Tom Brady Becomes the NFL's Winningest Quarterback Ever

Tom Brady eclipses his longtime archrival Peyton Manning for the most wins as a quarterback in NFL history.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

After the Patriots (10-2) predictably beat the Rams (4-8) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Tom Brady nabbed his 201st win to become the winningest quarterback in NFL history. Ironically, the Rams are the team that Brady and New England unexpectedly beat to win their first championship ring at Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002, where he gained MVP honors as well.

Brady, now in his 17th season at age 39, is the quintessential underdog story of a quarterback who created his talent to attain supremacy in the sport of football. He went from a third string backup quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, and barely got playing time during their 1997 run to the Rose Bowl where they won the national championship to cap off their undefeated season. Brady was drafted by the Patriots as the 199th pick in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, and threw for a meresix total passing yards (six!) his rookie year.

The following season, Bradyworked his way up to a starting role in the 2001 NFL season after initially being the team's fourth string quarterback. He was predicted as the NFL's next greatest quarterback like his longtime nemesis Peyton Manning coming out of University of Tennessee in the 1998 draft.

Since then, Brady has won two league MVPs, four Super Bowl rings, has set countless quarterback records, and coincidentally edged Manning for the most all-time wins as a quarterback in league history.

Brady stated about achieving his 201st win after the Pats beat the Rams:

“You know, I’m just grateful for all my teammates and my coaches, and my family and friends. It’s been a lot of football over the years, so… It’s always been about winning and you know, I’ve been very fortunate to be on great teams. I’m actually very grateful.”

Brady's overall NFL career record and winning percentage stands at 201-61 (.767), which crushes his childhood idol and NFL icon Joe Montana's record of 133-54 (.711). Although both quarterbacks are tied for four Super Bowl rings, and are tied for the most ever in that category.

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.

Latest in Sports