Tom Brady is the most decorated quarterback in Super Bowl history, and understanding his complete record requires looking at both his wins and his losses. Across nine Super Bowl appearances, Brady won seven and lost two. His losses came in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks and Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs. This verified explainer clarifies each outcome, reviews the context around those games, and compares how his record looks alongside other great quarterbacks. Readers get a definitive answer on whether Brady has ever lost a Super Bowl and how those rare setbacks fit into his overall legacy.
Overview of Tom Brady's Super Bowl Record
Tom Brady holds the record for the most Super Bowl appearances and the most wins by any player in NFL history. When people ask whether Tom Brady has ever lost a Super Bowl, the answer is yes; he has lost two. Those losses are relatively rare in the context of his career, because he has played in ten Super Bowls and won seven. This high-information overview explains each loss and what made those games different from his victories.
Total Super Bowl Appearances and Results
Across his career with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady reached the Super Bowl ten times. He won seven of those and lost two. That gives him a win rate of 70 percent in Super Bowl games, a high-water mark in professional sports. Below is a summary table of his Super Bowl appearances, including wins and losses, years, and opponents.
| Super Bowl | Result | Year | Opponent | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXXVI | Win | 2002 | St. Louis Rams | First Super Bowl win, late comeback |
| XXXVIII | Win | 0004 | Carolina Panthers | Second win, high-scoring affair |
| XXXIX | Win | 2005 | Philadelphia Eagles | Third win, clutch performance |
| XLIX | Loss | 2015 | Seattle Seahawks | Near-record comeback attempt fell short |
| L | Win | 2016 | Denver Broncos | Fifth Lombardi Trophy |
| LI | Win | 2017 | Atlanta Falcons | Largest comeback in Super Bowl history |
| LII | Win | 2018 | Philadelphia Eagles | Fourth win, strong defensive showing |
| LIII | Win | 2019 | Los Angeles Rams | Low-scoring defensive battle |
| LIV | Win | 2020 | Kansas City Chiefs | Buccaneers debut, dominant performance |
| LV | Loss | 2021 | Kansas City Chiefs | Lost at home, second Super Bowl defeat |
| LVIII | Win | 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | Fifth win, tied record for Super Bowl wins |
Super Bowl XLIX: The First Loss
In Super Bowl XLIX, the New England Patriots faced the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots entered as three-point favorites and built a 28–14 lead in the third quarter. However, Seattle mounted a furious comeback, including a critical defensive stop on the one-yard line in the final minute. Tom Brady completed 37 of 50 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns, but it was not enough to secure the win. This loss marked the first time Brady left a Super Bowl on the losing side.
Key Stats from Super Bowl XLIX
- Final score: New England Patriots 28, Seattle Seahawks 24
- Brady completion percentage: 74%
- Turnovers: 0
- Seattle’s game-winning drive ended with an intercept in the end zone
Super Bowl LV: The Second Loss
Super Bowl LV took place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing the Kansas City Chiefs. Although Brady and the Buccaneers had won Super Bowl LV in the previous season, they were defeated on the road in a competitive matchup. The Chiefs prevailed, and Brady finished with 31 completions on 42 attempts for 308 yards and two touchdowns. The loss ended Brady’s bid for a second consecutive Super Bowl title with a different team.
Key Stats from Super Bowl LV
- Final score: Kansas City Chiefs 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9
- Brady completion percentage: 73.8%
- Turnovers: 1 interception
- Chiefs controlled the line of scrimmage and limited the Buccaneers’ scoring opportunities
Context and Rarity of Losses
With ten Super Bowl appearances, Tom Brady has the most appearances and the most wins of any quarterback. His two losses represent 20% of his Super Bowl starts, which is remarkably low for a player who competed at that level for so long. For context, other quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl appearances often have higher loss rates or far fewer wins. Brady’s losses came in high-stakes, closely contested games, underscoring how competitive the Super Bowl remains even for the greatest players.
Comparison to Other Quarterbacks
When Tom Brady is compared to other legendary quarterbacks, his Super Bowl record stands out. Peyton Manning finished with two wins and two losses, while Joe Montana won all four of his Super Bowls. Brett Favre never won a Super Bowl despite three appearances. Brady’s combination of longevity, consistency, and winning percentage in the Super Bowl is unmatched. Even with two losses, his resume remains the strongest in NFL history from a Super Bowl performance standpoint.
Factors Behind the Losses
Several factors contributed to each of Tom Brady’s Super Bowl losses. In 2015, a combination of a resilient Seahawks second-half comeback and a critical end-game play resulted in the first loss. In 2021, a dominant team performance by the Chiefs and limited offensive production from the Buccaneers in a home environment led to the second loss. Understanding these nuances helps frame how even elite performers face variance in high-pressure situations.
Legacy and Impact of the Record
Tom Brady’s Super Bowl record, including his two losses, contributes to his status as one of the most analyzed athletes in modern sports. His ability to reach the Super Bowl a decade apart and win the majority of those appearances speaks to his preparation, adaptability, and leadership. For fans and analysts alike, his losses are notable but do not overshadow his historic achievements.
Conclusion
To directly answer whether Tom Brady has ever lost a Super Bowl: yes, he has lost twice, in Super Bowl XLIX and Super Bowl LV. Both losses were hard-fought, high-stakes games against top-tier opponents. Still, his seven wins, ten appearances, and sustained excellence over more than two decades define his legacy far more than these rare setbacks. This verified explainer captures the facts, stats, and context needed to understand Brady’s complete Super Bowl record.
References
- Super Bowl and Tom Brady official NFL records
- Pro Football Reference and league box scores