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Sports Illustrated (2002)
PSA 7.0 - Newsstand Brady's First SI Cover
POPulation Report: 6 w/5 graded higher
$
133
3 Yr. Sold Price Range: $71 - $255
This 2002 Sports Illustrated issue marks Tom Brady’s first-ever appearance on the magazine’s cover, capturing the moment the NFL’s next dynasty quarterback stepped into the national spotlight. Released in the aftermath of New England’s Super Bowl XXXVI victory, the cover story positions Brady as “The Natural,” signaling a generational shift at the game’s most important position. Presented here as a PSA 7.0 Newsstand copy, this issue stands as a foundational piece for Brady collectors and modern sports magazine investors alike.
This is the true starting line of Brady’s magazine legacy. First SI cover appearances define long-term collectibility—and this one checks every box: championship context, early career timing, and mainstream cultural impact.
Cover athlete: Tom Brady
Publication: Sports Illustrated
Cover story headline: The Natural
Era: Post–Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)
Brady’s breakout moment is framed not as hype, but as inevitability. The cover story chronicles his rapid ascent from overlooked backup to Super Bowl MVP, setting the narrative tone that would follow him for the next two decades. The “first SI cover” designation elevates this issue beyond a standard championship recap—it represents the exact point where Brady became a household name. For collectors focused on first appearances, legacy athletes, and culturally defining covers, this issue remains one of the most important Brady magazines ever printed.