The bizarre and controversial turn of events that took place in the fourth quarter of the “Tuck Rule” game, on January 19, 2002, would never have been so infamous had Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri not succeeded on a clutch and difficult field goal during his historic postseason. Thirty-two seconds remained in the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff matchup between the Patriots and Raiders during a snowstorm at New England’s Foxboro Stadium. The Patriots – who had never won a Super Bowl – were down, 13-10, and relying on Vinatieri’s foot to force overtime. To the Raiders, the game already should have been over: just five plays earlier, the Patriots’ Tom Brady had appeared to fumble the ball while being sacked – and the ball was recovered by Oakland. But on a replay review, a referee had overturned the call based on an obscure “Tuck Rule,” ruling an incomplete pass and the Patriots were thus given new life. Now, on the verge of a 45-yard attempt, Vinatieri – who’d missed four of his last five field goals from 40 to 49 yards – kicked the ball through the blizzard and between the uprights to tie the score at 13. Vinatieri kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime and then, two games later, clinched the first of six Patriots’ Super Bowls with a game-winning FG from 48 yards.