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Tom Brady's final pass as a New England Patriot was an unforgettable moment in football history—though not for the usual reasons associated with the legendary quarterback. The pass, which was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Tennessee Titans' Logan Ryan during the 2020 AFC Wild Card Game, marked the end of an era for Brady and the Patriots. Now, that very football is set to serve a new purpose: raising funds for animal welfare.

In the final 15 seconds of that fateful game, with the Patriots backed up on their own one-yard line, Brady’s attempt to connect with Mohamed Sanu went awry. The pass was tipped and fell into the hands of Ryan, who returned it a short distance for a touchdown, sealing the Titans' victory and abruptly ending the Patriots' playoff run. This interception was not just a dramatic end to the game but also marked the conclusion of Brady’s 20-year tenure with the Patriots.

After moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, both Brady and Ryan reunited as teammates. During their time together in Tampa, Ryan asked Brady to sign and inscribe the football from that final play. Brady obliged, marking the ball with his signature and an inscription that read, "Last Pass As A Patriot," "1/4/20," and "Logan Ryan INT." The autographed football quickly gained attention on social media, becoming a viral sensation.

Beyond their football careers, both Brady and Ryan, along with their families, have been active in supporting animal welfare causes. While in Tampa, they volunteered at the Tampa Bay Humane Society, where the Brady family even adopted a kitten. Inspired by this shared passion, Ryan has decided to auction the historic football through Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds benefiting the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation (RARF), a nonprofit organization he founded with his wife, Ashley. RARF supports animal welfare by providing financial and educational resources to shelters and rescues, improving the lives of countless animals.

The football, a Wilson "Duke" ball, has been photomatched to Brady’s final pass as a Patriot and comes with a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from PSA/DNA. It also includes a Letter of Provenance signed by Logan Ryan, ensuring its authenticity and significance.

The upcoming auction is a unique opportunity for collectors and Brady fans alike to own a piece of football history while contributing to a worthy cause. As Ryan puts it, the football represents more than just a game-ending play—it’s a symbol of new beginnings, both for the animals that will benefit from the auction and for the man who once intercepted the greatest quarterback of all time.

Bidding on the football is expected to draw significant interest, given its storied history and the charitable cause it supports. Those interested in participating in the auction can do so through Goldin Auctions, with all proceeds directly benefiting RARF’s mission to support animal welfare.

This auction not only celebrates a pivotal moment in football history but also reflects the ongoing commitment of athletes like Ryan and Brady to give back to the community in meaningful ways.