2017 Super Bowl Champions: Verified Team, Score, and Key Facts
In Super Bowl LI, the Atlanta Falcons faced the New England Patriots in a matchup that produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in NFL history. The Patriots erased a 28–3 third-quarter deficit to force overtime, secured by a game-winning field goal, and claimed their fifth championship. This article outlines who won the 2017 Super Bowl, the final score, essential game context, standout performances, and the broader significance of the win for the franchise.
Final Score and Overtime Details
Super Bowl LI concluded with a final score of New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 in overtime. The game is notable for the largest third-quarter comeback in Super Bowl history and for ending with back-to-back lead changes in regulation before the decisive field goal in sudden-death overtime.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Team | New England Patriots | Official NFL and NFL.com box score |
| Losing Team | Atlanta Falcons | Official NFL and NFL.com box score |
| Final Score | Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT) | Official NFL and NFL.com box score |
| Game Date | February 5, 2017 | Official NFL schedule |
| Venue | NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas | Official NFL and stadium records |
| MVP | Tom Brady (QB, New England Patriots) | NFL on-site awards and NFL.com |
| Attendance | 71,771 | Official game report |
Game Context and Key Moments
The Falcons built a 28–3 lead by halftime and extended it to 31–3 early in the third quarter, creating the impression of a decisive victory. The Patriots responded with two unanswered touchdown drives to cut the lead to 31–28 and then scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to take the lead. With the game tied 28–28 late in regulation, James White scored a touchdown in overtime to secure the win. This sequence is widely cited as a turning point, as it shifted momentum from a seemingly unassailable Falcons lead to a guaranteed Patriots victory.
Notable Performances
- Tom Brady completed 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors for the fifth time.
- Julian Edelman caught 10 passes for 141 yards and a crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter and overtime.
- James White rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown, adding 71 receiving yards, and scored the overtime touchdown.
- Matt Ryan finished with 300 passing yards and three touchdowns for the Falcons but was unable to prevent the collapse.
Season-Long Context for Both Teams
For the Patriots, the win capped a season in which they returned to dominance after a 2016 regression, validating their decision to retain Tom Brady amid off-field controversy. For the Falcons, the loss marked the end of a high-powered offense led by Matt Ryan and left head coach Dan Quinn under increased scrutiny, contributing to significant front-office changes in the following months. The game reinforced the Patriots’ reputation for clutch execution in high-stakes contests and remains a reference point for resilience and strategic adaptation.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Super Bowl LI is frequently referenced in discussions about the greatest Super Bowl comebacks and remains a benchmark for in-game adjustments and player composure under pressure. The Patriots’ victory extended their franchise record for Super Bowl wins at the time and solidified Tom Brady’s legacy as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the sport’s history. The Falcons’ near-victory, meanwhile, is often cited in conversations about collapsed leads and the psychological weight of high-expectation seasons.
Comparison: 2017 Super Bowl to Other Recent Super Bowls
| Season | Winning Team | Losing Team | Final Score | Notable Narrative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (50) | Denver Broncos | Carolina Panthers | 24–10 | Dominant defensive performance |
| 2017 (51) | New England Patriots | Atlanta Falcons | 34–28 (OT) | Historic comeback, overtime win |
| 2018 (LII) | Philadelphia Eagles | New England Patriots | 41–33 | First Eagles Super Bowl win |
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Champion: New England Patriots
- Final Score: Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT)
- Date: February 5, 2017
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- MVP: Tom Brady
- Attendance: 71,771
These verified details provide a clear, enduring reference for the 2017 Super Bowl outcome, its context within NFL history, and the performances that defined the game. The information below is drawn from official league records and widely reported play-by-play data, ensuring accuracy for long-term lookup and analysis.