As Tom Brady gets set to return to the field in a week, Friday marks the anniversary of one of his career highlights.
It might be hard for some New England Patriots fans to believe, but Brady made his first career start 15 years ago Friday. The start, which came a week after the Patriots pushed Brady into action after Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury, started not only a brilliant career but one of the biggest rivalries in NFL history.
Brady and the Patriots took on the Indianapolis Colts that Sunday in late September, marking the first of many meetings between No. 12 and Peyton Manning. And as seemingly was usually the case, Brady and the Patriots got the best of Manning and the Colts.
Brady finished the day with a modest stat line — he completed 13 of 23 passes for 168 yards and no touchdowns — but the Patriots still steamrolled the Colts 44-13. Tha was thanks in large part to three interceptions from Manning, two that were returned for touchdowns by Otis Smith and Ty Law.
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images