He has accomplished almost everything possible in the NFL. He was named the league's most valuable player this season, after throwing a record 50 touchdown passes. He has led his team to three Super Bowl titles and was twice the championship game's MVP.
Many believe that one more ring will make him the greatest quarter-back - ever.
The guard-Brady Bunch
Dan Koppen, Logan Mankins and Matt Light have one job - protect Brady from getting hit, while he strokes the ball downfield.
They have shown a tremendous feel, almost instinctively knowing when to slide and help one another.
They won the battle up front in a 38-35 win over the Giants a month ago, allowing NY to sack Brady just once.
Do that again, and the Giants are history.
Randy Moss, Patriots receiver
The storyline is that he has gone straight since the Patriots snagged him from the Oakland Raiders in a trade.
But, then, he was recently slapped with a restraining order by a woman, claiming 'date violence'.
So who knows?
Bill Belichick, Patriots coach
Highly intelligent, he has figured out every offensive and defensive line for the last six years. He has found the right players, mentored the talent and kept them focused.
He is also exceptionally humourless and a no-nonsense taskmaster who can barely put together two words of praise.
His role of league villain was cemented, when the NFL fined him US$500,000 (S$708,000) for filming the play signals of an opponent.
Line-backer Mike Vrabel says: 'He's not trying to be somebody's buddy. We have plenty of those. He's trying to be the best coach for his team.'
Eli Manning, Giants quarter-back
The son of former NFL great quarter-back Archie Manning and the brother of past Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning.
So, imagine the weight of expectations sitting like an elephant on Eli's shoulders.
No wonder the man says he is closer to mother.
His erratic form in the season, highlighted by his 20 throws straight into opposition hands, has not helped.
Neither has the criticism, which range from 'flaws in his mechanics' to 'he is not emotional enough and does not care'.
The get-Brady bunch
When it comes to stopping the Patriots' vaunted offence, the Giants are putting it all on the line.
That is, their defensive line.
Their three defensive ends - Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck - represent the crux of the NFL's fiercest pass rush, and the key to knocking MVP Brady off his sore right ankle.
'How much pressure we put on Brady will be the biggest factor in the game,' Strahan said.
Plaxico Burress, Giants receiver
With a name like that, it is hard not to get noticed. But Burress has found another way to be the centre of attention, predicting a 23-17 win.
'I've always been a confident player. And, I'll always be that way.'
Now, he is making news with his injured ankle and knee, which made him miss a second day of practice on Thursday.
That may be enough to hobble a man who has played a huge role with his catches and runs.
Lawrence Tynes, Giants kicker
Soon to become the first Scot to play in the Super Bowl, Tynes knows a thing about perseverance.
Son of a Navy SEAL, he has seen his brother jailed 27 years for drugs trafficking, and his wife struggle with a difficult pregnancy before giving birth prematurely to twins Caleb and Jaden.
Then, in the NFC championship game against Green Bay, he missed two crucial kicks in sub-zero temperatures.
He got a third chance in overtime, his game-winning kick making him the toast of New York.
Tynes says: 'I guess everything makes you tough.'