The Tuck Rule Game

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 19, 2012

The Tuck Rule Game

Oakland corner Charles Woodson strips the ball from New England quarterback Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of the infamous "Tuck Rule" Divisional Playoff game. Wednesday is the 10th anniversary of the "Tuck Rule" game, which saw referee Walt Coleman controversially overturn Brady's fumble to give the ball back to the Patriots, paving the way for New England's 16-13 overtime victory.

tom-brady-charles-woodson-tuck-rule%282%29.jpg — Elise Amendola/AP

Linebacker Greg Biekert appeared to seal the game for the Raiders -- who were up 13-10 with less than two minutes to go -- when he pounced on Brady's fumble. But Coleman invoked the little-known Tuck Rule during a booth review, declaring the play an incomplete pass because Brady's arm had been moving forward. That gave the ball back to New England, which got a dramatic, 45-yard field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri to force overtime.

Oakland coach Jon Gruden was understandably upset about Coleman's controversial decision, reportedly telling his players in the locker room after the loss that the league "is never going to allow you guys to win here." He never even got another chance, leaving Oakland for Tampa Bay after the season. Belichick and the Patriots went on to defeat the Steelers in the AFC Championship and take down the Rams in the Super Bowl for the franchise's first title.

The Patriots kick the ball off to the Raiders in snowy New England. The "Tuck Rule Game" was the last game ever played at Foxboro Stadium.

Brady beats the Oakland defense to the end zone to make it 13-10 in the fourth quarter. The Raiders were up 13-3 heading into the fourth but couldn't ice the game.

Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon complains to Coleman. The Oakland quarterback threw for 159 yards and a touchdown in the game.

Vinatieri kicks the winning 23-yard field goal. The Patriots got the ball first in overtime and went 61 yards in 15 plays -- with Brady completing all eight of his passes -- to set up the kick.