This Super Bowl began nearly 11 months ago with one of the most phenomenal gambles in football history.  

Just as Americans were beginning to grapple with a novel coronavirus that would change their lives more dramatically than almost anyone could imagine, Tom Brady launched a risky and improbable second act with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after two decades of unparalleled success with the New England Patriots. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, gambled its fortunes on a 43-year-old quarterback in the hopes he still had the ability to beat the likes of Patrick Mahomes. 

On Sunday night, Tom Brady did it—again. Brady and the Buccaneers are Super Bowl champions.