Historic high-grade New England Patriots ticket stub (3.25x7"), issued for a game against the New York Jets at Foxboro Stadium on September 23, 2002, in which Tom Brady replaced Drew Beldsoe to become the Patriots' starting quarterback. Graded EX-MT 6. This is one of only 15 examples of this ticket stub listed in the PSA Population Report. It is the only example graded at this level, with just one graded higher. Brady, who was in his second year with the Patriots in 2001, was the backup to Drew Brees as the season began. After an opening-game road loss, the Patriots returned home to face the Jets on September 23rd. Once again, the Patriots struggled and late in the fourth quarter, Brees suffered a serious injury that took him out of the lineup. Brady replaced Brees for the Patriots' final drive, completing five passes for 46 yards in the club's 10-3 loss. With Brees sidelined indefinitely, Brady took full advantage of the opportunity before him and led the Patriots to a final record of 11-5 and a first place finish in the division. He continued his winning ways in the playoffs, and then led the Patriots to an upset victory over the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. The rest, as they say, is history, as Brady has established himself as the greatest quarterback of all time. As noted by the number in the PSA Population Report, this is a scarce ticket. None of the fans present that day could have ever imagined that they were witnessing history and the start of one of the most remarkable careers in sports history, especially in a game that ended in a loss and put them at 0-2 on the season. As a result, few tickets were saved, making this an extremely scarce souvenir commemorating the birth of Brady's NFL career.