While Charles Woodson, the former super bowl champion, turns 46 today. The NFL fans on Twitter have found different ways to wish the man for his birthday. And also congratulating him for settling a decade-long debate with Tom Brady.

ESPN+ shared a post on Twitter, wishing the retired defensive back a happy birthday. However, the highlight of the wish comes as the reminder of how it took the man 20 years to actually make Tom Brady admit that the infamous 2001 tuck rule call was indeed a fumble. Even though Woodson has had a solid career in the NFL, many fans decided to focus on his latest victory off the field.

How the fans responded to the Tom Brady confession

Recognizing the settlement of a 2-decade-long debate over the 2001 crucial divisional game call. One fan acknowledges Woodson’s birthday present this year.

While one fan expressed her satisfaction with the two sitting down to review the play.

Sharing the same opinion, this fan appreciated the playful chemistry between both of them.

However, not everyone was cheery. This person still gets furious over the tuck rule after so many years. He must be a Raiders fan.

The infamous 2001 tuck rule call

In 2001, The Oakland Raiders (Now the Las Vegas Raiders) were playing the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoff. In the late 4th quarter, Tom Brady had possession of the ball while trailing 10-13 to the Raiders. After taking a snap, Woodson tackled Brady behind the line of scrimmage.

The ball came out of the quarterback’s hand and was recovered by the opposition defence. This could have been a game-winning moment for the Raiders but was eventually called an incomplete pass by the referees. This happened because TB12’s hand was in a forward motion, even though it was clear he was pulling his hand back after deciding not to throw the ball. The intervention of the tuck rule saw patriots through.

Also read: Tom Brady Expresses His Gratefulness For This NFL Rule: “If It Weren’t for the Tuck Rule, ‘I’m Probably the Backup QB Going Into 2002”

Tom Brady and the Patriots went on to win their first Super Bowl that year. While it left the Raiders disappointed and angry at the controversial call.

What was the ‘Tuck Rule’?

There was a rule in the NFL which stated that any forward movement of the hand while holding the ball is an act of passing. Even when the quarterback might be pulling the hand back into his body. If they lose the ball during the motion, they do not consider it a fumble. And if the player has already tucked the ball into his body, and then loses possession, it will be a fumble.

Tom Brady and Charles Woodson sat down earlier to discuss the same rule. By the end, Brady did cheekily accept it as a fumble. The NFL abolished the rule in 2013, and 29 owners decided to vote against the rule. Only the Steelers voted to keep it while the Patriots and Washington abstained from the vote.

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