Tom Brady’s final pass as a New England Patriot holds a special place in football lore, not for the expected heroics but for a surprising interception. The infamous pass, picked off by Logan Ryan of the Tennessee Titans during the 2020 AFC Wild Card Game, marked the end of an era for Brady and the Patriots. Now, this piece of football history is about to serve a noble purpose by raising funds for animal welfare causes.
In the dying moments of the game, with the Patriots in a tight spot on their own one-yard line, Brady’s pass intended for Mohamed Sanu was deflected into Ryan’s waiting hands. Ryan promptly carried it over the goal line, securing victory for the Titans and effectively closing the chapter on Brady’s illustrious 20-year stint with the Patriots.
Following his move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, Brady and Ryan found themselves on the same team. During their time as teammates, Ryan approached Brady with a special request—to sign and inscribe the football from that pivotal play. Brady graciously complied, adding his signature and personal messages like “Last Pass As A Patriot,” “1/4/20,” and “Logan Ryan INT” to the ball. This autographed football quickly gained traction on social media, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
Apart from their football careers, both Brady and Ryan, along with their families, share a passion for supporting animal welfare initiatives. While in Tampa, they dedicated their time to volunteering at the Tampa Bay Humane Society, where the Brady family even expanded by adopting a furry friend. Inspired by their mutual love for animals, Ryan has chosen to auction off the historic football through Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds benefiting the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation (RARF), a nonprofit organization co-founded by Ryan and his wife, Ashley. RARF serves to enhance animal welfare by offering financial aid and educational resources to shelters and rescues, making a positive impact on the lives of numerous animals.
The football, a Wilson “Duke” ball, has been confirmed to be the same one used in Brady’s final pass as a Patriot, supported by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from PSA/DNA. Additionally, a Letter of Provenance signed by Logan Ryan certifies the ball’s authenticity and historical significance, further solidifying its place in football memorabilia.
The impending auction promises a distinct opportunity for collectors and Brady enthusiasts to own a piece of football history while contributing to a charitable cause. Ryan articulates that the football symbolizes more than a game-ending play—it embodies new beginnings for the animals that will benefit from the auction and for the man who intercepted the iconic quarterback.
Anticipated to attract considerable interest, the auction for the football stands as a testament to its rich backstory and the charitable foundation it supports. Those eager to participate in the bidding can engage via Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds directly aiding RARF’s ongoing mission to uplift animal welfare.
This auction not only commemorates a crucial moment in football but also showcases the unwavering dedication of athletes like Ryan and Brady to give back to the community in a meaningful manner.
