Who Won Super Bowl 2017: Quick Answer
The New England Patriots won Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime. The game was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Quarterback Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP. This remains one of the largest Super Bowl comebacks and only the second overtime game in Super Bowl history.
Confirmed Final Score and Date
Super Bowl LI was the deciding game of the 2016 season and concluded with the following verified result:
| Date | Winning Team | Losing Team | Final Score | Venue | Super Bowl MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 5, 2017 | New England Patriots | Atlanta Falcons | 34–28 (OT) | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX | Tom Brady (QB, New England Patriots) |
Key Match Highlights
- Largest Super Bowl comeback at the time: Patriots overcame a 28–3 deficit in the third quarter.
- Second overtime game in Super Bowl history (first was Super Bowl 50, which also involved the Patriots).
- Tom Brady earned his fifth Super Bowl ring and fourth Super Bowl MVP award.
- 33-year-old Julian Edelman named Super Bowl MVP on offense; Malcolm Butler pivotal on defense.
- First Super Bowl decided in overtime; game-winning drive covered 75 yards in 14 plays.
Why This Game Is Historically Significant
Super Bowl LI is remembered as one of the greatest championship games due to its improbability and execution. The Patriots erased a 25-point deficit, then survived a critical fourth-down stand in overtime. The victory extended Tom Brady’s legacy and reinforced New England’s sustained excellence in the 2010s. The Falcons’ loss in the first overtime Super Bowl also became a lasting storyline in NFL history, highlighting how momentum and resilience can shift in a single series.
Series Context and Patriots’ Dynasty
The win marked the Patriots’ fifth Super Bowl title and second under Tom Brady since 2004. It reinforced one of the most consistent postseason programs in modern NFL history. The game showcased disciplined preparation, late-game adjustments, and Brady’s unmatched clutch performance. Across the 2010s, New England balanced veteran leadership with smart drafting, sustaining relevance across more than 15 seasons.
Brady’s Legacy and Accolades
With this victory, Brady joined an exclusive club of quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl MVPs and solidified his reputation as one of the most clutch performers in sports. His 411-yard performance and decisive drive in overtime are widely studied by coaches and players alike.
Falcons’ Near-Miss and Aftermath
Atlanta entered the game as heavy underdogs after a dominant regular season, but miscues in the red zone and a pivotal fourth-down incompletion in the final minute of regulation contributed to the overtime loss. The Falcons’ collapse became a benchmark example of how quickly a championship can slip away in high-leverage moments.
Records and Notable Stats
Super Bowl LI generated multiple statistical records that remain relevant in discussions of greatest comeback games and postseason resilience.
| Record | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Largest point deficit overcome in Super Bowl | 25 points (trailing 28–3 in Q3) | NFL Official Statistics |
| First Super Bowl to go to overtime | Game ended in OT with winning drive of 75 yards | NFL Box Score |
| Most combined points in a Super Bowl | 62 total points (34–28) | Play-by-Play Data |
| Most Super Bowl wins by a quarterback | Tom Brady (5) at the time; since surpassed | Team & Player Records |
| Only two Super Bowls decided in overtime | Super Bowl LI and LVIII (2024) | NFL Historical Log |
Takeaways for Long-Term Reference
Super Bowl LI remains a case study in resilience, preparation, and high-leverage execution. For fans and analysts, it illustrates how regular-season metrics do not always predict postseason outcomes, and how championship games can hinge on a single play. The Patriots’ ability to sustain focus across four quarters and into overtime distinguishes this win as a model for clutch performance. The Falcons’ experience underscores the importance of closing out decisive moments, even when holding a lead late in regulation.
Related Topics and Further Reading
- Super Bowl comeback leaders and largest deficits overcome
- Tom Brady career timeline and postseason performance
- NFL overtime rules and Super Bowl-specific procedures
- History of the Patriots–Falcons rivalry and key matchups
Bottom Line
The New England Patriots won Super Bowl 2017 (Super Bowl LI) on February 5, 2017, beating the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime. Tom Brady earned his fourth Super Bowl MVP. The game is the highest-scoring Super Bowl and features the largest comeback in Super Bowl history at the time. It remains one of only two Super Bowls decided in overtime.