Superbowl 49 resulted in an improbable win for the New England Patriots as a goal-line interception prevented what appeared to be almost certain victory for the Seattle Seahawks.

Tom Brady's start to the 2016 NFL Season was delayed following a 4-game suspension it what has become known as "deflategate". The suspension however did not de-rail the Patriots as they went 3 and 1 in Tom Brady's absence. Brady returned in good form and was considered to be a strong MVP candidate by the season's end.