Who Won the 2001 Super Bowl? Patriots vs Rams

By Sarah Miller · January 9, 2038

The New England Patriots won the 2001 Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXVI), defeating the St. Louis Rams 20-17 in a stunning upset on February 3, 2002. The game took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans and marked the Patriots' first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Adam Vinatieri kicked the winning field goal as time expired, cementing his legacy and launching a new era of Patriots dominance under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

Overview of Super Bowl XXXVI

Super Bowl XXXVI was played on February 3, 2002, concluding the 2001 NFL season. The game featured the St. Louis Rams, representing the NFC as favorites, against the New England Patriots, AFC champions and significant underdogs. The final score was 20–17, with the Patriots securing their first Super Bowl title through a dramatic last-second field goal.

Key Highlights

The Patriots entered the game as 14-point underdogs.
Tom Brady, in only his second season, earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
Adam Vinatieri made a 48-yard field goal to tie the game late in regulation and a 48-yarder to win it.
The game was widely seen as the beginning of the Patriots dynasty.

The Road to Super Bowl XXXVI

Both teams navigated challenging playoff paths to reach the championship game. The Rams had dominated the regular season with a 14–2 record, earning the nickname "The Greatest Show on Turf" due to their explosive offense led by Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce.

In contrast, the Patriots finished the regular season with an 11–5 record and advanced through the playoffs via upsets, including a snow-covered "Tuck Rule" game against the Oakland Raiders in the divisional round.

Patriots’ Playoff Journey

Divisional Round: Defeated Oakland Raiders 16–13 (Tuck Rule Game)
AFC Championship: Defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 24–17

Rams’ Playoff Journey

Divisional Round: Defeated Green Bay Packers 45–17
NFC Championship: Defeated Philadelphia Eagles 29–24

Game Summary and Key Moments

The game began with cautious play from both sides. The Rams scored first with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner to Isaac Bruce. However, the Patriots responded with a methodical drive ending in a 1-yard Antowain Smith touchdown run.

The second half saw defensive battles dominate. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Tom Brady led a 59-yard drive in the final minutes, setting up Adam Vinatieri’s game-tying 48-yard field goal with just seconds remaining.

After a Rams turnover on their next possession, the Patriots regained the ball and Vinatieri kicked another 48-yard field goal as time expired to win the game.

Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady

Tom Brady completed 16 of 27 passes for 145 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Though his stats were modest, his poise under pressure and leadership in the final drive earned him the Super Bowl MVP award—the first of three in his career.

Statistic	New England Patriots	St. Louis Rams
First Downs	16	21
Total Yards	267	302
Passing Yards	145	280
Rushing Yards	122	22
Time of Possession	26:42	33:18
Turnovers	0	2
Penalties-Yards	6-50	7-60

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical comparison shows that while the Rams held a clear advantage in total yardage and time of possession, the Patriots capitalized on key moments and avoided costly mistakes. Their ability to convert critical downs and protect the football—combined with two Rams turnovers—proved decisive despite being outgained overall.

Legacy of the 2001 Super Bowl

Super Bowl XXXVI marked a turning point in NFL history. The Patriots' victory launched a dynasty that would go on to win six Super Bowls over the next two decades. It also solidified the Belichick-Brady partnership as one of the greatest in sports history.

For the Rams, the loss ended a dominant three-year stretch but did not diminish their offensive legacy. Meanwhile, Tom Brady’s emergence as a clutch performer began here, foreshadowing his future status as the league’s most decorated quarterback.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2001 Super Bowl

Who won the 2001 Super Bowl?

The New England Patriots won 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 was New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17.

Where was the 2001 Super Bowl held?

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

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXVI?

Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, was named Super Bowl MVP after leading a game-winning drive and finishing with 145 passing yards and zero turnovers.