New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady introduced himself to the Alabama football fanbase two decades ago.

Alabama faced Michigan in the 2000 Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2000 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

This Crimson Tide team was good, but nowhere near the powerhouse squads we’ve seen since coach Nick Saban arrived in 2007, although it had Heisman Trophy candidate Shaun Alexander at running back.

Alabama overcame an early-season loss to Louisiana Tech, went 10-3 and won the SEC championship. The Bulldogs’ loss nearly got coach Mike Dubose fired, but he was shown the door a year later.

Brady showed a glimpse of future greatness throughout the matchup of SEC champion against the Big 10 second-place team, which the Wolverines won 35-34 in overtime.

Alabama twice built leads of 14 points, 14-0 and 28-14, but Brady overcame both deficits with clutch throws each time.

Brady’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Shawn Thompson in overtime was the game-winner. Alabama answered, but Ryan Pflunger missed the game-tying extra point to force a second overtime (In a twist of irony, Alabama still has kicking issues today).

In his final game at Michigan, Brady passed for 369 yards and four touchdowns against the Crimson Tide. I still find it mind-blowing that wide receiver David Terrell received the game’s MVP award over Brady. Terrell holds a special place in NFL history, as one of the league’s biggest first-round busts.

Looking back, I think it’s incredible that Michigan coach Lloyd Carr had Brady battle Drew Henson twice for the starting role. Brady eventually beat out Henson and won 20 of 25 games as a starter. In my opinion, Henson should’ve opted for professional baseball because he was an outstanding prospect in that sport.

Brady rose from obscure sixth-round pick in 2000 to becoming the NFL’s greatest quarterback.

 

As the Patriots face the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53 on Feb. 2, Alabama fans should remember New Year’s Day, 2000 fondly as the Crimson Tide faced future greatness.