In January 2002, Tom Brady made his first appearance on the NFL’s postseason stage. Brady and the Patriots hosted the Oakland Raiders in snow-covered Gillette Stadium, and the 24-year-old quarterback proved pivotal in the 16-13 overtime victory, scrambling for a decisive rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. The game also led to the controversial “tuck rule” play, and debate about that play continues more than two decades later. Brady and the Pats later won the Super Bowl, opening a dynasty that led to six titles.
At the other end of the calendar in December 2002, Topps hopped on the popularity of encapsulated cards and found a way to incorporate the concept within a regular release. In addition to traditional raw cards, Topps included encased, uncirculated cards in every box of 2002 Topps Pristine. The Gold Refractor parallel mimicked the raw set, and one /79 example, distinguishable by die-cutting along all four borders, fell from every box. A BGS 8.5 example of Brady’s Gold Refractor shines in this week’s auction. Will it shine in your collection?
