The phrase refers to the score of Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017, where the Atlanta Falcons held a 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots with 8 minutes and 31 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The significance of this score lies in the fact that the Patriots subsequently mounted the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, scoring 31 unanswered points to win the game 34-28 in the first overtime period ever played in a Super Bowl. The expression has since become a cultural shorthand for a dramatic collapse from a commanding lead or an improbable, historic victory.
The comeback was facilitated by a series of critical plays and strategic decisions. Key moments included a fourth-quarter strip-sack of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan by Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower, which led to a quick touchdown. This was followed by a highly improbable 23-yard reception by Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, who secured a deflected pass between multiple defenders just inches from the turf to sustain a game-tying drive. The Patriots scored 19 points in the final quarter, successfully converting two-point attempts after each of their last two touchdowns to force overtime.
The event serves as a defining moment for both franchises and has had a lasting impact on sports culture. For the New England Patriots, it is considered the pinnacle achievement of the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era, cementing their legacy of resilience and performance under pressure. For the Atlanta Falcons, it represents a catastrophic failure to close out a championship, becoming a symbol of sporting collapses. Beyond football, the "28-3" reference is widely used as a meme and a cautionary tale about overconfidence and the potential for dramatic shifts in momentum.
