beginning of the Patriots' NFL dynasty, which would include six Super Bowl wins over two decades.

Team and Player Performances

Despite being outgained in total yards (427 to 267), the Patriots' defense forced key turnovers and contained the Rams' high-powered offense when it mattered most.

New England Patriots Key Players

Tom Brady: 16/27, 145 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Adam Vinatieri: 3 field goals, including the game-winner
Ty Law: Intercepted Kurt Warner, setting up an early touchdown
Mike Vrabel: Recorded a sack and later scored a touchdown in future Super Bowls

St. Louis Rams Key Players

Kurt Warner: 28/44, 365 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Marshall Faulk: 172 total yards (76 rushing, 96 receiving)
Isaiah Bruce: 6 receptions, 117 yards

Statistic	New England Patriots	St. Louis Rams
Final Score	20	17
Total Yards	267	427
Passing Yards	145	365
Rushing Yards	122	62
Turnovers	0	3
Time of Possession	26:42	33:18
Third Down Efficiency	5/13	6/13

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that despite being outplayed statistically, the Patriots capitalized on Rams' mistakes. Three turnovers—including two interceptions by Kurt Warner—proved decisive. New England's ability to convert defensive stops into points, combined with flawless kicking by Vinatieri, made the difference in this low-possession, high-pressure game.

Legacy of Super Bowl XXXVI

Super Bowl XXXVI had far-reaching implications for both franchises and the NFL landscape.

Patriots Dynasty Begins: This win launched a 20-year era of dominance, with six Super Bowl titles between 2002 and 2019.
Brady's Rise: Tom Brady emerged as a clutch performer, eventually becoming a seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Rams' Decline: The Rams remained competitive but never regained their Super Bowl form, eventually relocating back to Los Angeles in 2016.
Defensive Strategy: The game proved that disciplined defense and ball control could overcome offensive firepower.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Won Super Bowl in 2002

Who won Super Bowl 2002?

The New England Patriots won Super Bowl 2002 (Super Bowl XXXVI), defeating the St. Louis Rams 20-17 on February 3, 2002.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XXXVI?

The final score of Super Bowl XXXVI was New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17. The game ended with a 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri.

Who was MVP of Super Bowl 2002?

Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP in 2002. He completed 16 of 27 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown, leading a game-winning drive in the final minutes.

Where was Super Bowl 2002 held?

Super Bowl 2002 (XXXVI) was held at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Were the Patriots favorites to win Super Bowl 2002?

No, the Patriots were 14-point underdogs going into Super Bowl 2002. The St. Louis Rams were heavily favored due to their dominant "Greatest Show on Turf" offense.