Tom Brady’s final pass as a New England Patriot may have ended in interception, but its significance far exceeds the action on the field. The momentous play, intercepted by Logan Ryan of the Tennessee Titans during the 2020 AFC Wild Card Game, symbolized the end of an era for Brady and the Patriots. Now, this remarkable football is taking on a new role by raising funds for animal welfare.
In the closing seconds of the game, with the Patriots in a precarious position on their one-yard line, Brady’s pass intended for Mohamed Sanu was deflected and caught by Ryan, who swiftly returned it for a touchdown. This play not only sealed the Titans’ victory but also brought an abrupt conclusion to Brady’s illustrious 20-year career with the Patriots.
Following his departure for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, Brady and Ryan found themselves as teammates once again. During their time in Tampa, Ryan approached Brady with a unique request to sign and personalize the intercepted football. Brady graciously honored the request by inscribing the ball with phrases like “Last Pass As A Patriot,” “1/4/20,” and “Logan Ryan INT.” This autographed football gained widespread attention on social media, swiftly becoming a viral sensation.
Beyond their football endeavors, both athletes, along with their families, have been devoted supporters of animal welfare initiatives. Their involvement extended to volunteering at the Tampa Bay Humane Society, where the Brady family even welcomed a new furry member through the adoption of a kitten. Motivated by their shared passion for animals, Ryan decided to auction the historic football through Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds earmarked for the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation (RARF)—a charitable organization he established with his wife, Ashley. RARF’s mission is dedicated to advancing animal welfare through financial and educational aid to shelters and rescues, positively impacting the lives of numerous animals.
The football, a Wilson “Duke” ball, has been confirmed through photomatching to be from Brady’s final pass as a Patriot and includes a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from PSA/DNA. A Letter of Provenance personally signed by Logan Ryan further attests to the football’s authenticity and historical significance.
The forthcoming auction presents a distinctive opportunity for collectors and fans of Brady to possess a tangible piece of football history while supporting a noble cause. According to Ryan, the football signifies more than just a pivotal play—it embodies new beginnings, for both the animals benefiting from the auction proceeds and the player who intercepted the renowned quarterback.
Anticipated to garner substantial interest, the auction for this historic football encapsulates a remarkable narrative and a charitable purpose. Those eager to participate in the auction can engage through Goldin Auctions, with the entirety of the proceeds directly aiding RARF’s efforts to champion animal welfare.
This auction not only commemorates a significant moment in football history but also underscores the enduring commitment of individuals like Ryan and Brady to give back to the community in truly impactful ways.
