Overview

Super Bowl XXXVI was the championship game of the 2001 NFL season, played on February 3, 2002, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The game concluded with the New England Patriots defeating the St. Louis Rams, 20–17, delivering the Patriots their first Super Bowl title. The contest is often remembered for its late comeback, a last-second field goal, and its place as the league's first championship after the September 11 attacks.

Teams and key participants

The matchup featured the underdog New England Patriots and the high-powered St. Louis Rams offense, commonly called "The Greatest Show on Turf." The Patriots were led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, who was named Super Bowl MVP. The Rams were led by quarterback Kurt Warner. New England's final play was a field-goal attempt by Adam Vinatieri that decided the outcome.

Game summary and notable moments

The Rams held a lead through much of the game, but the Patriots mounted a fourth-quarter comeback. Trailing late, New England engineered a drive that positioned Adam Vinatieri for a game-winning field goal as time expired. The 20–17 finish and Brady's composed performance under pressure are often cited as the start of a prolonged period of success for the Patriots franchise. For official game records and play-by-play details, see the game page: Super Bowl XXXVI game summary.

Ceremony, anthem, and halftime

Pre-game and halftime programming reflected the national mood less than five months after the 2001 terrorist attacks. The national anthem was performed by Mariah Carey, and the halftime show featured U2, who paid tribute to the victims of September 11. The event included heightened security and several patriotic tributes that framed the game in a wider cultural context.

Facts, legacy, and significance

  • Final score: New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17.
  • Most valuable player: Tom Brady (New England Patriots).
  • Decisive play: Adam Vinatieri's field goal as time expired.
  • Head coaches: Bill Belichick (Patriots) and Mike Martz (Rams).

The victory marked the beginning of the Patriots' emergence as a dominant NFL franchise in the 21st century. The game also remains notable for its combination of competitive drama and the solemn national atmosphere surrounding the 2001 season. For information from the Patriots organization, see their profile: New England Patriots.

Additional perspectives on the match, including tactical analysis and player statistics, can be found via historical and sports-reference sources. Contemporary coverage highlighted both the athletic turning points in the fourth quarter and the broader social mood present at the event.