New England Patriots’ Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Gisele Bundchen and her daughter Vivian Brady celebrate after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady celebrates with James White after a touchdown play during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and his team celebrate their win over Atlanta Falcons in overtime during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady raises his arms after scoring a touchdown during overtime of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady celebrates after their overtime win in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. At right is Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) shake hands after Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates on the podium after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Seals-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate after beating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) and Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) dive to catch a tipped pass in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Game officials review a catch by New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11, not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) catches a tipped pass just off the turf against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots’ James White celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots’ James White scores the winning touchdown between Atlanta Falcons’ Jalen Collins, left, and Robert Alford during overtime of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, congratulates David Andrews after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after winning the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) celebrate their win over Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) runs for the game winning touchdown Atlanta Falcons during over time during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) celebrates after winning Super Bowl LI in overtime 34-28 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) and Tom Brady (12) celebrate after winning Super Bowl LI in overtime over the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Seals-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots cheerleader celebrates in the confetti after the win over Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) and Tom Brady (12) celebrate after winning Super Bowl LI in overtime over the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman is upended by Atlanta Falcons’ Philip Wheeler, bottom, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady looks to pass, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan throws a pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Former President George H.W. Bush and wife, Barbara, wave as they arrive on the field for a coin toss before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Singers of the cast of Hamilton, Phillipa Soo, right, Rene Elise Goldsberry, center, and Jasmine Cephas Jones, sing "God Bless America", before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Country music artist Luke Bryan sings the national anthem before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Seals-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Lady Gaga performs during halftime between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Lady Gaga performs during halftime between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show for Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Recording artist Lady Gaga performs at halftime during Super Bowl LI between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (59) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons’ Vic Beasley Jr. pressures New England Patriots’ Tom Brady, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman runs against New England Patriots’ Dont’a Hightower during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady walks off the field, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Atlanta Falcons’ Taylor Gabriel makes a catch against New England Patriots’ Duron Harmon during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Atlanta Falcons’ Taylor Gabriel (18) makes a catch against New England Patriots’ Duron Harmon (30) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan celebrates after a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Atlanta Falcons’ Robert Alford (23) celebrates his 82-yard touchdown run with teammates after making an interception on New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady (not pictured) during the second quarter of Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, U.S., February 5, 2017. REUTERS/Robert Seale EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE.
Atlanta Falcons’ Tevin Coleman, left, scores past New England Patriots’ Rob Ninkovich during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan (2) celebrates with Ryan Schraeder after a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Atlanta Falcons’ Keanu Neal pushes New England Patriots’ James White out of bounds, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) in the third quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs the ball against Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) during the third quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the third quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons’ Robert Alford celebrates a second quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots at Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, U.S., February 5, 2017. REUTERS/Richard Carson TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is brought down by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) in the first quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots’ James White, right, catches a pass under pressure by Atlanta Falcons’ Deion Jones during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman is tackled by Atlanta Falcons’ Robert Alford during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons’ Tevin Coleman (L) runs into the end zone to score past New England Patriots’ Rob Ninkovich during the third quarter of Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, U.S., February 5, 2017. REUTERS/Adrees Latif
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) celebrates with teammates after he forces a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) fumbles as he is hit by New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) completes a two-point conversion after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) celebrates with teammates after he forces a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after being sacked during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) cannot catch a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Poole (34) in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons’ Robert Alford brings down New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman during the third quarter of Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, U.S., February 5, 2017. REUTERS/Robert Seale EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE.
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) cannot catch a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Poole (34) in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) sores a touchdown between Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) and Jalen Collins (32) in the third quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Seals-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
HOUSTON — Tom Brady led one of the greatest comebacks in sports, let alone Super Bowl history, lifting New England from a 25-point hole to the Patriots’ fifth NFL championship in the game’s first overtime finish.
The Patriots scored 19 points in the final quarter, including a pair of 2-point conversions, then marched relentlessly to James White’s 2-yard touchdown run in overtime beating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 Sunday night.
Brady, the first quarterback with five Super Bowl rings, guided the Patriots (17-2) through a tiring Atlanta defense for fourth-quarter touchdowns on a 6-yard pass to Danny Amendola and a 1-yard run by White, which came with 57 seconds remaining in regulation. White ran for the first 2-pointer and Amendola did the deed with a reception on the second.
Brady finished 43 for 62, the most attempts in Super Bowl history, for 466 yards and two touchdowns.
“You know, we all brought each other back,” Brady said. “We never felt out of it. It was a tough battle. They have a great team. I give them a lot of credit. We just made a few more plays than them.”
Before the stunning rally — New England already held the biggest comeback in the final period when it turned around a 10-point deficit to beat Seattle two years ago — the Falcons (13-6) appeared poised to take their first NFL championship in 51 seasons. Having never been in such a pressurized environment, their previously staunch pass rush disappeared, and Brady tore them apart.
“Deflategate” far behind them, Brady and Bill Belichick won their 25th postseason game, by far a record. It’s hard to imagine a tenser victory.
Belichick became the first coach with five Super Bowl crowns.
The Patriots won the coin toss for overtime and it was no contest. Brady completed six passes. A pass interference call took the ball to the 2, and White scooted to his right and barely over the goal line.
His teammates streamed off the sideline to engulf White as confetti streamed down from the NRG Stadium rafters.