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{{short description|National Football League franchise in Foxborough, Massachusetts}}
{{NFL team | name = New England Patriots
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
| logo = NewEnglandPatriots_100.png
{{pp-move}}
| founded = 1960
{{good article}}
| city = Foxborough, Massachusetts
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
| colors = Blue, Red, Silver, and White
{{Infobox NFL team
| coach = ]
| name = New England Patriots
| mascot = Pat Patriot
| current = 2024 New England Patriots season
| wordmark = New England Patriots wordmark.svg
| logo = New England Patriots logo.svg
| founded = {{Start date and age|November 16, 1959}}<ref name="NFL Enterprises, LLC">{{cite web|title=The History of the New England Patriots|url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=August 8, 2018|archive-date=August 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808043505/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history|url-status=live}}</ref>
| first_season = ]
| song = "]"
| city = and '''headquartered''' in ]<br />]
| uniform = ]
| colors = Nautical blue, red, new century silver, white<ref>{{cite news|title=New uniforms unveiled|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/new-uniforms-unveiled-115846|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=May 25, 2000|access-date=August 16, 2021|quote=Exactly what do colors Nautical Blue and New Century Silver look like? Find out Saturday evening, May 27, right here on Patriots.com. We'll show you exactly what the new uniforms look like after they are unveiled at the WBCN River Rave concert at Foxboro stadium.|url-status=live|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202021028/https://www.patriots.com/news/new-uniforms-unveiled-115846}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New England Patriots Team History–NFL Football Operations|url=https://operations.nfl.com/learn-the-game/nfl-basics/team-histories/american-football-conference/east/new-england-patriots/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Operations.NFL.com|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=February 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214201033/https://operations.nfl.com/learn-the-game/nfl-basics/team-histories/american-football-conference/east/new-england-patriots/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter=New England Patriots Team Capsule|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf#page=115|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|title=2022 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf|date=July 20, 2022|access-date=July 8, 2024}}</ref><br />{{color box|#002244}} {{color box|#C60C30}} {{color box|#B0B7BC}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}
| coach = ''Vacant''
| general manager = ]
| owner = ]
| ceo = Robert Kraft
| president = ]
| mascot = ]
| website = {{URL|https://www.patriots.com/|patriots.com}}
| nicknames =
* '''The Pats'''
* '''The Evil Empire'''<ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots: Who needs win most in Brady-Belichick reunion?|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-vs-new-england-patriots-who-needs-win-most-in-brady-belichi|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=September 28, 2021|access-date=February 7, 2023|quote=Poor Boston fans. After years of being the Evil Empire, they watched their Golden Boy move to Tampa and bring all that success with him.|archive-date=February 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207000719/https://www.nfl.com/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-vs-new-england-patriots-who-needs-win-most-in-brady-belichi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=O'Malley|first=Nick|title=Patriots now have official 'Star Wars' Evil Empire shirts: How to buy NFL's new Marvel, Disney gear|url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2021/04/patriots-now-have-official-star-wars-evil-empire-shirts-how-to-buy-nfls-new-marvel-disney-gear.html|website=MassLive.com|date=April 20, 2021|access-date=February 7, 2023|archive-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406190011/https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2021/04/patriots-now-have-official-star-wars-evil-empire-shirts-how-to-buy-nfls-new-marvel-disney-gear.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NFL: Why the New England Patriots' 'evil empire' is back|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/american-football/59360822|website=]|date=November 21, 2021|access-date=|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210231025/https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/american-football/59360822|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The Boston ] Party (tight ends; 2010–2012)<ref>{{cite news|title=Boston TE party: Gronkowski unstoppable for Patriots|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/boston-te-party-gronkowski-unstoppable-for-patriots-09000d5d8262185c|website=NFL.com|date=January 19, 2012|access-date=February 7, 2023|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826183517/https://www.nfl.com/news/boston-te-party-gronkowski-unstoppable-for-patriots-09000d5d8262185c|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dodge|first=Aaron|title=Boston's TE Party: Patriots' Gronkowski & Hernandez Key to Offensive Juggernaut|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1038612-new-england-patriots-bostons-te-party-the-key-to-offensive-juggernaut|website=BleacherReport.com|date=January 25, 2012|access-date=February 7, 2023|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826184121/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1038612-new-england-patriots-bostons-te-party-the-key-to-offensive-juggernaut|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The Boogeymen (]s; 2019)<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Deyscha|title=Why Patriots defensive players nicknamed themselves 'The Boogeymen'|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/10/26/patriots-defense-boogeymen-nickname/|newspaper=]|date=October 26, 2019|access-date=February 7, 2023|archive-date=August 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827154419/https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/10/26/patriots-defense-boogeymen-nickname/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Scalavino|first=Erik|title=Scary-good Patriots 'Boogeymen' lead NFL's top D|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/scary-good-patriots-boogeymen-lead-nfl-s-top-d|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=February 7, 2023|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813055811/https://www.patriots.com/news/scary-good-patriots-boogeymen-lead-nfl-s-top-d|url-status=live}}</ref>
| hist_yr = 1971 | hist_yr = 1971
| hist_misc = | hist_misc =
* Boston Patriots (1960–1970)<ref>{{cite web|title=New England Patriots Team Facts|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/new-england-patriots/team-facts/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=November 5, 2015|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308110320/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/new-england-patriots/team-facts/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ] Patriots (1960-1970)
| affiliate_old = | affiliate_old =
] (1960-1969) ] (1960–1969)
*Eastern Division (1960-1969) * Eastern Division (1960–1969)
| NFL_start_yr = 1970 | NFL_start_yr = 1970
| division_hist = | division_hist =
*'''] (1970-present)''' * '''] (1970–present)'''
**'''] (1970-present)''' ** '''] (1970–present)'''
| no_league_champs = 3 | no_league_champs = 6
| no_sb_champs = 3 | no_sb_champs = 6
| no_conf_champs = 5 | no_conf_champs = 11
| no_div_champs = 9 | no_div_champs = 22
| sb_champs = ]&nbsp;(]), ]&nbsp;(]), ]&nbsp;(]) | sb_champs = ]&nbsp;(]), ]&nbsp;(]), ]&nbsp;(]), ]&nbsp;(]), ]&nbsp;(]), ]&nbsp;(])
| conf_champs = | conf_champs =
*'''AFC:''' ], ], ], ], ] * '''AFC:''' ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
| div_champs = | div_champs =
*'''AFL East:''' 1963 * '''AFL East:''' ]
*'''AFC East:''' ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] * '''AFC East:''' ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
| playoff_appearances =
* '''AFL:''' ]
* '''NFL:''' ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
| no_playoff_appearances = 28
| stadium_years = | stadium_years =
*] (1960-1962) * ] (]–])
*] (1963-1968) * ] (]–])
*] (1969) * ] (])
*] (1970) * ] ({{nfly|1970}})
*] (1971-2001) * ] ({{nfly|1971}}–{{nfly|2001}})
**a.k.a. Schaefer Stadium (1971-1982) * '''] ({{nfly|2002}}–present)'''
| team_owners =
**a.k.a. Sullivan Stadium (1983-1989)
* ] (1959–1988)
*'''] (2002-present)'''
* ] (1988–1992)
* ] (1992–1994)
* '''] (1994–present)'''
}} }}


The '''New England Patriots''' are a professional ] team based in the ] area. The Patriots compete in the ] (NFL) as a member of the ] (AFC) ] division. The Patriots play home games at ] in ], which is {{convert|22|mi|km}} southwest of ]. The franchise is owned by ], who purchased the team in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO |publisher=New England Patriots |url=https://www.patriots.com/team/front-office-roster/robert-kraft |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930035339/https://www.patriots.com/team/front-office-roster/robert-kraft |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perillo |first=Paul |date=July 12, 2023 |title=The Case for Robert Kraft |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/the-case-for-robert-kraft |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816135700/https://www.patriots.com/news/the-case-for-robert-kraft |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=Paul Perillo |publisher=New England Patriots}}</ref> As of 2023, the Patriots are tied for the third-most valuable sports team in the world<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ozanian |first=Mike |date=September 8, 2023 |title=The World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams 2023 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2023/09/08/the-worlds-50-most-valuable-sports-teams-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119003439/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2023/09/08/the-worlds-50-most-valuable-sports-teams-2023/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> and have sold out every home game since 1994.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ozanian |first1=Mike |last2=Teitelbaum |first2=Justin |date=September 8, 2022 |title=The World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams 2022 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2022/09/08/the-worlds-50-most-valuable-sports-teams-2022/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212191707/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2022/09/08/the-worlds-50-most-valuable-sports-teams-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PatsHistory1990s" />
The '''] Patriots''' ] club is a ] team based in ], ]. The club is the second team in NFL history, after the ], to win 3 ]s in just 4 years.


Founded in 1959 as the '''Boston Patriots''', the team was a charter member of the ] (AFL) before joining the NFL in 1970 through the ]. The Patriots played their home games at various stadiums throughout Boston, including ] from 1963 to 1969<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Team History |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/new-england-patriots/team-history/#:~:text=From%201963%20to%201969%2C%20the,25%20miles%20south%20of%20Boston. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209180345/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/new-england-patriots/team-history/#:~:text=From%201963%20to%201969%2C%20the,25%20miles%20south%20of%20Boston. |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |website=Pro Football Hall of Fame |language=en}}</ref> until the franchise ] to Foxborough in 1971. As part of the move, the team changed its name to the New England Patriots. Home games were played at ] until 2002 when the stadium was demolished alongside the opening of Gillette Stadium. The team began utilizing Gillette Stadium for home games the same year.
Originally called the '''Boston Patriots''', the team began play in 1960 as a charter member of the ] and joined the NFL as part of the ]. The club was renamed "New England Patriots" in 1971 after moving from ] in ] to ] in Foxborough.


The Patriots hold the records for most ] wins (6, tied with the ]), appearances (11), and losses (5, tied with the ]). Generally unsuccessful prior to the 21st century, the franchise enjoyed a period of dominance under head coach ] and quarterback ] from 2001 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephenson |first=Eric |date=January 23, 2017 |title=Why the New England Patriots Dynasty Stands Alone |url=https://usrepresented.com/2017/01/23/why-the-new-england-patriots-dynasty-stands-alone/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826205518/https://usrepresented.com/2017/01/23/why-the-new-england-patriots-dynasty-stands-alone/ |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=US Represented |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Curran |first=Tom E. |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Curran: Which version of Pats' dynasty was better, 2000s or 2010s? |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/top-50-patriots-under-bill-belichick-2000s-vs-2010s-debate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508155955/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/top-50-patriots-under-bill-belichick-2000s-vs-2010s-debate |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=NBC Sports |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Joe |date=January 9, 2010 |title=NFL Team Of The Decade: The New England Patriots |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/323109-nfl-team-of-decade-the-new-england-patriots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614141944/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/323109-nfl-team-of-decade-the-new-england-patriots |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Das |first=Andrew |date=November 11, 2009 |title=Team of the 2000s: Patriots, Colts or Steelers? |url=https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/team-of-the-2000s-patriots-colts-or-steelers/ |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=The Fifth Down |language=en-US |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001110852/https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/team-of-the-2000s-patriots-colts-or-steelers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2009 |title=Decade of Dominance |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2009/09/news-decade-of-dominance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612161622/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2009/09/news-decade-of-dominance/ |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Hall of Fame |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2010 |title=Patriots announce 2000s All-Decade Team |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-announce-2000s-all-decade-team-114006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828150109/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-announce-2000s-all-decade-team-114006 |archive-date=August 28, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |website=www.patriots.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="McManaman">{{Cite web |last=McManaman |first=Bob |date=September 6, 2015 |title=NFL's Dynasties by the Decade |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/09/06/nfls-dynasties-decade/71605710/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024095614/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/09/06/nfls-dynasties-decade/71605710/ |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Buchmasser |first=Bernd |date=February 3, 2022 |title=20 years ago, a dynasty was born |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/2/3/22916072/20-years-ago-patriots-dynasty-born-super-bowl-rams-brady-belichick |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Pats Pulpit |language=en |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526185618/https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/2/3/22916072/20-years-ago-patriots-dynasty-born-super-bowl-rams-brady-belichick |url-status=live }}</ref> The ], regarded as one of the greatest sports ], would see the Patriots claim nearly every major ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benoit |first=Jesse |date=January 20, 2021 |title=New England Patriots: Rise and fall of the Brady-Belichick dynasty |url=https://nflspinzone.com/2021/01/20/new-england-patriots-brady-belichick-dynasty-rise-fall/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813055811/https://nflspinzone.com/2021/01/20/new-england-patriots-brady-belichick-dynasty-rise-fall/ |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=NFL Spin Zone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dwinell |first=Joe |date=February 5, 2019 |title=Timeline of the New England Patriots dynasty |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/02/05/timeline-of-the-new-england-patriots-dynasty/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128171247/https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/02/05/timeline-of-the-new-england-patriots-dynasty/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="p551">{{cite web | last=Frenette | first=Gene | title=As sports dynasties go, the Patriots' reign is the most impressive | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2019-02-01 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/columns/2019/02/01/gene-frenette-as-sports-dynasties-go-patriots-reign-is-most-impressive/6129229007/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DeArdo |first=Bryan |date=June 4, 2021 |title=Ranking NFL's greatest dynasties of the past six decades: Patriots, Steelers battle for top spot |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfls-greatest-dynasties-of-the-past-six-decades-patriots-steelers-battle-for-top-spot/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619173626/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfls-greatest-dynasties-of-the-past-six-decades-patriots-steelers-battle-for-top-spot/ |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="McManaman" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanier |first=Mike |date=December 22, 2020 |title=The Fall of the House of Belichick |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/sports/football/patriots-belichick.html |access-date=June 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627193916/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/sports/football/patriots-belichick.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Other NFL records held by the franchise include the most wins in a 10-year period (126 from 2003 to 2012), the longest ] of regular season and playoff games (21 from October 2003 to October 2004), the most consecutive winning seasons (19 from 2001 to 2019), the most consecutive conference championship appearances (8 from 2011 to 2018), the most consecutive division titles (11 from 2009 to 2019), the only undefeated 16-game regular season (2007), and the highest postseason winning percentage (.638).
:'''Helmet design:''' A man's face in silhouette, wearing a red-white-and-blue tricorn hat. The man's sideburns and stylized hat led to the nickname "Flying ]"
:'''Mascot:''' Pat Patriot
:'''Radio Station:''' ] 104.1 FM ("]")
:'''Radio Announcers:''' ] and ]


==History==
==Franchise history==
{{Main article|History of the New England Patriots}}
===The early years===
{{See also|Brady–Belichick era}}
]
The Boston Patriots played in the first-ever game in the ], against the ] on September 9, 1960. Although the team made only two AFL playoff appearances, it had numerous stars. In 1963, eleven Patriots made the AFL All-star team, including ], ], and ], that year the Patriots made it to the ] Championship for the first time ever, they lost to the ] 51-10. ], an original Patriot, team leader, and first Patriot All-star, founded and was selected President of the AFL PLayers Association in the mid 1960's. In the late 1960's, fullback ] became an offensive weapon for the Patriots, gaining 1,458 yards in 1966 and 1,216 in 1967, when he was the ]'s MVP .


===Brief summary===
In 1970 the Patriots became a member of the NFL pursuant to the merger of the AFL and NFL that had been agreed to three years earlier. Despite acquring reigning NFL MVP quarterback ] from the ], the Patriots first season as part of the NFL was extremely difficult as they finished 2-12 and in sole possession of the newly-merged league's worst record.
], a ] native, brought professional football back to the state after a nearly eleven-year absence by founding the Patriots in 1959. His 27-year tenure of ownership did not come without controversy, however.]]
] who rebelled against British control during the ], which was locally relevant due to the ] of ] playing a pivotal role in American independence. (Image: ''Minute Man'' statue in ])]]
On November 16, 1959, ] business executive ] was awarded the eighth and final franchise of the developing ] (AFL).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Megliola |first=Lenny |date=August 20, 2009 |title=Jim Nance, Billy Sullivan were mainstays in the good old days |url=https://www.enterprisenews.com/article/20090820/NEWS/308209629 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428033103/https://www.enterprisenews.com/article/20090820/NEWS/308209629 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=March 3, 2021 |website=The Enterprise, Brockton, MA |language=en}}</ref> The following winter, locals were allowed to submit ideas for the Boston football team's official name.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 10, 1960 |title=Seek Nickname For Boston's New Pro Team |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/659573366/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428033104/https://www.newspapers.com/image/659573366/ |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=March 3, 2021 |website=The Times Argus|via=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> The most popular choice – and the one that Sullivan selected – was the "Boston Patriots",<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 1960 |title=Boston Patriots Selected as Name |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/545334415/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414200445/http://www.newspapers.com/image/545334415/ |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=March 3, 2021 |website= The North Adams Transcript|via=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Holbrook |first=Bob |date=February 17, 1960 |title=Oneth Get Name, Twoeth By Land Pro Club Named Patriots; Practice On Bunker Hill? |url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/428827566/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428033110/https://www.newspapers.com/image/428827566/ |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=March 3, 2021 |website=The Boston Globe|via=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> with "]" referring to the colonists of the ] who rebelled against ] control during the ] and in July 1776 ] the ] an independent nation, which heavily involved the then-colony of Massachusetts. Immediately thereafter, artist Phil Bissell of '']'' developed the "]" logo.<ref>{{cite web|title=HISTORY: 1960 – 1969|url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-1960s|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=August 16, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816222006/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-1960s}}</ref>


The Patriots never had a regular home stadium in the AFL. ], ], ] (shared with baseball's ]), and ]'s ] all served as home fields during their time in the American Football League. The ] saw the franchise's first playoff win over Buffalo to clinch the division. They subsequently lost the ] to the ] ]. They did not appear again in an AFL or NFL ] game for another 13 years.<ref name="PatsHistory1970s">{{cite web|title=HISTORY: 1970–1979|url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-1970s|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=August 16, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816222005/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-1970s}}</ref>
After bouncing around between four different Boston-area stadiums in their first 11 seasons, in 1971 the Patriots moved into a new stadium in ], on land granted by the Bay State Raceway. The team was renamed the ] in March 1971, to reflect its new location roughly halfway between ] and Boston, as well as a desire to better position itself as New England's regional NFL team. The stadium, to be known as ], was built at a cost of about $7.1 million in only 325 days. The stadium was one of the first stadiums in the country to be named after a corporate sponsor, the Schaefer Brewing Company paying $150,000 for naming rights. (On expiration of the sponsorship agreement in 1983, the stadium name in 1983 would be changed to Sullivan Stadium, and to Foxboro Stadium in 1990.) Additionally, the town of Foxborough was one of the first in the country to assess a surtax on every ticket sold.


When the NFL and AFL ], the Patriots were placed in the ] (AFC) ] division, where they still play.<ref name="PatsHistory1970s" /> The following year, the Patriots moved to a ] in ], which would serve as their home for the next 30 years. As a result of the move, they announced they would change their name from the '''Boston Patriots''' to the '''Bay State Patriots''', after the state of ].<ref name="PatsTrivia">{{cite news|last=Palma|first=Briana|title=How much do you know about the Patriots?|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/how-much-do-you-know-about-the-patriots-227521|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=April 22, 2015|access-date=August 16, 2021|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816222252/https://www.patriots.com/news/how-much-do-you-know-about-the-patriots-227521}}</ref> The name was rejected by the NFL and on March 22, 1971, the team officially announced they would change its geographic name to '''New England'''.<ref name="PatsHistory1970s" />
The first event held at the new Schaefer Stadium was a preseason game against the ] on August 15, 1971. In a sign of things to come, in the days leading up to the game there was great concern with the plumbing at the facility. To ensure the proper functioning of the plumbing a "flush-off" was conducted, where every toilet in the stadium was flushed at the same time, to ensure that the plumbing could withstand the heaviest use.


During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success under head coach ], earning a berth to the playoffs in 1976 – as a ] team – and in 1978 – as AFC East champions. They lost in the first round both times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1976 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/1976.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1978 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/1978.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Under his successor, ], the team finished one game out of the playoffs his first two years. The next coach, ], led the team to the playoffs in the strike-shortened 1982 season, and despite not having a losing record during his career, he was fired in 1984 due to poor relationships with players and management. Hall-of-Fame player ] was hired as his replacement, and in ], he brought the team to its first AFC Championship and a berth in ], which they lost to the ] 46–10. Following their Super Bowl loss, they returned to the playoffs in 1986, but lost in the first round. Berry left the team following a disappointing 1989 season, and his replacement ] only lasted one season, 1990, during which the Patriots went 1–15. During the late 1980s and early 1990s they changed ownership several times, being purchased from the Sullivan family first by ] in 1988, who sold the team to ] in 1992. Though Orthwein's period as owner was short and controversial, he did oversee major changes to the team, first with the hiring of former ] coach ] in 1993. Orthwein and his marketing team then defied Patriots fans' overwhelming preference and commissioned the NFL to develop a new visual identity and logo, and changed their primary colors from the traditional red, white and blue to blue and silver for the team uniforms.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-20-sp-plaschke20-story.html |first=Bill |last=Plaschke |author-link=Bill Plaschke |title=For this dandy doodle, designer was more like a 30-minute man |work=] |date=January 20, 2008 |access-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-date=January 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120184550/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jan/20/sports/sp-plaschke20 |url-status=live }}</ref> Orthwein intended to move the team to his native ] (where it would have been renamed as the ]), but instead sold the team in 1994 for $175{{nbsp}}million to Boston paper magnate ], who had bought the Patriots' then-home, ], out of bankruptcy in 1988.<ref name="PatsHistory1990s">{{cite web|title=HISTORY: 1990 – 1999|url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-1990s|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=August 16, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816222003/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-1990s}}</ref>
On the field in 1971 was a new quarterback, ] winner ] . Plunkett, from ] was the first overall selection in the ] which the Patriots received for having finished with the NFL's worst record in 1970 .
The Patriots also drafted ], who had been one of Plunkett's favorite receivers at Stanford.


Continuing on as head coach under Kraft's ownership, Parcells would bring the Patriots to two playoff appearances, including ] (following the ]), which they lost to the ] by a score of 35–21.<ref name="f393">{{cite web | last=Eskenazi | first=Gerald | title=Parcells's Worst Fears Come True For Patriots | website=The New York Times | date=1997-01-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/27/sports/parcells-s-worst-fears-come-true-for-patriots.html | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> ], Parcells's successor, would also take the team to the playoffs twice in 1997 and 1998 before being dismissed as head coach after the 1999 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/1997.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/1998.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="c151">{{cite web | title=Patriots fire Pete Carroll | website=The Sun Chronicle | date=2000-01-03 | url=https://www.thesunchronicle.com/patriots-fire-pete-carroll/article_11bcf44b-7fd4-5f64-b0d7-930eb7de79d5.html | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref>
The Patriots continued to have difficulties even after moving to Schaefer Stadium, and went through three coaches in their first four post-merger seasons. One bright spot was the arrival of offensive lineman ] in 1973, who would anchor the Patriots' offensive line for the next twelve seasons and eventually become the first career Patriot to make the Hall of Fame.


] and HC ] were the pillars of the ] throughout the 2000s and 2010s. During that period (2001–2019), they led the Patriots to nine ] appearances, winning six, as well as accumulating numerous franchise and league ]. Brady is widely regarded as the greatest QB of all time, with Belichick widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Together, they are universally known as one of the greatest QB-HC tandems of all time.]]
In 1973 the team hired ], who had enjoyed success as head coach of the ], as head coach. The Patriots showed marked improvement in Fairbanks' first season 1974 finishing 7-7, but with injuries to Plunkett in 1975, regressed to 3-11 that season. Following the 1975 season, Plunkett was traded to the ], and eventually would win 2 Super Bowls with the ].
], widely regarded as one of the greatest TEs of all time, was a staple of the 2010s offenses. Nicknamed "Gronk", he holds many franchise and league records, including an ] most total and receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season (18 total, 17 receiving), as well as most receiving touchdowns (79) in Patriots history.]]


In 2000, the Patriots hired head coach ], who had served as defensive coordinator under Parcells including during Super Bowl XXXI.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Battista |first=Judy |date=2000-01-28 |title=PRO FOOTBALL; Patriots Hire Belichick, and Everyone's Happy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/28/sports/pro-football-patriots-hire-belichick-and-everyone-s-happy.html |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Their new home field, ], opened in ] to replace the aging Foxboro Stadium. Long-time starting ] ], who was the franchise's star throughout the 1990s, went down with a sheared blood vessel in his chest in a week two match-up in ] against the rival ]. Backup quarterback ], drafted by the Patriots in sixth round of the ], became the starting quarterback. Brady's successful play led to Bledsoe never getting his job back as a starter, and would serve as the franchise's starting quarterback for the next 18 years.<ref name="t738">{{cite web | last=Wickersham | first=Seth | title=The hit that changed Tom Brady, Drew Bledsoe and the course of NFL history | website=ESPN.com | date=2021-09-22 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/32257032/the-hit-changed-tom-brady-drew-bledsoe-course-nfl-history | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> Under Belichick and Brady, the Patriots became one of the most consistently dominant teams in the NFL, with many describing the team as a "]". Within the first few seasons of the 21st century, the team won three Super Bowls in four seasons (], ], and ]), over the ], ], and ], respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/super-bowl/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2005 season, the Patriots went 10–6 and won the division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2005.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots - January 7th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601070nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - January 14th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601140den.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2006 season, the Patriots went 12–4 and won the division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2006.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> After defeating the Jets and the Chargers, the Patriots lost in the AFC Championship to the Colts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - New York Jets at New England Patriots - January 7th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701070nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers - January 14th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701140sdg.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts - January 21st, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701210clt.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The Patriots finished the ] with a perfect 16–0 record, becoming only the fourth team in league history to go undefeated in the regular season, and the only one since the league expanded its ] schedule to 16 games.<ref>{{cite web|title=HISTORY: 2000–2009|url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-2000s|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=August 16, 2021|quote=|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816222008/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-2000s}}</ref> After advancing to ], the team's fourth Super Bowl in seven years, the Patriots were upset by the ] to end their bid for a 19–0 season.<ref name="j189">{{cite web | last=Battista | first=Judy | title=Giants Stun Patriots in Super Bowl XLII | website=The New York Times | date=2008-02-04 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/sports/football/04game.html#:~:text=But%20with%20their%20defense%20battering,undefeated%20Patriots%2C%2017%2D14. | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> With the loss, the Patriots ended the year at 18–1, becoming only one of three teams to go 18–1 along with the ] and the ]. However, both the Bears and 49ers lost their only game during the regular season, and both would win their respective Super Bowl.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reineking |first=Jim |date=September 6, 2017 |title=13 NFL teams that came closest to unbeaten regular seasons |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2017/09/06/patriots-nfl-teams-near-unbeaten-regular-seasons/619391001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130171059/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2017/09/06/patriots-nfl-teams-near-unbeaten-regular-seasons/619391001/ |archive-date=January 30, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |work=]}}</ref> In the first game of the 2008 season, Brady suffered a torn ACL against the Chiefs.<ref name="p267">{{cite web | title=Brady to have season-ending knee surgery, will be placed on IR | website=NFL.com | date=2008-09-09 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/brady-to-have-season-ending-knee-surgery-will-be-placed-on-ir-09000d5d80a95089 | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> Matt Cassell stepped in for the rest of the season and the team finished 11–5 but missed the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2008.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2009 season, Brady returned from his injury and led the team to a 10–6 record and a division title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2009.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The team's season in the Wild Card Round with a 33–14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.<ref name="u671">{{cite web | last=Battista | first=Judy | title=Ravens Knock Patriots Out of Playoffs With Dominating Win | website=The New York Times | date=2010-01-11 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/11/sports/football/11patriots.html | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> The Patriots went 14–2 and won the division in the 2010 season but were one-and-done in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the New York Jets in a 28–21 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2010.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="f004">{{cite web | last=Underhill | first=Nick | title=Jets end the Patriots' season with a 28-21 win in Divisional playoffs | website=masslive | date=2011-01-17 | url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2011/01/jets_end_the_patriots_season_w.html | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref>
The draft picks acquired in the Plunkett trade were used to select defensive backs ] and ] and set the stage for the team's first winning seasons in the NFL. Second year player ] - who had played much of the 1975 season with Plunkett hurt - became New England's unquestioned top quarterback for the 1976 season. The Patriots finished 11-3 - their best record in team history to that point - and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1963.


The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl ] but lost again to the ], 21–17.<ref name="c088">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press| title=Super Bowl: New York Giants beat New England Patriots 21-17 | website=East Bay Times | date=2012-02-05 | url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2012/02/05/super-bowl-new-york-giants-beat-new-england-patriots-21-17/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> In the 2012 season, the Patriots won the AFC East with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2012.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The team defeated the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round before falling to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - January 20th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301200nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2013 season, the Patriots went 12–4 and won the division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 43–22 in the Divisional Round before falling to the Denver Bronos 26–16 in the AFC Championship.<ref name="n728">{{cite web | last=Marot | first=Michael | title=New Colts players get crash course in rivalry with Patriots | website=AP News | date=2015-04-22 | url=https://apnews.com/new-colts-players-get-crash-course-in-rivalry-with-patriots-8a65075ce487456fa1188ee1b2734bf8 | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref><ref name="d809">{{cite web | title=Broncos to meet Seahawks in Super Bowl | website=AP News | date=2014-01-20 | url=https://apnews.com/broncos-to-meet-seahawks-in-super-bowl-e614b37891a24696a86f749f07564df7 | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> In 2014, the Patriots won the division with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2014.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The Patrios defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship.<ref name="o337">{{cite web | title=Brady throws 3 TD passes, Patriots beat Ravens 35-31 | website=AP News | date=2015-01-11 | url=https://apnews.com/article/fd1262ae44ef446fa7dd10dea740d00a | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref><ref name="s663">{{cite web | last=Golen | first=Jimmy | title=Patriots beat Colts 45-7, will play Seattle in Super Bowl | website=AP News | date=2015-01-19 | url=https://apnews.com/patriots-beat-colts-45-7-will-play-seattle-in-super-bowl-0a55bdc669a54983b3899ed57d343f97 | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> The Patriots reached a record-tying eighth Super Bowl, where they defeated the defending champion ] by a score of 28–24 to win ] for their fourth title.<ref name="a259">{{cite web | last=Farmer | first=Sam | title=New England Patriots beat Seattle Seahawks, 28-24, in Super Bowl XLIX | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2015-02-01 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-super-bowl-live-patriots-seahawks-updates-20150201-story.html | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> After Seattle had driven the ball to New England's 1-yard line with under a minute to go, New England rookie cornerback ] made a critical ] on Seattle's final offensive play that helped to seal the victory.<ref name="p606">{{cite web | last=Buchmasser | first=Bernd | title=Patriots Super Bowl history: Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception seals New England's fourth title | website=Pats Pulpit | date=2019-02-01 | url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2019/2/1/18206386/new-england-patriots-super-bowl-history-malcolm-butler-goal-line-interception-seattle-seahawks | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> In the 2015 season, the Patriots won the division with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2015.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round before falling to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.<ref name="d452">{{cite web | title=Patriots to 5th straight AFC title game, beat Chiefs 27-20 | website=AP News | date=2016-01-17 | url=https://apnews.com/9b2db706229b4639b65dcdacee8119b7 | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref><ref name="i240">{{cite web | title=Denver Broncos Hang On, Defeat New England Patriots 20-18 In AFC Title Game | website=CBS News - Philadelphia| date=2016-01-24 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/denver-broncos-hang-on-defeat-new-england-patriots-20-18-in-afc-title-game/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> New England became the first team to reach nine Super Bowls in the ] and faced the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|title=AFC Championship instant analysis: Patriots pound Steelers to reach another Super Bowll|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/patriots-super-bowl-51-afc-title-game-steelers-012217|website=Fox Sports|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202092921/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/patriots-super-bowl-51-afc-title-game-steelers-012217|url-status=live}}</ref> Losing 28–3 midway through the third quarter, the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. In the first ] in Super Bowl history, the Patriots won the coin toss and scored a touchdown to claim their fifth Super Bowl victory.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/05/sports/super-bowl-score-patriots-falcons.html|title=Here's How the Patriots Won Their Fifth Super Bowl|last=Hoffman|first=Benjamin|date=February 5, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=February 7, 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206170233/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/05/sports/super-bowl-score-patriots-falcons.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Patriots extended their record to ten Super Bowl appearances in the ] but lost to the ] in ].<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/22/eagles-patriots-super-bowl-52-nick-foles-tom-brady-peter-king-mmqb|title=Peter King's Monday Morning QB: SB52—Pats v Eagles|magazine=]|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408045442/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/22/eagles-patriots-super-bowl-52-nick-foles-tom-brady-peter-king-mmqb|url-status=live}}</ref> The Patriots returned to the championship game for a third consecutive season in ], where they defeated the ] 13–3 to win their sixth Super Bowl, tying them with the ] for most ] victories in NFL history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |title=Super Bowl LIII – Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots – February 3rd, 2019 |website=] |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231138/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouchette |first=Ed |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Patriots tie Steelers with 6th Super Bowl win |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/02/03/Patriots-tie-Steelers-with-sixth-Super-Bowl-victory/stories/201902030209 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124121/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/02/03/Patriots-tie-Steelers-with-sixth-Super-Bowl-victory/stories/201902030209 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |website=]}}</ref>
Their opponent in the first round would be the ], whose only regular season loss had come at the hands of New England, 48-17. Throughout the game the Patriots played well and led the game late, 21-17. On a critical third down play late in the fourth quarter, Patriots nosetackle ] appeared to get a critical sack on Oakland quarterback ] which would have forced the Raiders into a fourth down situation and the possible end to their season. However, referee ] called a roughing the passer penalty on Hamilton, nullifying the sack and giving the Raiders an automatic first down deep in New England territory. Replays would clearly show that there was no illegal contact - a point that Stabler himself would all but concede in interviews years later. The call would ultimately prove fatal to the Patriots, as Stabler would score on a short touchdown run with less than a minute left, and the Raiders held on for a 24-21 win. Partially because of the controversy, ] was not allowed to officiate Patriots games again.
1977 was a disappointing season, aided by contract holdouts by offensive linemen ] and ]. The Patriots finished 9-5, one game out of first place, and out of the playoffs.


Following a disappointing 2019 season, in which the team lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Tennessee Titans,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2019.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots - January 4th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202001040nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> and in which the long-time Brady–Belichick partnership was strained due to Brady wanting to have more input in organizational decisions,<ref>{{cite web |last1=McKenna |first1=Henry |title=7 things we learned from Patriots tell-all book, 'It's Better to be Feared' |url=https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/lists/new-england-patriots-book-better-to-be-feared-learned/ |website=Patriots Wire |access-date=November 16, 2021 |date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116184645/https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/lists/new-england-patriots-book-better-to-be-feared-learned/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Brady departed the Patriots after 20 seasons for free agency, signing with the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=2020-03-20 |title='Hungry' Tom Brady officially signs with Buccaneers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28930366/tom-brady-says-signing-buccaneers |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> To replace him, the Patriots signed veteran quarterback ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jelani |date=June 28, 2020 |title=Former MVP QB Cam Newton agrees to 1-year deal with Patriots |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/it-s-official-cam-newton-signs-1-year-deal-to-join-patriots |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, the team missed the playoffs with their first losing record, 7–9, in two decades.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heyen |first=Billy |date=2020-12-28 |title=When is the last time Patriots missed playoffs, had losing season? |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/patriots-missed-playoffs-last-losing-season/1foeicfzjaf0l13ef2vxk2ac7k |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Sporting News |language=en-us}}</ref> The team drafted ] in the first round of the ], and released Newton after naming Jones the starting quarterback prior to the team's first game of the 2021 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=August 31, 2021 |title=Patriot cut Cam Newton |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/08/31/patriot-cut-cam-newton-as-mac-jones-wins-starting-quarterback-battle/ |access-date=November 16, 2021 |website=ProFootballTalk |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203214412/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/08/31/patriot-cut-cam-newton-as-mac-jones-wins-starting-quarterback-battle/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jones led the team to their first playoff berth without Brady since 1998, but they would lose 47–17 to the division rival Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Tyler |last2=Dubin |first2=Jared |date=January 16, 2022 |title=Bills vs. Patriots score: Josh Allen tosses five touchdowns on historic night as Buffalo blows out New England |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-vs-patriots-score-josh-allen-tosses-five-touchdowns-on-historic-night-as-buffalo-blows-out-new-england/live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117094207/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-vs-patriots-score-josh-allen-tosses-five-touchdowns-on-historic-night-as-buffalo-blows-out-new-england/live/ |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |access-date=February 5, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> The Patriots finished with a 8–9 record and missed the postseason in the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2022.htm |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
The year 1978 began with a great tragedy. In a preseason game against the Raiders, wide receiver ] was paralyzed from the neck down by Oakland's ] on a hit in a preseason game . Tatum, who would write a book called ], never apologized for the hit. Despite this devastating loss, the Patriots would rally and finish 11-5 for their first post-merger AFC East title. However, hours before the final game of the season, coach ] surprised many by announcing he would be leaving the team to become head coach at the ]. Owner ] immediately suspended Fairbanks and hired ] to coach the final game. The stunned team lost its first round playoff game to the ], which also was the first Patriots post-season game at Schaefer Stadium.


After a gloomy 4–13 record in the 2023 season, the Patriots mutually parted ways with Bill Belichick after 24 years on January 11, 2024, notably due to a series of poor decisions in his final years as general manager regarding offensive personnel, which culminated in a sharp decline of offensive production following the 2021 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Conor |date=January 11, 2024 |title=8 moves that led to Bill Belichick's exit in New England |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2024/01/11/bill-belichick-firing-reasons-new-england-patriots-roster/?amp=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502010553/https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2024/01/11/bill-belichick-firing-reasons-new-england-patriots-roster/?amp=1 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=Boston.com}}</ref> One day later, the Patriots promoted the pair of ], then-current linebackers coach and former player, and ], director of scouting and son of Pro Football Hall of Fame general manager ], as head coach and ''de facto'' general manager to each succeed Belichick's duties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2024 |title=Patriots coach Jerod Mayo's new staff a mix of youth, vets, and connections to executive Eliot Wolf |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2024/02/21/patriots-coach-jerod-mayos-new-staff-a-mix-of-youth-vets-and-connections-to-executive-eliot-wolf/?amp=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502010553/https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2024/02/21/patriots-coach-jerod-mayos-new-staff-a-mix-of-youth-vets-and-connections-to-executive-eliot-wolf/?amp=1 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=Boston.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Mac Jones, after three seasons as the incumbent starter, was traded in the 2024 offseason due to his insufficient play.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baca |first=Michael |date=March 10, 2024 |title=Patriots trading QB Mac Jones to Jaguars for sixth-round pick |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-trading-qb-mac-jones-to-jaguars-for-late-round-draft-pick |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The Mayo-Wolf regime kickstarted a new era during the ], selecting ] third overall, the highest draft pick held by the Patriots in 31 years up to that point.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=2024-04-30 |title=How the Patriots decided QB Drake Maye was their future |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40052147/how-new-england-patriots-decided-qb-drake-maye-future-no-3-2024-nfl-draft |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
For the next two years the Patriots would suffer late-season collpases that would deny them return trips to the playoffs. In 1979 after starting 7-3 the team would lose four out of their last six games - including three in a row to divisional rivals in December - to finish 9-7 and out of the playoffs. In 1980, with star running back ] holding out all season, the Patriots started 6-1 but finished 10-6, again out of the playoffs. With these performances in mind, a local sportswriter intimated that the team suffered from the "Bozo Syndrome," meaning that they played "like clowns in the clutch." The Patriots completely collapsed in 1981, finishing 2-14, including two losses to the ] which were the only two games the Colts won that year.


==Logos and uniforms==
Following the 1981 season Erhardt was fired and replaced by ], who had been the head coach at ]. The Patriots had the top draft pick overall in 1982 and selected ], defensive end from the ], who would largely prove to be a disapointment.
===Primary logos===
<gallery class="center" mode="traditional" heights="200px" widths="200px">
File:New England Patriots logo old.svg|{{center|The Patriots' primary logo used in the Sullivan era from 1961 to 1992, known as "]". Today, it is kept as a secondary logo, complementing the modern logo, the "Flying Elvis"}}
File:New England Patriots logo.svg|{{center|The Patriots' primary logo used since 1993, known as the "Flying Elvis". The only alteration since 1993 was the blue being darkened in 2000}}
</gallery>
])]]
])]]


The Patriots original helmet logo was a simple ] hat, used only for the 1960 season. From 1961 to 1992, the Patriots used a logo of a ] hiking a football. The Patriots ] logo during this time consisted of a western-style font. The minuteman logo became known as the "]" logo, which later became the name of the team's mascot.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fiske|first=Angelique|title=Patriots Hall of Fame history lesson: Evolution of the logo, uniform and name|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-hall-of-fame-history-lesson-evolution-of-the-logo-uniform-and-name|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408132145/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-hall-of-fame-history-lesson-evolution-of-the-logo-uniform-and-name|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NESN"/>
In the strike-shortened year of 1982, the highlight of the Patriots season was the so-called "Snow Plow Game," a controversial 3-0 late-season win over the ]. The controversy came in the fourth quarter when the Patriots were preparing for a field goal attempt. ], a convict on work release, used a John Deere tractor with a rotating sweeper to clear a swath of field to aid the Patriots. Kicker John Smith's 33-yard attempt was good, and the points would prove to be the only points scored by either team that afternoon. The win would help put the Patriots in the playoffs, but the first-round rematch in Miami was easily won by the Dolphins.


In 1979, the Patriots worked with ] to design a new, streamlined logo, to replace the complex Pat Patriot logo. The new logo featured the blue and white profile of a minuteman in a tricorne hat set against a flag showing three red stripes separated by two white stripes. Team owner Billy Sullivan decided to put the new logo up to a vote against Pat Patriot with the fans at the September 23 home game against the ], using a ] to judge the crowd's reaction. The new logo was decidedly rejected by the crowd in favor of Pat, and the concept was shelved.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story/_/id/6810815/uni-watch-traces-lineage-patriots-flying-elvis-logo|title=The untold story behind the Patriots logo|date=July 28, 2011|publisher=]|first=Paul|last=Lukas|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121010838/http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story/_/id/6810815/uni-watch-traces-lineage-patriots-flying-elvis-logo|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1983 rookie ] was drafted in the first round, the fourth of six quarterbacks drafted in the first round. Eason would play sparingly in 1983, but would become the Patriots' starting quarterback in 1984. Meanwhile, the team's pattern of not being able to finish seasons strong became apparent again. The team again lost some key games late, and finished out of the playoffs at 8-8.


In 1993, a new logo was unveiled involving the gray face of a minuteman wearing a red, white and royal blue hat that begins as a tricorne and transitions into a flowing banner-like design. It became popularly known as the "Flying Elvis" due to many observing its resemblance to the profile of a young ]. A new script logo was introduced as well in tandem with the "Flying Elvis", utilizing a cursive font.<ref name="NESN">{{cite news|url=http://nesn.com/2013/07/patriots-uniforms-evolve-from-pat-patriot-to-flying-elvis-throughout-the-years-photos/|title=Patriots' Uniform Evolves From Flying Elvis Over The Years|date=July 20, 2013|publisher=]|access-date=August 24, 2015|archive-date=September 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912060315/http://nesn.com/2013/07/patriots-uniforms-evolve-from-pat-patriot-to-flying-elvis-throughout-the-years-photos/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Patriots would acquire the top draft pick overall for the 1984 draft, in what was considered one of the weakest draft classes in several years. With the top pick the Patriots selected ], wide receiver from the ]. With Tony Eason starting the Patriots got off to a strong 5-2 start. However after a pair of losses the Patriots fired head coach ], and replaced him with former Colts wide receiver ]. The players initially responded well to Berry, winning three of their first four games under him. However, showing once again a failure to finish strong, the Patriots again lost three straight games in December, and again missed the playoffs at 9-7.


In 2000, the blue color used on the tricorne of the "Flying Elvis" as well as the outline of the cursive wordmark was switched from royal blue to nautical blue to coincide with the uniform change in the new millennium.<ref name="NESN"/>
Despite their season-ending failures, people around the league were starting to take notice of the Patriots and see them as a talented team that needed to learn how to win. Finally in 1985, this potential would begin to be realized, bringing the Patriots their best success to date.


On July 3, 2013, the Patriots unveiled a new wordmark to accompany the "Flying Elvis", which replaced the script of their previous cursive typeface with modernized block letters (colored in blue or white depending on the background), and modified the "Flying Elvis" to be underneath instead of flowing up-top. While appearing everywhere else, it was not applied on the uniforms until the ] due to NFL uniform policies.<ref name="NewPatriotsLogo2013">{{cite web|last=Sessler|first=Marc|title=New England Patriots debut new, bolder logo|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/new-england-patriots-debut-new-bolder-logo-0ap1000000216094|publisher=National Football League|date=July 3, 2013|access-date=August 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910103726/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000216094/article/new-england-patriots-debut-new-bolder-logo|archive-date=September 10, 2015}}</ref>
===First trip to the Super Bowl: Super Bowl XX===
After struggling to start the 1985 season, new coach ] replaced Eason with Grogan. But Grogan broke his leg late in the season, and Eason got the starting job again. New England won six straight games and finished 11-5, with a wild card playoff berth. In the first round the Patriots beat the ] to win their first playoff game since 1963. In the divisional playoff against the ] the Patriots forced six turnovers and won 27-20, gaining a measure of revenge for their crushing 1976 defeat and setting up an AFC Championship showdown against the rival ]. The Patriots had lost 20 straight games in Miami at the time, but won this one, dominating the Dolphins defensively again en route to a 31-14 win. Thus the Patriots completed an improbable run to ], where they faced the ].


{{multiple image
Unfortunately for the Patriots, they would be caught in the middle of one of the most bizarre Super Bowl week subplots. Prior to the AFC Championship game, receiver and punt returner Irving Fryar had cut two fingers with a kitchen knife, requiring it to be put in a cast. At first dismissed as a freak accident, it was not until after the conference championship that the truth came out: that Fryar's wife Jacqueline had slashed him in a domestic incident after Fryar had knocked her down. It was a distraction that, many thought, epitomized the history of these Patriots - coming as it did in what was otherwise to that point the franchise's finest hour.
| align = left
| direction = horizontal
| header = Wordmarks
| width = 200
| image1 = New England Patriots wordmark (1960 - 1992).png
| caption1 = The Patriots' wordmark used in the Sullivan era between 1960 and 1992
| image2 = New England Patriots wordmark (c. 2000).png
| caption2 = The Patriots' wordmark used from 1993 to 2013, with the blue darkened in 2000. A version with the "Flying Elvis" attached to the top was frequently used
| image3 = New England Patriots wordmark.svg
| caption3 = The Patriots' wordmark used since 2013. A version with a small "Flying Elvis" underneath the block letters is also commonly seen, such as in the end zone of ]
}}


===Uniforms===
In the Super Bowl, though the Bears had not allowed a point in the playoffs, the Patriots took an early 3-0 lead after a ] fumble in the first quarter. Unfortunately this opening drive would be marked by another turn of terrible luck, with tight end Lin Dawson getting knocked out with a broken leg. Despite this somewhat promising start, the Bears would go on to score the next 46 points, including a touchdown by ]. The Patriots would add a meaningless touchdown at the end to make the final score 46-10 Chicago, the most one-sided defeat in Super Bowl history at the time.
====1960–1992====
]
The Patriots' primary uniforms remained largely unchanged from the franchises' inaugural season until 1993. The Patriots originally wore red jerseys with white block numbering at home, and white jerseys with red block numbering on the road. Both uniforms used white pants and white helmets, first with the hat logo over the player's number, then with the "Pat Patriot" logo starting in 1961.<ref name="Uniform History">{{cite web|url=http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/fall05/brownlee/patriots.html|title=History of NFL Uniforms: New England Patriots|publisher=National Football League|access-date=August 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023165836/http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/fall05/brownlee/patriots.html|archive-date=October 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> A blue stripe was added to the two red helmet stripes in 1964.<ref name="Uniform History"/> The numbers on both the home and away jerseys gained a blue outline in 1973.<ref name="Uniform History"/> In 1979, the Patriots began the first of many sporadic runs of wearing red pants with the white jerseys.<ref name="Uniform History"/> The red pants were dropped in 1981, but returned in 1984. After being dropped again in 1988, they were used again from 1990 to 1992.<ref name="Uniform History"/>


===1986-1992=== ====1993–1999====
]
When ], who some consider to be one of the best ]s to ever play pro football, retired before the 1986 season, a lot of people thought the Patriots' offense would collapse. Indeed, the team had the worst rushing offense in the league that season. Eason stepped up the passing game (with ] getting nearly 1500 yards receiving) as New England won the AFC East with an 11-5 record, and traveled to Denver to take on the ] in the first round playoff game. A late fourth-quarter touchdown pass from ] to ] won it for Denver, and the Patriots' fate was sealed. The team did not return to the playoffs for eight years.
The Patriots underwent a complete identity overhaul before the 1993 season, starting with the introduction of the aforementioned "Flying Elvis" logo. The new uniforms consisted of a royal blue home jersey and a white away jersey.<ref name="NESN"/> The helmet was silver with the Flying Elvis logo and no additional striping.<ref name="NESN"/> Both uniforms used silver pants, originally with stripes designed to look like those flowing from the Flying Elvis, but these were changed to simple red and blue stripes after one season. When they debuted, both the home and away jerseys used red block numbers with a blue and white outline, but after one season the home uniforms switched to the now-familiar white with a red outline.<ref name="Uniform History 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-england-patriots/0ap2000000080686/Evolution-of-the-Patriots-colors|title=Evolution of the Patriots' Uniform|publisher=National Football League|access-date=August 26, 2015|archive-date=September 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921235504/http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-england-patriots/0ap2000000080686/Evolution-of-the-Patriots-colors|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 1995, the Patriots switched the block numbers to a more modern rounded number font with a dropshadow.<ref name="Uniform History 2"/> The Patriots were one of the first adopters of custom numbers, a trend that would grow drastically over the next 20 years.<ref name="Uniform History 2"/>
Local product ] from ], ] who won the ] for Boston College in 1984, was acquired by the Patriots during the 1987 ] and crossed the picket line to play his first game for the Patriots, which was also the last of three games played by replacement players in the 1987 season. Many defensive stars for New England also crossed the picket line. However, late-season injuries put the Patriots out of playoff contention at 8-7. In 1988 Flutie played five games again before he was replaced by Eason. Neither quarterback could get New England to take the final step to the playoffs, and the Patriots finished 9-7.


====2000–2019====
During this time, the Sullivan family - who had owned the Patriots since their inception - lost millions of dollars on poor investments, most notably their involvement in producing ] 1984 Victory tour, headed by family scion ]. Never among the NFL's wealthiest owners, the investments, and specifically the losses suffered from the Victory tour, had a considerable negative impact on the family fortune and compromised in many way the operation of the Patriots. Consequently, the Sullivans were forced to sell the team. In 1988, the team was sold to Remington shaver magnate ] for $84 million. Although the Patriots were respectable in 1988, narrowly missing the playoffs, the 1989 season was a disaster. Three of the team's biggest stars on defense (], ] and ]) were injured in one preseason game. Eason, Flutie and Grogan rotated the starting quarterback job throughout the season, and the Patriots finished 5-11. Following the season, Flutie left for the ] and long time general manager ] also left to take a similar job with the ]. Berry was fired and replaced by ] defensive coordinator ] for ].
]
In 2000, the Patriots then became one of the few teams at the time to drop the rounded numbers and switch back to block numbers. The shade of blue was switched for the first time in the franchises' history, from royal to nautical blue. The jerseys once again had the number on the shoulders while the logo moved back to the sleeves. "New Century" silver stripes were also added to the home jersey, with nautical blue stripes appearing on the away jersey. The Patriots, unsatisfied with the 1990s white-on-silver road look, also took the opportunity to introduce blue pants to be worn with the white jersey, offering a better contrast. To better match the blue pants, the number on the white jersey was switched from red to blue.<ref name="patriots.com">{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=The Evolution of the Patriots Logo and Uniform |url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-logo-uniform |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421234049/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-logo-uniform |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=Patriots.com}}</ref>


Though the Patriots had generally worn silver pants with the blue jerseys, and navy pants with the white jerseys, they did wear an all-blue set during the 2002 season. On two consecutive home games that season, the Patriots wore blue tops with their road blue pants and white socks; they lost both games (Week 6 vs. the Packers, and Week 8 vs. the Broncos). The team would not wear an all-blue set again until the introduction of the ] uniforms in 2016.<ref name="patriots.com" />
That season proved to be the most tumultuous season in Patriots history. Newspaper reporter ] was sexually harassed by players ], ] and ] following a win over the ]. Kiam's handling of the situation was widely criticized. Among other things, he was accused of calling Olson a derogatory name and was also alleged to have told an off-color joke about Olson. Despite taking out a full-page ad in the Boston Globe categorically denying all of the accusations, Kiam's reputation never fully recovered.
As a final indignity, their season finale against the ] would be one of their few sellouts of the year; however, most of the fans at the game that day were Giants fans. The team lost that game and finished the season 1-15, the Colts win being their only one of the season. Shortly thereafter, the Patriots revamped their front office. Rust was fired and replaced by ], who had been the coach at ]. Additionally, ], who had been athletic director at the ] and oversaw the national resurgence of their athletic program (and specifically their football team), was brought on as CEO of the Patriots.


Throughout the ], the Patriots wore dark patches with white lettering on their uniforms with the initials 'MHK' in honor of ], the late long-time spouse of owner Robert Kraft.<ref name="f139">{{cite web | title=Patriots will honor memory of Myra Kraft with uniform patch | website=NFL.com | date=2011-08-10 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-will-honor-memory-of-myra-kraft-with-uniform-patch-09000d5d8215a58f | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref>
The Patriots showed marked improvement in 1991. ] took over at quarterback partway through the 1991 season, and the Patriots responded to MacPherson's upbeat, positive style. The Patriots improved to 6-10 with several upsets over playoff teams, including wins against the ] and AFC Champion ] and were competitive in many of their losses. Attendance and fan interest improved.


====2020–present====
Although optimism was high entering the 1992 season, the team was disapointing and finished 2-14, which eventually led to the departures of both MacPherson and Jankovich. Rumors of a possible move to St. Louis intensified when Kiam sold the team to St. Louis businessman ], a scion of the Busch family. Orthwein wanted to return the ] to his hometown of ] and saw the Patriots as a vehicle to make that happen.
]
In 2020, the Patriots made some changes to their uniform. The all-blue "Color Rush" design became the primary home uniform, complete with a tweaked nameplate font and numbers, and blue/red/white socks. A corresponding white uniform was also unveiled, also paired with the blue pants. Both uniforms featured truncated shoulder striping as a nod to the "Pat Patriot" uniforms. Coincidentally, the arrival of new jerseys occurred with the departure of long-time quarterback, ], from the Patriots. Brady was in New England exactly between the last uniform change in 2000, and left before the 2020 uniform change in 2019.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fiske|first=Angelique|title=Patriots unveil new uniforms ahead of 2020 season|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-unveil-new-uniforms-ahead-of-2020-season|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=April 20, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308151244/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-unveil-new-uniforms-ahead-of-2020-season|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=New England Patriots release new uniforms for 2020|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/new-england-patriots-release-new-uniforms-for-2020-0ap3000001110013|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=April 20, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=April 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426162313/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110013/article/new-england-patriots-release-new-uniforms-for-2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=PatsUniforms>{{cite web|title=HISTORY: LOGO AND UNIFORM|url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-logo-uniform|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421234049/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/history-logo-uniform|url-status=live}}</ref>


The Patriots brought back the silver pants to pair with the current uniforms in a 2022 Week 7 home game on ] against the ]. Unlike the previous silver pants the team wore from 2000 to 2019, this design featured thicker red stripes, matching the same width as the middle blue stripe.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Khari|title=Patriots break out silver pants on Monday night for first time since Tom Brady's last game|url=https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/patriots/patriots-bringing-back-silver-pants-on-monday-night|publisher=WEEI|website=Audacy.com|date=October 24, 2022|access-date=October 24, 2022|archive-date=October 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024180418/https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/patriots/patriots-bringing-back-silver-pants-on-monday-night|url-status=live}}</ref> During a Week 7 2024 road game at ] against the ], the Patriots paired their silver pants with the road white uniform for the first time since 1999.<ref>{{cite news|last=St. Jean|first=Matt|title=Patriots unveil new uniform combination to be worn in London|url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/10/19/24274264/patriots-tease-new-uniform-combination-london-jaguars|publisher=SB Nation (Pats Pulpit)|website=PatsPulpit.com|date=October 19, 2024|access-date=October 21, 2024}}</ref>
The end of the 1992 season marked yet another low point in the history of the Patriots. The team had little marketable talent and was perpetually cash-strapped. The team played in what was almost universally considered the worst stadium in the NFL in the worst location with the worst gameday traffic. Their season ticket base was one of the smallest in the NFL. They routinely played to half-empty stadiums at home and their largest crowds came only for popular opponents like the ], ] or Steelers. The team was considered the laughingstock of the NFL and was routinely the butt of jokes. Barely more than an afterthought in their home market of Boston, rumors continued to spread about their possibly moving to ]. By any measure, prospects were bleak and there was little hope that things would get any better. Yet, in the 1992 off-season, there began the chain of events that would eventually take the Patriots from laughingstock to one of the most admired teams not only in football, but in all of professional sports.


===Parcells' reign=== ====Alternate uniforms====
In 1994, the Patriots wore the "Pat Patriot" helmets and plain white striped pants from two seasons prior as alternates as part of the NFL's 75th-anniversary celebration. In 2002, NFL teams were allowed to add a permanent third jersey to be worn in a maximum of two games. The Patriots reintroduced a red jersey as their alternate, complemented with the old-style "Pat Patriot" helmet.<ref name="NESN"/> In 2003, the Patriots changed their alternate to a silver jersey with blue pants. For this uniform, the "Flying Elvis" helmet was used.<ref name="NESN"/> The uniform was identical to the white jersey with any areas of white replaced by silver. These uniforms were dropped after 2007. No alternate uniform was used in 2008. In 2009, the red alternate was reintroduced, again accompanied by the "Pat Patriot" helmet. An alternate white road jersey was also worn with the older helmet for one game, using red numbers, in tribute to the 50th anniversary of the AFL. The red alternate gained a blue outline around the numbers in 2010 and this was worn through 2012. The Patriots temporarily retired their alternate red uniforms in 2013, thanks to a new NFL rule outlawing throwback alternate helmets, and restricting teams to one helmet shell only.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charlotin |first=Randolph |date=September 18, 2013 |title=New NFL Safety Rule Forbids Alternate Helmets |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1779446-pat-patriot-rip-new-nfl-safety-rule-forbids-alternate-helmets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905184725/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1779446-pat-patriot-rip-new-nfl-safety-rule-forbids-alternate-helmets |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2015 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> However, after the NFL reinstated the use of alternate helmets in 2022, the Patriots brought back the throwback red uniforms.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Patriots announce return of red throwback alternate uniforms for 2022 season|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-red-throwback-alternate-uniforms-2022-season|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=June 22, 2022|access-date=June 23, 2022|archive-date=June 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623023553/https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-red-throwback-alternate-uniforms-2022-season|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Unreferencedsect}}


In 2016, the Patriots took part in the NFL's Color Rush program, wearing monochrome navy uniforms on September 22 against the ].<ref name="PatsColorRush">{{cite news|last=Fiske|first=Angelique|title=Check out the 2016 Patriots Color Rush Jerseys|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/check-out-the-2016-patriots-color-rush-jerseys-270621|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=September 24, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422142710/https://www.patriots.com/news/check-out-the-2016-patriots-color-rush-jerseys-270621|url-status=live}}</ref> The uniform tops were patterned after the 1980s Pat Patriot-era uniforms, while the pants featured thick white stripes with red accents. They have worn them a total of four times since 2016. In 2017, an all-white Color Rush uniform was introduced and used for the Patriots' Thursday night road game against the ].<ref name="s796">{{cite web | title=Patriots To Wear All-White 'Color Rush' Uniforms Against Buccaneers | website=CBS News - Boston | date=2017-10-03 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/patriots-white-color-rush-uniforms/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>
The Patriots went about the business of giving the team a brand new look for 1993, in every way. The most dramatic change was the hiring of ], a 2-time ] winner, as head coach. One of the most respected coaches in the history of the game, Parcells brought instant credibility and respectability for the franchise. He was also largely given a free hand with respect to personnel. Changes to the uniforms and logo were rolled out as well. The old "Pat Patriot" logo - which to many was a symbol of the Patriots' ineptitude - was retired and replaced with a stylized Patriot head, designed in tandem with ] that many fans would eventually call "Flying Elvis". The team's primary color changed from red to blue, and the helmets from white to silver.


==Facilities==
When the NFL sold the now defunct New England Patriots to James Busch Orthwein, he reveald in simple terms that he was nothing more than an interm owner and had no real plans for the team any longer than two years into the future. At this press conference he listed three major goals for
===Stadium and headquarters===
the franchise and they were;
{{Main|Gillette Stadium}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| header =
| header_align = left/right/center
| header_background =
| total_width = 400
| footer =
| footer_align = left/right/center
| footer_background =
| width =
| image1 = Foxborostade crop 1.png
| caption1 = Aerial view of ], where the Patriots played for their first 31 seasons in ] after not being able to find a permanent home in ], from 1971 to 2001
| image2 = Gillette Stadium02.jpg
| caption2 = The field of ], the current home stadium of the Patriots in ] since 2002
}}


Since 2002, the Patriots' home stadium has been ], a $350{{nbsp}}million facility privately financed by ], located in ]. It houses the team's practice facilities, the team's administrative offices, as well as its owning entity's, ], along with the Kraft-owned ] team, the ].<ref name="gs">{{cite web|url=http://www.gillettestadium.com/sports|title=Sports|publisher=Gillette Stadium|access-date=March 2, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302074342/http://www.gillettestadium.com/sports|archive-date=March 2, 2014}}</ref> The field, which was originally natural grass, was replaced with a ] surface during the 2006 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fieldturf.com/en/artificial-turf/artificial-turf-news/patriots-select-fieldturf-for-gillette-stadium|title=Patriots Select FieldTurf for Gillette Stadium|publisher=FieldTurf|access-date=March 2, 2014|archive-date=November 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104192531/http://www.fieldturf.com/en/artificial-turf/artificial-turf-news/patriots-select-fieldturf-for-gillette-stadium|url-status=live}}</ref> The Patriots installed a new video board, the largest in the United States, in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randall |first=Dakota |date=April 29, 2023 |title=Patriots' New Gillette Stadium Video Board Is Really, Really Big |url=https://nesn.com/2023/04/patriots-new-gillette-stadium-video-board-is-absolutely-enormours/ |access-date=July 29, 2023 |website=NESN.com |language=en-US |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729165942/https://nesn.com/2023/04/patriots-new-gillette-stadium-video-board-is-absolutely-enormours/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite not being around for more than 20 years, Gillette Stadium is home to the second most postseason games ever, ] being first with 27 total. The Patriots have a 19–4 playoff record in this stadium as of the conclusion of the ], the AFC playoffs consistently had the Patriots playing from home in 2001–2019.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maske |first=Mark |date=January 18, 2019 |title=For all of their greatness, the Patriots haven't won a road playoff game since 2007 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/01/18/all-their-greatness-patriots-havent-won-road-playoff-game-since/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530171534/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/01/18/all-their-greatness-patriots-havent-won-road-playoff-game-since/ |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pennington |first=Bill |date=January 12, 2019 |title=Foxboro(ugh!): Where Visiting N.F.L. Teams Hate to Play – The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/12/sports/new-england-patriots-playoffs-foxborough-.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819220945/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/12/sports/new-england-patriots-playoffs-foxborough-.html |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2019 |website=]}}</ref> The area around the stadium was developed, beginning in 2007, into a $375{{nbsp}}million "lifestyle and entertainment center" called ]; among its largest structures is a multi-floor restaurant and bar called ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patriot-place.com/|title=Patriot Place|publisher=]|access-date=March 2, 2014|archive-date=March 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314142041/http://www.patriot-place.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A: Continue the rebuilding of the Patriots' franchise.
B: Resolution of stadium issues that currently put the team at a
disadvantage. (New stadium)
C: Finding a buyer dedicated to keeping the team in New England.


Prior to 2002, the Patriots played in ] dating back to 1971, the team's second year in the NFL after the AFL–NFL merger, and this venue was also privately funded. The final game in this stadium was the ] which was a 16–13 overtime win over the visiting ], known for the raging snowstorm and the "tuck rule" call.<ref name="gs"/> During the team's days in the ] and its first year in the NFL, the Boston Patriots were hosted by a number of fields in or around ].<ref name="gs"/>
It was reported in April of 1995 by the Associated Press (AP) that the U.S. Supreme Court in February 1995 cleared the way for a new trial when it turned away the NFL's argument that it cannot be sued for refusing to allow Mr.William Sullivan to sell stock to the public. Mr. Sullivan was awarded $51 million after the U.S. District court jury trial last year. However, the U.S. Circuit court of Appeals threw out the award last fall and ordered a new trial. The Sullivans defeated the NFL three times for 100 million for improperly taking the team away from them without due process of law.


====Stadium history====
The NFL muscled the team out of the control and ownership of Victor Kiam II basically by doing what they did to Mr. Sullivan and it must be said in all fairness that Mr. Kiam had over extended himself by taking out a loan to buy the team, which in fact, he had some difficulty in repaying later and played a part in his downfall.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Stadium
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Location
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Duration
|-
| ]
| rowspan=2|]
| 1960–1962
|-
| ]
| 1963–1968
|-
| ]
| ]
| 1969
|-
| ]
| ]
| 1970
|-
| ]
| rowspan=2|]
| 1971–2001
|-
| ]
| 2002–present
|}
{{clear}}


===Training camp and practice===
When James Orthwien bought the team on 11 May 1992 under the circumstances as described above; it was bought with some very obvious and well known strings attached. To some, there was a real fear that he would in fact move the team from Foxboro to St. Louis. Why? Because he has constructed a state of the art domed stadium in St. Louis in which the former L.A. Rams now call their home stadium.
]
The Patriots hold ] and practices just outside of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with twin practice fields available for team use.


Prior to 2003, the Patriots held training camp and practice at numerous locations. From 1976 to 2002, the team held training camp at ] in ]. From 1960 to 1961, then from 1969 to 1975, the Patriots held training camp at ]. Between 1962 and 1968, the Patriots held training camp at ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Boston/New England Patriots Training Camp Locations |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference |date=2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/training-camps.htm |access-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826205518/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/training-camps.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
In a press conference soon after he bought the New England Patriots, Mr. James Orthwien said;


From 1971 until 2001, the Patriots would simply practice at Foxboro Stadium whenever the field was available, otherwise they would use the public football fields that were available in Foxborough.
"I will not be the Patriot's owner indefinitely and I have no plans to move the team to any other market" said Orthwien. "But on an interim basis, I will be involved actively in improving the franchise."


===Aircraft===
It will be also said that Mr. Orthwein at that time a well as up to the time he sold the team to Mr. Robert Kraft, was the Chairman of the board of the New England Patriots and Mr. Murray was and still is the President of the club.
] in 2020]]
In 2017, the Patriots purchased two ]s for use as team planes, with one serving as the backup, which were ready in time for the ]. This made them the first team in league history to own their own planes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=October 5, 2017 |title=LOOK: Patriots show off the inside of their new team plane for the first time |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/look-patriots-show-off-the-inside-of-their-new-team-plane-for-the-first-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030221251/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/look-patriots-show-off-the-inside-of-their-new-team-plane-for-the-first-time/ |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> At the time it was getting more difficult for professional sports teams to book private charter flights, with eight teams being dropped that season, as major commercial airlines were instead focusing on more profitable scheduled flights.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ryan |date=October 1, 2017 |title=Commercial airlines reportedly drop 8 NFL teams but not because of anthem protests |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/commercial-airlines-reportedly-drop-8-nfl-teams-but-not-because-of-anthem-protests/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426153450/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/commercial-airlines-reportedly-drop-8-nfl-teams-but-not-because-of-anthem-protests/ |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> The two jet airliners, N366AA and N39367, were previously operated by ] from 1991 to 2016. The planes are known affectionately as "AirKrafts" after team owner ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Benjamin |date=April 2, 2020 |title=Check out the New England Patriots' Boeing 767 private jet that flew the team to Super Bowl LIII |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/new-england-patriots-reveal-new-boeing-767-private-jet-pictures-2017-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015152/https://www.businessinsider.com/new-england-patriots-reveal-new-boeing-767-private-jet-pictures-2017-10 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |website=Business Insider}}</ref> Kraft has lent one of the planes to transport students to the ] demonstration in ]<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2018 |title=Robert Kraft: Donating New England Patriots' plane for D.C. march was easy decision |url=http://dailydolphin.blog.mypalmbeachpost.com/2018/03/26/robert-kraft-donating-new-england-patriots-plane-for-d-c-march-was-easy-decision/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426160259/http://dailydolphin.blog.mypalmbeachpost.com/2018/03/26/robert-kraft-donating-new-england-patriots-plane-for-d-c-march-was-easy-decision/ |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2019 |website=The Daily Dolphin}}</ref>


In 2020, the New England Patriots signed an agreement with ] to handle the operations of their planes. In July 2023, the Patriots filed a lawsuit against Eastern Airlines over an alleged breach of contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=2023-10-08 |title=Patriots file $22 million lawsuit against airline after alleged breach of contract by aviation company |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-file-22-million-lawsuit-against-airline-after-alleged-breach-of-contract-by-aviation-company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009044212/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-file-22-million-lawsuit-against-airline-after-alleged-breach-of-contract-by-aviation-company/ |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> Since February 2024, both planes now operate with ].{{Cn|date=September 2024}}
Bill Parcells was hired as the general manager and head coach of the hapless Patriots. It was
also at this time when the Patriots were in a complete shambles. As a team, they had only recently made it through several other scandals and it seemed a new scandal got drummed up in the press every week. The press conference announcing Parcell's hiring had a circus - like atmosphere. The Governor of Massachusetts showed up, that being Gov. William Weld. It was one of the few joyous days in the Patriots history. It was a day, a moment to be savored and remembered for any Patriots fan.


==Rivalries==
During much of this time there was another owner. His name is Francis W. Murray. He is the minority owner and owns 30% of the club. He has for several years been trying to gain a controlling interest in the New England Patriots. Mr. Murray and Anheuser - Busch wholesaler Jerry G. Clinton in their effort to bring an expansion team to that city. Both he and Clinton were responsible for the legislation that formed the basis of a $250 million dollar bond financing deal which was completed in August - a 70,000 seat domed stadium in downtown St. Louis. Murray, who is from Philadelphia, PA. and is now involved with professional football full time and makes his living also
In terms of number of games played, the Patriots have competed most against other teams in the ] division: the ], ], and ], who were all a part of the AFC East division since the AFL–NFL merger, as well as the former AFL Eastern division. The Patriots also share rivalries with several teams outside of their division, including the ], who were members of the AFC East from 1970 to 2001, the ], the ], the ] and the ]. Outside of the AFC, the Patriots also had a memorable rivalry with the ].
with stadium development. His brother, Jim Murray, is the former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles 1974 - 1989.


===Divisional rivals===
However, the Patriots were never in any danger of moving to St. Louis or any other market for that matter. The problem arises when one looks at the fact that it would cost more money to buy the Patriots out of their contract with Foxboro Stadium than it cost Mr. Orthwein to buy the team. The amount of money that it would take to buy the team, buy out the contract (Which is in effect until the year 2002), and build a new stadium would be in excess of over one billion dollars! The sports press did nothing to report these facts. They reported the rumours of the team moving to either city, but not the huge amounts of money required to do so.
====New York Jets====
{{Main|Jets–Patriots rivalry}}
], after resigning from the Jets before ever coaching a game, was "traded" from the Jets to the Patriots in 2000 for a first round pick, which turned out to be one of the most notorious transactions in NFL history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patsfans.com/articles/patriots/2920/How-Exactly-Will-History-Judge-Parcells-%28Pt-3%29.html|title=How Exactly Will History Judge Parcells? (Pt 3)|date=January 13, 2006 |publisher=patsfans.com|access-date=January 22, 2015|archive-date=January 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122200838/http://www.patsfans.com/articles/patriots/2920/How-Exactly-Will-History-Judge-Parcells-%28Pt-3%29.html|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
The closest rivalry geographically has been that with the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/History-Fuels-Rivalry-Between-Jets-and-Patriots-228172461.html|title=History Fuels Rivalry Between Jets and Patriots|first=Neil|last=Bisman|publisher=NBC New York|date=October 17, 2013|access-date=January 2, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193655/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/History-Fuels-Rivalry-Between-Jets-and-Patriots-228172461.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Patriots and Jets have been in the same division (what is now the AFC East) since both teams' foundings in 1960, and have played each other at least twice a year since then.<ref name="Pats-Jets Top 10">{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1760656-the-10-best-moments-of-the-jets-pats-rivalry|title=The 10 Best Moments of the Jets-Pats Rivalry|author=Kevin W. Ryan|website=Bleacher Report|date=September 10, 2013|access-date=January 2, 2014|archive-date=September 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916003302/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1760656-the-10-best-moments-of-the-jets-pats-rivalry|url-status=live}}</ref> The rivalry between the Jets and Patriots has escalated since 1996, when Patriots head coach ] left the Patriots under controversy to become the head coach of the Jets; he was replaced by former Jets coach ].<ref name="Pats-Jets Top 10"/> Four years later, Carroll was fired, and Parcells's assistant, ], resigned the day he was named the Jets' head coach to become the head coach of the Patriots.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 24, 2013 |title=Jets-Patriots rivalry through the years (Belichick resigns as head coach) |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-patriots-rivalry-through-the-years-1.1454268#1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031122229/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-patriots-rivalry-through-the-years-1.1454268#1 |archive-date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=December 22, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> Six years after that, ], an assistant under Belichick, became the head coach of the Jets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 18, 2006 |title=Jets hire Mangini as head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2295261 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105215349/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2295261 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=January 11, 2014 |work=]|agency=]}}</ref>


Bill Belichick achieved his 200th career head coaching win (regular season and playoffs) on November 22, 2012, defeating the Jets ]; it was his 163rd such win as Patriots coach.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=November 23, 2012 |title=Humiliated in a New York Minute |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/23/sports/football/jets-humiliated-by-patriots-in-a-new-york-minute.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127134105/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/23/sports/football/jets-humiliated-by-patriots-in-a-new-york-minute.html |archive-date=November 27, 2013 |access-date=December 22, 2013 |work=]}}</ref> Belichick also passed ] for second most career head coaching wins (regular season and playoffs) with his 325th win on October 30, 2022, in a 22–17 victory over the Jets. As of 2023, the Patriots lead the all-time series 75–55–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. New York Jets |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=nyj&yr=all |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
When Mr. Orthwein sold the Patriots to Robert Kraft, he seemed to live up to goal number three, which was to find a buyer interested in keeping the team in the New England area. Robert Kraft is from New England and was born and raised in the are and he is a life - long resident of the city of St. Louis. Mr. Orthwein is a member of the Board of Directors and a major shareholder of the Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. In July of 1990, he then joined the St. Louis NFL Partnership along with the people already mentioned, but also Walter Payton, who is the NFL's all - time leading rusher. However, Orthwien and Murray had a severe conflict of interest in that they were owners of an existing NFL franchise and were actively seeking the awarding of ownership of another and is a direct violation of the NFL by - laws stating that an owner absolutely cannot have ownership in two clubs in the league.


====Buffalo Bills====
The NFL itself must have been fully aware of the situation. They had hand picked Mr. Orthwein to purchase the Patriots and they must have agreed to the "strings" that Mr. Orthwein had presented them. This is namely, that he was to buy the team at a high price, thus saving the other NFL owners about $100 million dollars each. Why? The reason is this. In the players anti - trust lawsuit against the league, the players union, then known as the NFLPA proved that each team was responsible for a tremendous amount of debt. When this debt is taken into account against what the team is worth, it figures to be about $51 million each. This was the main reason the Boston Superior Court
{{Main|Bills–Patriots rivalry}}
awarded this same figure of $51 million to the founding owner of the Patriots William Sullivan Sr. back in April of last year.
] takes down Bills QB ] for a safety in 2006.]]
The Patriots and the ] were both charter members of the AFL, and even competed with each other in an AFL playoff game. They have remained divisional rivals since the AFL–NFL merger. Prior to the rise of Tom Brady, the two teams shared a mellow, yet occasionally competitive rivalry, featuring highlights from players such as ], ], ], ], and ]. However, Brady dominated the Bills during his tenure as the Patriots' franchise quarterback, holding a 32–3 regular-season record over them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/buffalo-bills/teamvsteam?opp=19%7CBuffalo|title=Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Results – The Football Database|website=FootballDB.com|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224143518/https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/buffalo-bills/teamvsteam?opp=19%7CBuffalo|url-status=live}}</ref> Though Patriots fans usually felt apathetic towards the Bills during the Brady era, Bills fans came to despise the Patriots more than any other rival.<ref name = "2017primaryrivalpoll">{{cite web|url=https://www.allcounted.com/share?view=summary&cid=stnbvll7tbrir&uid=|title=2017 Buffalo Bills Rivalry Survey|website=www.allcounted.com|access-date=August 28, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122518/https://www.allcounted.com/share?view=summary&cid=stnbvll7tbrir&uid=|url-status=live}}</ref> With the departure of ] after the 2019 season, the Bills swept the Pats in 2020, including a 38–9 '']'' win that stands as the worst home loss of the Belichick era. It was their first time doing so since 1999, Belichick's first year as head coach and the year before Brady was drafted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goss |first=Nick |date=January 17, 2021 |title=Bills fan trolls Patriots with sign at AFC Divisional Round playoff game |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-fan-trolls-patriots-sign-163538968.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117165440/https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-fan-trolls-patriots-sign-163538968.html |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref>
In the ], the Bills defeated the Patriots 47–17 in the rivalry's first playoff matchup in nearly 60 years, with the Bills scoring seven consecutive touchdowns and never punting or attempting a field goal against the Pats defense,<ref name="w457">{{cite web | last=Thompson | first=Khari | title=Josh Allen, Bills demolish Patriots in stunning 47-17 blowout | website=Boston.com | date=2022-01-16 | url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2022/01/15/follow-live-as-the-patriots-try-to-upset-bills-on-wild-card-weekend/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> making for the NFL's first "perfect offensive game" in history and the worst playoff loss of Belichick's career.<ref name="l919">{{cite web | last=Williams | first=Madison | title=Bills vs. Patriots by the numbers: How Buffalo handed Bill Belichick historic loss in wild-card game | website=Sporting News | date=2022-01-16 | url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/bills-patriots-numbers-bill-belichick-wild-card/1g6n00i40ridu1k5kf7qgkjivn | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> As of 2023, the Patriots lead the all-time series 78–50–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=buf&yr=all |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


====Miami Dolphins====
Thinking of each team as being a piece of property on a dead end street. If then the average worth of even a team like the San Fransico 49'ers, who have won five Super Bowls in the last fourteen years and has been auguably the best team in the league. Now if this team is devalued to its true worth of $50 million, then what would a team like the New England Patriots be worth? This is why Mr. Orthwien was owed by the league and why so many rules where either bent like a rubber band or broken in his case.
{{Main|Dolphins–Patriots rivalry}}
] rushes the ball past the Dolphins' defense in the ].]]
The Patriots first played the ] in 1966 in the AFL, when Miami was one of two expansion teams to debut that year in that league. The Dolphins dominated the Patriots in the 1970s and 1990s, but the two teams remained competitive with each other for years before the rise of Tom Brady. Brady, however, struggled occasionally against the Dolphins in the 2000s before reasserting dominance in the 2010s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Joe |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Loved to hear it: Tom Brady cites Dolphins defense of early 2000's as toughest |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/10/26/tom-brady-says-miami-dolphins-defense-toughest-he-faced-and-they-heard/8549472002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920024943/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/10/26/tom-brady-says-miami-dolphins-defense-toughest-he-faced-and-they-heard/8549472002/ |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=The Palm Beach Post |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartwell |first=Darren |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Which defense gave Brady the most trouble? QB gives surprising answer |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/tom-brady-reveals-defense-he-liked-facing-least-patriots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626175924/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/tom-brady-reveals-defense-he-liked-facing-least-patriots |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=NBC Sports |language=en}}</ref> The Patriots and Dolphins are the only two teams in the Super Bowl era to post undefeated regular season records, with Miami ] and the Patriots ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins Results |url=http://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/new-england-patriots/teamvsteam?opp=17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828225640/http://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/new-england-patriots/teamvsteam?opp=17 |archive-date=August 28, 2017 |access-date=August 28, 2017 |website=FootballDB.com}}</ref> Notable moments between the clubs include the ], three playoff matchups, the Dolphins revealing their ] against the Patriots,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/dolphins-stun-patriots-38-13/|title=Dolphins stun Patriots 38–13|date=September 22, 2008|work=]|access-date=August 28, 2017|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828192301/http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/dolphins-stun-patriots-38-13/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Miracle in Miami: Dolphins Stun Patriots with Last-Second Touchdown|url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/12/09/dolphins-stun-patriots-miracle-in-miami-nfl-week-14/|location=Boston|publisher=]|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-date=December 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210014034/https://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/12/09/dolphins-stun-patriots-miracle-in-miami-nfl-week-14/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2023, the Dolphins lead the all-time series 62–55.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=mia&yr=all |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


===Conference rivals===
Then, about 6 months to the day after Bill Parcells was hired, the Patriots with the help of players Andre Tippett and Pat Harlow displayed to their fans for the first time in New York City the new uniforms and emblem that they would be wearing at the start of the 1994 season. Niether of these two players are playing for the team. Soon after this event, Andre Tippet retired and was bumped up to the front office and Pat Harlow was traded a few weeks later to the Cleveland Browns.
====Indianapolis Colts====
{{Main|Colts–Patriots rivalry}}
{{See also|Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry}}
The Patriots rivalry with the ] ran through the two clubs' tenure together in the ] (1970–2001). The two clubs clashed in several close games, such as on December 19, 1971, as a late Patriots touchdown decided a 21–17 New England win; on September 18, 1978, the Colts rallied to defeat the Patriots 34–27 on '']'' on a virtual one-man scoring rampage by running back ]; on September 4, 1983, the Colts defeated the Patriots in overtime 29–23 in their final season in Baltimore.<ref name="Pats vs Colts Boxscores"/> The Patriots defeated the Colts in back-to-back overtime games, 23–17 on December 8, 1991, and 37–34 on November 15, 1992.<ref name="Pats vs Colts Boxscores">{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=clt&tm2=nwe&yr=all |title=Boxscore finder: Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots |work=Pro Football-Reference |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=August 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907195440/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=clt&tm2=nwe&yr=all |archive-date=September 7, 2015}}</ref>


]
The New England Patriot's new uniform and emblem were designed by NFL Properties 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles, CA. and this is about 3,000 miles away from where the Patriots play home games in Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro Mass.
Even though the two clubs were placed in separate divisions in the NFL's 2002 divisional realignment, their rivalry did not diminish. At that time, both teams were among the best in the AFC, and both were led by likely Hall of Fame quarterbacks, ] (for the Colts) and ] (for the Patriots). The teams met three times in four years (2003, 2004, 2006) in the playoffs, with the winner going on to win that season's ] each time. The Manning portion of the rivalry began in Manning's rookie season, 1998; in ] Manning suffered a bitter 31–28 loss in September as the Patriots behind ] erased a 28–7 Colts lead, then defeated the Patriots 20–15 in Indianapolis on December 12. The Brady–Manning portion of the rivalry began on September 30, 2001, as Brady made his first NFL start in a 44–13 Patriots win at Foxboro; on October 21 the Patriots defeated the Colts at the ] 38–17.<ref name="Pats vs Colts Boxscores"/>


After the Colts left the AFC East in 2002, they first met on November 30, 2003, in a 38–34 Patriots win decided on a last-second goal line stand by the Patriots.<ref name="Pats vs Colts Boxscores"/> The Colts broke a six-game Patriot winning streak in the rivalry in November 2005,<ref name="Pats vs Colts Boxscores"/> then won twice in 2006;<ref name="Pats vs Colts Boxscores"/> in the ] the Colts erased a 21–6 halftime lead; the game lead tied or changed seven times in the second half before a late touchdown led to a 38–34 Colts win. The November 4, 2007, meeting involved both teams being unbeaten to that point; the 8–0 Patriots and the 7–0 Colts. The Patriots rallied to win 24–20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271104011 |title=New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts – Recap – November 4, 2007 |publisher=] |access-date=March 22, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016062521/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271104011 |archive-date=October 16, 2012}}</ref> The Colts won again in 2008 and then erased a large Patriots lead in 2009's ] game. Manning's final meeting with the Patriots as a Colt came in November 2010; a late interception sealed a 31–28 Patriots win.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=301121017|title=Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots – Recap – November 21, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=March 22, 2014|archive-date=March 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322060536/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=301121017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Mr. Orthwein as previously stated said that he did not want to own the Patriots a long time. He said that he only wanted to own them for short period of time. His reasons for buying them he said was to have a "Bargaining chip" with the NFL. He had cut a deal with them as some of the press reported to be guaranteed his team in St. Louis in exchange for doing so.
In 2012, the Patriots faced the Colts, quarterbacked now by ], on November 18; the Patriots defeated the Colts 59–24.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180nwe.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – November 18th, 2012 |website=] |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171700/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180nwe.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Patriots also beat the Colts on January 12, 2014, 43–22.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=340111017|title=Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots – Recap – January 12, 2014|publisher=]|date=January 12, 2014|access-date=January 12, 2014|archive-date=March 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331002544/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=340111017|url-status=live}}</ref> The Patriots played the Colts in the playoffs again on January 18, 2015, in the AFC title game, winning 45–7.<ref>{{cite web |first=Camila |last=Domonoske |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/01/18/378227565/new-england-beats-indianapolis-45-7-in-afc-championship |title=New England Beats Indianapolis 45–7 In AFC Championship : The Two-Way |publisher=] |date=January 18, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128140051/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/01/18/378227565/new-england-beats-indianapolis-45-7-in-afc-championship |url-status=live }}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 53–31.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=clt&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


====Baltimore Ravens====
The NFL has made a half a billion dollars on property that a court in Boston has already ruled was William Sullivan Sr. because it with taken from him without the benefit of due process of law as garranteed by the USA Constution. Remember also, that this very same court ruled that this same team was only worth $51 million and this is the amount Mr. Sullivan was awarded. All of this is now mute because he now has his team, as promised by the NFL.
{{Main|Ravens–Patriots rivalry}}
The ] first met the New England Patriots in 1996,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/gallery/2012/patriots_ravens_rivalry_history/|title=A closer look at the Patriots-Ravens rivalry|publisher=]|access-date=December 9, 2013|date=December 22, 2013|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213064022/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/gallery/2012/patriots_ravens_rivalry_history/|url-status=live}}</ref> but the rivalry truly started in 2007 when the Ravens suffered a bitter 27–24 loss in the Patriots' ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2007120300/2007/REG13/patriots@ravens#tab=recap|title=New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens 12/03/2007|publisher=National Football League|access-date=August 27, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905165349/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2007120300/2007/REG13/patriots@ravens#tab=recap|url-status=live}}</ref> The rivalry began to escalate in 2009 when the Ravens lost to the Patriots 27–21 in a game that involved a confrontation between Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Ravens linebacker ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009100406/2009/REG4/ravens@patriots#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A09000d5d8133b67e&tab=recap|title=Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots 10/04/2009|publisher=National Football League|access-date=August 27, 2015|archive-date=September 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907214500/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009100406/2009/REG4/ravens@patriots#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A09000d5d8133b67e&tab=recap|url-status=live}}</ref> Both players would go on to take verbal shots at each other through the media after the game. The Ravens defeated the Patriots in the 2009 AFC Wild Card playoff game, 33–14.<ref name="ESPN Wild Card">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2009/matchup/_/teams/ravens-patriots|title=2009 Wild Card Round: Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots|publisher=ESPN|access-date=August 27, 2015|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723024702/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2009/matchup/_/teams/ravens-patriots|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the first time the Ravens had ever defeated the Patriots.
The Ravens faced the Patriots in week six of the 2010 season. The Patriots ended up winning 23–20 in overtime; the game caused controversy from a hit to the helmet of tight end ] by Patriots safety ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010101702/2010/REG6/ravens@patriots#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A09000d5d81b76e41&tab=recap|title=Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots 10/17/2010|publisher=National Football League|access-date=August 27, 2015|archive-date=September 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921235612/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010101702/2010/REG6/ravens@patriots#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A09000d5d81b76e41&tab=recap|url-status=live}}</ref>


The Ravens played the Patriots for the third consecutive season in the 2011 AFC Championship Game, which the Ravens lost 23–20.<ref name="2012 AFC Championship Game Rapid Reaction">{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/2012-afc-championship-game-rapid-reaction|title=2012 AFC Championship Game Rapid Reaction|date=January 22, 2012|access-date=December 9, 2013|publisher=]|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213154618/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/2012-afc-championship-game-rapid-reaction|url-status=live}}</ref> The rivalry reached a new level of friction with this, the second career playoff game between the two clubs. The Ravens clawed to a 20–16 lead in the fourth quarter, but Patriots quarterback Tom Brady dove into the end zone to make the score 23–20 with around 11 minutes remaining; this proved to be the winning touchdown.<ref name="2012 AFC Championship Game Rapid Reaction"/> On the Ravens' last possession of the game, quarterback ] threw a pass to wide receiver Lee Evans in the corner of the end zone which looked to be the game-winning touchdown, before a last-second strip by Sterling Moore forced the ball from the hands of Evans, forcing the game to be decided on a last-minute field goal by Ravens placekicker Billy Cundiff.<ref name="2012 AFC Championship Game Rapid Reaction"/> With 11 seconds remaining on the clock, the kicker missed the 32-yard field goal attempt, allowing the Patriots to kill the clock on their way to ] for a rematch with the ].<ref name="2012 AFC Championship Game Rapid Reaction"/>
Consider the NFL rules dealing with uniform changes. The rules regarding this are clear and simple. When a team in the league wants to do any kind of a uniform change, the front office of that particular club must petition the league at least one full year ahead of time. This time limit was in no way met by the Patriots organization. The NFL, in concert with Mr. Orthwien, Mr. Murray, NFL Properties and the Patriots must have planned this move with the uniforms and emblem even before Mr. Orthien purchased the team. This a clear violation of the NFL bylaws that the NFL ignored in doing this illeagle action against its own fans. After all, it was an arm of the NFL itself that did the designing of the uniform and emblem, which would mean the same NFL that as we shall see, stopped Cowboys owner Jerry Jones from using different uniforms for the 1993 Thanksgiving Day game. This same NFL had a full hand in the wholesale destruction of the Patriots thirty two year established sports image. This same NFL became overly concerned about a uniform that owner Jerry Jones had designed (bypassing NFL Properties) and wanted to use these uniforms only for special occasions, Like the Thanksgiving Day games and the playoffs. How hypercritical!


The Ravens' first regular-season win over the Patriots came on September 23, 2012. The game was emotional as receiver ] was competing following the death of his brother in a motorcycle accident just the night before.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/09/Torrey-Smiths-brother-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-70000942/torrey-smith-brother-dead-tevin-ravens/70000942/1|work=]|title=Torey Smith's brother dies in a motorcycle crash|date=September 23, 2012|access-date=December 9, 2013|archive-date=September 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923060745/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/09/Torrey-Smiths-brother-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-70000942/torrey-smith-brother-dead-tevin-ravens/70000942/1|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith caught two touchdowns in a back and forth game; the Ravens erased a 13–0 lead in the first half and led 14–13, but the Patriots scored at the end of the second quarter for a 20–14 lead. The lead changed twice in the third quarter and the Patriots led 30–21 in the fourth, but the Ravens scored on Smith's second touchdown catch. The Ravens were stopped on fourth down but the Patriots had to punt; in the final two minutes a pass interference penalty on Devin McCourty put the ball at the Patriots 7-yard line; new Ravens kicker ] booted a 27-yard field goal on the final play; the ball sailed directly over the upright and was ruled good; the quality of officiating by replacement referees caused controversy as ] angrily reached for one of the referees as they were leaving the field, leading to a $50,000 fine later that week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209230rav.htm |title=New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens – September 23rd, 2012 |website=] |access-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155352/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209230rav.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bill-belichick-to-receive-fine-wednesday-for-grabbing-referee-0ap1000000066360|publisher=National Football League|title=Bill Belichick to receive fine Wednesday for grabbing referee|date=September 26, 2012|access-date=December 9, 2013|archive-date=December 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214044852/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000066360/article/bill-belichick-to-receive-fine-wednesday-for-grabbing-referee|url-status=live}}</ref>
The NFL flatly refused his request to play in these uniforms during the 1993 playoffs, but the Cowboys did play in them on Thanksgiving Day 1994 and during the playoffs. The league had said that the reasons they had for not allowing the Cowboys to play in these uniforms was for the "Integrity" of the NFL. Where was this supposed concern for integrity of the New England Patriots and a thirty two year established sports franchise and their image? Why the hypocrisy? Why the double standard?


The two teams met again on January 20, 2013, in the AFC Championship, where the Ravens won 28–13.<ref name="hp">{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/20/ravens-afc-championship-beat-patriots-super-bowl_n_2517786.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124125914/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/20/ravens-afc-championship-beat-patriots-super-bowl_n_2517786.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |title=Ravens Win AFC Championship Game, Hold Off Patriots in Rematch to Reach Super Bowl |first=Jimmy |last=Golen |work=] |date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=January 11, 2014}}</ref> The Patriots led at halftime, 13–7, but the Ravens defense gave up no points in the 2nd half.<ref name="hp"/> It was the first time ever that Tom Brady lost a game at home after leading at halftime, and the first time a road team beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship.<ref name="hp"/>
This uniform change was done by a interim owner, and not an someone interested in the long term interests of the team or for that matter, an owner who is going to be around for the "long haul", like 25 - 30 years. The natural question is then this: "Why didn't Mr. Orthwien just go to the fans
about it?" The reason is their fans would have completely rejected it. Legitimate uniform changes were attempted before in the late 1970's and the mid 1980's and it was soundly driven off the field by their fans. This is why the clever lie about the Patriots wanting to "Change the uniforms for over ten years." is so effective.


The two teams met once again at Gillette Stadium in the playoffs on January 10, 2015. The Patriots trailed by as much as 14 twice, before beating the Ravens 35–31 to advance to the AFC Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400749515|title=Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots – Box Score – January 10, 2015|publisher=ESPN|access-date=August 24, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817023117/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400749515|url-status=live}}</ref>
The facts regarding this are simple. Victor Kiam when he had owned the team, never had any intention of changing the Patriots uniforms and emblem. This means that this statement made by the Patriots front offices is not true, but that this was is in fact a new idea. Also as seen by the evidence, this statement can only be at best a twisting of the facts to suit their own goals. It was also claimed by the Patriots front office that the wholesale destruction of an established,
thirty two year was and quote "Was the right time." Indeed it was. The fan of the Patriots were in a state of euphoria by the hiring of the two time Super Bowl coach Bill Parcells and thus didn't care. All they could see was the carrot, the promise of Super Bowls and not that right before theirs eyes the team they supported through years of bad seasons was dying before their eyes an imposter, a counterfeit was put into its place.


The two teams met with ] as the Ravens quarterback for the first time on ] on November 3, 2019. The 8–0 Patriots were favored over the 5–2 Ravens before the game, but the Ravens won in a blowout, 37–20.<ref name="b208">{{cite web | title=Ravens Run All Over New England Defense, Patriots Lose 37-20 In Baltimore | website=CBS News - Boston | date=2019-11-03 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/ravens-run-all-over-new-england-defense-patriots-lose-37-20-in-baltimore/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 11–5.
We should remember the minuteman center emblem was designed by a New Englander and who was the comic strip artist for the Boston Globe and the Incredible Hulk comic strip which ran in the respective paper. He was a close friend of the Sullivan family. This was a great and a labor of love for
this individual. However, this as can clearly be seen wasn't the case with the expansion Patriots. Their emblem and uniforms were put together over 3,000 miles away behind closed doors and unaware of their own fans, for fear of what they would do, based on past experience and could not allow them to
find out that the NFL had no authority to do this by and has no authority to field this team to begin with.


====Denver Broncos====
The New England Patriots represent the New England area and it's people. This representation is important. Perhaps more so than any other area of the country. For this is where patriotism and the country itself was born and it goes to the heart of this great nation. It would stand to reason that this team would be in patriotic colors of red, white and blue. So, what colors are they in? Blue and silver. Are those patriotic colors? Obviously not. It needs to be pointed out that there are many other teams in this same color scheme. At this point in time, about 30% of all NFL teams are in this color scheme.
{{Main|Broncos–Patriots rivalry}}
{{See also|Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry}}
The Broncos and Patriots met twice annually during the ] (AFL) years from 1960 to 1969, and played in the first-ever AFL game on September 9, 1960.<ref>{{cite web|title=Denver Broncos Team History|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/denver-broncos/team-history/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=February 24, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730015404/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/denver-broncos/team-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since {{nfly|1995}}, the two teams have met frequently during the regular season, including nine consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mason|first=Andrew|title=Broncology: So We Meet Again|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncology-So-We-Meet-Again/067e474c-7893-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=November 2, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002150818/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncology-So-We-Meet-Again/067e474c-7893-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9|archive-date=October 2, 2013|access-date=May 23, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of the end of the {{nfly|2015}} season, the two teams have met in the playoffs five times, with the Broncos owning a 4–1 record.<ref name="e205">{{cite web | last=Geagan | first=Matt | title=Everything you need to know about Patriots-Broncos on Christmas Eve | website=CBS News - Boston | date=2023-12-20 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/patriots-broncos-week-16-news-notes-fun-facts-christmas-eve-nfl-belichick-payton-wilson-douglas-denver/#:~:text=%2DThe%20Broncos%20lead%20the%20overall,games%2C%20two%20AFC%20Championships). | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> The teams' first playoff match on January 4, 1987, was ]'s first career playoff win,<ref>{{cite web |author=Lynch, Tim |title=Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots; Through The Years |url=http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/10/16/634005/denver-broncos-new-england |work=Mile High Report |date=October 16, 2008 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731090146/http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/10/16/634005/denver-broncos-new-england |url-status=live }}</ref> while the teams' second playoff match on January 14, 2006, game was the Broncos' first playoff win since Elway's retirement after the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2006 |title=Broncos take advantage of turnovers, eliminate Patriots |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260114007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211164106/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260114007 |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The game was also notable for ]'s 100-yard interception that resulted in a touchdown-saving tackle by ] at the 1-yard line.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2011 |title=Benjamin Watson tackle saving touchdown |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsZCTzYNBQE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103212333/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsZCTzYNBQE&app=desktop |archive-date=November 3, 2017 |access-date=June 5, 2016 |website=YouTube.com}}</ref> On October 11, 2009, the two teams met with former Patriots' offensive coordinator, ] as the Broncos' ]. Both teams wore their ] 50th anniversary jerseys.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/10/12/denver_doldrums_continue_for_the_patriots/|title=Denver doldrums continue for the Patriots – The Boston Globe|newspaper=Boston.com|access-date=June 5, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806151937/http://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/10/12/denver_doldrums_continue_for_the_patriots/|url-status=live| last1=Gasper | first1=Christopher L. }}</ref> The game featured a 98-yard drive in the fourth quarter, with a game-tying touchdown pass from ] to ], followed by an overtime drive led by Orton that resulted in a 41-yard game-winning field goal by ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291011007|title=Patriots vs. Broncos – Game Recap – October 11, 2009 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=June 5, 2016|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409130225/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291011007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The two teams met in the Divisional round of the ], with the Patriots blowing out ] and the Broncos by a score of 45–10.<ref name="BroncosPatriots2011">{{cite news |author=Klis, Mike |title=Tom Brady leads Patriots' 45–10 rout of Broncos, Tim Tebow in NFL playoffs |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19745656 |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 14, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2012 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118022114/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_19745656 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Broncos' rivalry with the Patriots later intensified when longtime ]' quarterback ] became the Broncos' starting ] from 2012 to 2015. Manning and Patriots' quarterback ] maintained a legendary ] from {{nfly|2001}}<ref>{{cite web |author=Gasper, Christopher |title=Lucky to see Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning again |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/10/06/tom-brady-and-peyton-manning-renew-their-rivalry-for-time/c4fU2F8OSIOCuo9ghNSQKO/story.html |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012054840/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/10/06/tom-brady-and-peyton-manning-renew-their-rivalry-for-time/c4fU2F8OSIOCuo9ghNSQKO/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> until Manning's retirement after the {{nfly|2015}} season.<ref>{{cite news|author=Renck, Troy |title=Peyton Manning retires from football: "I love the game...I will miss it." |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309045655/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29606293/peyton-manning-retires-from-football-i-fought-good-fight |archive-date=March 9, 2016 }}</ref> Though Brady dominated Manning in regular season play, winning nine of twelve meetings, Manning won three of five playoff meetings, including the Broncos' 26–16 win in the 2013 AFC Championship and the Broncos' 20–18 win in the ].<ref name="AFCChampionship">{{cite news |author=Renck, Troy |title=Broncos hold off Tom Brady and Patriots, head to Super Bowl |url=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29426828/broncos-hold-off-tom-brady-patriots-head-super-bowl |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=January 24, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2016 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126012031/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29426828/broncos-hold-off-tom-brady-patriots-head-super-bowl |url-status=live }}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the Broncos lead the all-time series 31–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=den&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


====Pittsburgh Steelers====
Now, contrast that with what the NFL and the Patriots did to their fans. They in secret, behind closed doors, unaware of their fans, had the uniforms designed by a faceless arm of the NFL. This was to whom the NFL made responsible for the redesigning of an entirely new NFL franchise. Why wasn't this told to their fans? Also, it was reported by the front office of the Patriots that the final decision was voted on and ok'd by the players. Now we know why it voted on by the players.
{{Main|Patriots–Steelers rivalry}}
The ] emerged as a prominent rival in league circles when the Patriots upset the Steelers in the 2001 ] at ], though the two teams had met in the postseason twice before; the Patriots defeated the Steelers in 1996 28–3 while the Steelers won 7–6 in ]; both times, the Patriots fielded players with Pittsburgh-area roots in ] and ]. Martin's final game with the Patriots was in the 1997 playoffs before he departed to the rival ]. Following the 2001 AFC title upset, the Patriots defeated the Steelers 30–14 at the start of the 2002 season. Pittsburgh did not exact revenge for the two losses until ending the Patriots' record-setting 21-game winning streak in week 6 of the ].<ref name="t226">{{cite web | last=McDermott | first=Michael | title=Patriots beat up the Steelers after losing their 21-game win streak to them earlier in the season | website=Pats Pulpit | date=2019-06-06 | url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2019/6/6/18650229/new-england-patriots-beat-pittsburgh-steelers-21-game-win-streak-nfl-playoffs-revenge-week | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> Later that season, the Steelers lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Patriots in the AFC Championship game after a 15–1 regular season.


The Patriots won six of seven meetings over a ten-year period ({{nfly|1998}}–{{nfly|2007}}) before the Steelers broke through with a 33–10 victory at ] in {{nfly|2008}}, after ] turned the ball over five times. The Patriots in ] then made history by becoming the first opponent to score 55 points on the Steelers, winning 55–31. The Patriots won again in 2015 (28–21) and 2016's regular season (27–16), and then won 36–17 in the 2016 ]. They also won in 2017 when a go-ahead touchdown reception by Steelers' tight end ] was controversially called back.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jesse-james-overturned-touchdown-latest-example-of-why-fans-hate-nfls-catch-rule/|title = Jesse James' overturned touchdown latest example of why fans hate NFL's catch rule|first = Ryan|last = Wilson|work = CBS Sports|date = December 18, 2017|access-date = July 31, 2018|archive-date = July 31, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180731184647/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jesse-james-overturned-touchdown-latest-example-of-why-fans-hate-nfls-catch-rule/|url-status = live}}</ref> Though they ultimately missed the playoffs, the Steelers defeated the Patriots by a score of 17–10 on December 16, 2018, in Pittsburgh.
There was good reason for this. By having the players vote on it would give the uniform and the emblem some credibility. If the fans awoke from their euphoric sleep and cried out against it, the players could be made the scape goats for the attempt to overthrow an entire NFL franchise. It
could be said after all, that it approved by the players and thus deflect the fans and the press from seeing the real issues at hand.


In the postseason, the Patriots have outscored the Steelers 135–75, with the Patriots maintaining a 4–1 record. The only other franchises with winning AFC playoff records against Steelers include the ] (2–1), the ] (2–0), and the Broncos (5–3). The Steelers have an all-time regular-season record of 15–13 against the Patriots. In the ] era, the main period of the rivalry, the Patriots have a 12–4 record against the Steelers. In their last matchup, the Patriots beat the Steelers 33–3 on ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Dockett |first=Eric |date=October 15, 2020 |title=Top 10 Pittsburgh Steelers Rivals of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/Top-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Rivals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123040635/https://www.si.com/nfl/Top-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Rivals |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 19–16.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=pit&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
The first pants that the Patriots were wearing in 1994 were literally the 1962 New York Giants pants! This can be confirmed by simple side by side comparison of the throwback Giants uniforms to the current Patriots pants. These are identical. There can be no mistaking it. The jerseys are the current Giants jerseys with the Patriots emblem on the sleeve. Not only is there the former Giants head coach, but many former Giants players wearing the current Giants jerseys and their 1962 version pants. The obvious question now is where is this team's heart and soul. Where is this team's identity? Why supplant that with something so unoriginal and unrepresentative of the team, area, and the people of whom they claim to represent?


====Oakland Raiders====
Looking at this emblem itself we see that there is absolutely nothing original in any way about it. But, that it has several borrowed characteristics in it from other existing NFL teams. The color of the helmet is silver. The color of the helmet should be in one of the patriotic colors of red, white or blue. The emblem actually has a mistake in it! The sideburn is in fact upside down. The sideburn is drawn in such a way that it runs in the opposite direction of the cheekbone. Sideburns always grow with the cheekbone on a man's face. The Patriots are the only NFL team with a mistake in their own emblem!
The rivalry between the Patriots and the ] dates to their time in the AFL, but was intensified during a 1978 preseason game, when Patriots wide receiver ] was permanently paralyzed after a vicious hit delivered by Raiders free safety ]. Before that, the Patriots also lost a playoff game in 1976 to the Raiders; the game is unofficially known as "The ] Game" due to a controversial penalty by head referee Dreith. While based in Los Angeles, the Raiders hosted the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs in 1986. The game was won by the Patriots and marred by a chaotic rumble between the teams in the end zone as players were leaving the field after the game. The brawl was especially notable for Raiders linebacker ] attacking GM ], son of owner Billy Sullivan, with his helmet. The two teams met in a ] playoff game in 2002, which became known as the "]". Late in the game, an incomplete pass, ruled a fumble, by quarterback Tom Brady was overturned, and the Patriots went on to win in overtime and eventually won the Super Bowl against the heavily favored ].<ref name="Raiders">{{cite news |first=Jim |last=Halley |title=Patriots-Raiders: No love lost over time |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2005-09-08-pats-raiders-history_x.htm |work=] |date=September 8, 2005 |access-date=January 31, 2007 |archive-date=September 12, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050912021606/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2005-09-08-pats-raiders-history_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Since that game, the Patriots have won five of the last six regular-season contests between the two teams. The first contest being the following year during the 2002 season in Oakland, with the Raiders winning 27–20; they met in the 2005 season opener in New England with the Patriots ruining ]' debut as a Raider 30–20; the Patriots defeated the Raiders 49–26 in December 2008 in ]'s 100th regular-season win as Patriots coach; a Patriots 31–19 win during the ]; a scrappy 16–9 Patriots win in the third week of the ], and the Patriots' 33–8 win in Mexico City in ], and following a last-minute ], a Raider win 30–24.<ref name="s644">{{cite web | title=Jones snags lateral on final play, Raiders stun Patriots | website=CBS News - San Francisco | date=2022-12-18 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/chandler-jones-return-gives-raiders-wild-win-over-patriots/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> The win also snapped a six-game losing streak against the Patriots. The two teams met again the following season, with the Raiders defeating the Patriots 21–17. The Patriots lead the all-time series 20–17–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas/LA/Oakland Raiders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=rai&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


===Inter-conference rivals===
The "Severed Head" emblem was designed by NFL Properties in Los Angles, CA and the design itself is based on a design that was booed of the field back last in 1986, the last time the Patriots tried
====New York Giants====
this. It was soundly booed of the field by it's own fans.
{{Main|Giants–Patriots rivalry}}
] pictured in ], during the Patriots' historic 16–0 season. It was the only undefeated regular season in the NFL during the 16-game schedule era. The Patriots had defeated the Giants in the final game of the regular season, however the Giants would then upset the Patriots in ]. Brady also earned his first ] award that season and broke the NFL passing touchdowns record (50, broken in ] by the Broncos).]]
The two teams rarely played each other given they were on opposite conferences, but the rivalry gained notoriety in the late 2000s thanks to some close contests and memorable moments between Tom Brady and ]. In the 2007 season, the ] 38–35 to clinch a perfect 16–0 regular season, but could not finish a perfect 19–0 season in ] following a 17–14 defeat. That game featured the now-iconic ] from ]. The Giants also defeated the Patriots in ], a 21–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 10, 2019|title=A Farewell to Pats-Giants, the Most Inexplicable NFL Rivalry of the 21st Century|url=https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/10/10/20907817/new-york-giants-new-england-patriots-rivalry-super-bowl-xlii-xlvi-daniel-jones-tom-brady-eli-manning|access-date=December 3, 2021|website=The Ringer|language=en|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204010150/https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/10/10/20907817/new-york-giants-new-england-patriots-rivalry-super-bowl-xlii-xlvi-daniel-jones-tom-brady-eli-manning|url-status=live}}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the series is tied 7–7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Boston/New England Patriots vs. New York Giants |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=nwe&tm2=nyg&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


==Strategy and influence==
With the first pick in the 1993 draft, the Patriots selected quarterback ] from ]. This was only part of a major season of change in New England. Other draft picks such as tight end ] and linebackers ] and ], helped the team immediately. Bledsoe started the season as the starting quarterback, but after losing the first four games, he was injured and replaced with former Dolphins backup ], who won one of his two games.
{{Further|New England Patriots strategy}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 400
| footer = LB ] (''left''), LB ] (''middle''), and LB ] (''right'') are three Patriots credited for instilling and defining what is described the "Patriot Way" throughout the ] from 2001 to 2019. Each of them were members of the team's strong defense during the first three Super Bowl wins. McGinest also holds the NFL playoff record of most career postseason sacks (16.0) and most postseason sacks in a single game (4.5 in 2005). Other players that were known for their involvement in upholding the "Patriot Way" include 3× Super Bowl champion WR ] (''not pictured'') and Super Bowl champion SS ] (''not pictured'').
| footer_align = left
| image1 = Willie McGinest at ESPN Weekend 2008.jpg
| image2 = Tedy Bruschi 2010.jpg
| image3 = Super Bowl 2008 - XLII with Mike Vrabel (cropped).JPG
}}
Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have employed specific on-field and off-field strategies. On the field, the Patriots have typically used an "]–]" offense and a "]–]" ], referred to commonly as a two-gap 3–4 defensive system. Under Erhardt's, Perkin's and Bullough's stints as coordinators and head coaches across the league after developing the scheme in collaboration with head coach Chuck Fairbanks, the systems developed in New England in the 1970s would begin to see historic use. Influence spread, especially under their coaching tree in ]' schemes as head coach of the ] in the mid-to-late 1980s, after serving as a linebacker coach for the Patriots in 1980. Parcells would come back to New England as head coach in 1993 and re-install the system used in the 1970s and 1980s, re-uniting with Ray Perkins as WR coach. Parcells own coaching tree would use the scheme created in New England as well, especially Belichick, once he was named as head coach after years of being an assistant to Parcells with the New York Giants, the Patriots, and the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/packages/nfl2000/plays.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001018154957/http://www.boston.com/sports/packages/nfl2000/plays.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 18, 2000 |title=Coming to terms with the system |work=] |first=Ron |last=Borges |date=September 1, 2000 |access-date=October 6, 2009}}</ref>


Since 2000, the philosophy in making personnel decisions and in game planning has focused on the "team" concept,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/other_nfl/view/2009_01_15_New_Chief_in_charge:_Scott_Pioli_starts_life_as_lone_boss_in_Kansas_City/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921042818/http://bostonherald.com/sports/football/other_nfl/view/2009_01_15_New_Chief_in_charge%3A_Scott_Pioli_starts_life_as_lone_boss_in_Kansas_City |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |work=] |first=Karen |last=Guregian |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=October 6, 2009 |title=Scott Pioli starts life as lone boss in Kansas City}}</ref> stressing preparation, strong work ethic, versatility,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20050206-1920-fbn-superbowl-vrabel.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226234414/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20050206-1920-fbn-superbowl-vrabel.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 26, 2008 |title=Versatile Vrabel vaults into Super Bowl lore |work=] |first=Mark |last=Long |date=February 6, 2005 |access-date=October 6, 2009}}</ref> and lack of individual ego.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2005-01-24-team-concept_x.htm|title=Patriots all about the rings|work=]|first=Jarrett|last=Bell|date=January 24, 2005|access-date=October 6, 2009|archive-date=December 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208015214/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2005-01-24-team-concept_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> This approach, which has led to six Super Bowl victories under Belichick, has been analyzed in media such as the 2004 book '']'', as well as the 2021 documentary miniseries ].
Early in the 1993 season it had become apparent that the mindset had changed in New England. Despite a 1-11 start the Patriots quickly earned a reputation as a well-coached, well-disciplined, tough team. Of their 11 losses, eight were by 7 points or less, and only two of their 11 defeats were by more than 14 points, both coming before Week 4. Finally, at the end of the season, the Patriots' luck began to turn. They ended their season by winning their last four games in a row, over Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and, most dramatically, over Miami in overtime in the finale - a game that eliminated the Dolphins from the playoffs.


The New England Patriots are noted for the following characteristics under coach Belichick's tenure, dubbed as the "Patriot Way":
Interest in the Patriots grew both during and after the 1993 season. By many measures, the Patriots were as popular as they had ever been - even more popular than they had been during the 1985 Super Bowl year. Despite this unprecedented interest, however, the franchise was increasingly rumored to be headed to St. Louis, and at times the move looked imminent. Finally, in the 1993 off-season, the issue reached its climax. Orthwein offered Boston businessman ] (who had bought Foxboro Stadium for $25 million in 1988 out of bankruptcy court) $75 million to break the operating covenant of the Lease, which would then free him to move the Patriots to St. Louis. Kraft refused, which continued to bind the Patriots to playing at Foxboro. When it became apparent that Kraft would not allow Orthwein to buy out the Lease, Orthwein put the team up for sale. Kraft bought the team for $172 million in 1994, beating out an investor group which included ] and ] as investors. On February 26, 1994, Kraft's first full day as owner of the Patriots, the Patriots sold 5,958 season tickets, shattering by over sixfold the team's prior single-day record of 979.


* Their self-critical, perfectionist, and militaristic approach<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/10/05/humble_pie_always_on_menu/|title=Humble pie always on menu|work=]|author1=Gasper, Christoper L|author2=Mike Reiss|name-list-style=amp|date=October 5, 2007|access-date=October 6, 2009|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003142/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/10/05/humble_pie_always_on_menu/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Halfway through the 1994 season, the Patriots looked flat. They were 3-6 and had lost 4 straight when they faced the ] at home for Week 10. With the season on the line, Drew Bledsoe sparked a second-half comeback by switching to a no-huddle offense. Bledsoe set single-game records for pass attempts and completions, and the Patriots won the game 26-20 in overtime. This led to the Patriots winning their last seven games of the regular season, finishing 10-6 and making the playoffs as a wild card. In their first playoff game in eight years, the Patriots were beaten in the first round by the ] 20-13 - the last team to beat New England in the regular season, who were coached by one-time Parcells assistant (and future Patriots coach) ]. The Patriots drafted ] in the third round of the 1995 draft, giving the team its best running back in decades. Despite a dramatic Opening Day win against Belichick's Browns to start the 1995 season, and a sensational rookie campaign by the young Martin, Bledsoe struggled with injuries, the team struggled with inconsistency and the Patriots finished a lackluster 6-10.
* Their emphasis on team,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/other_nfl/view/2009_01_15_New_Chief_in_charge%3A_Scott_Pioli_starts_life_as_lone_boss_in_Kansas_City/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3Dalso|title=Scott Pioli starts life as lone boss in Kansas City|work=]|first=Karen|last=Guregian|date=January 15, 2009|access-date=October 6, 2009|archive-date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913050822/http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/other_nfl/view/2009_01_15_New_Chief_in_charge%3A_Scott_Pioli_starts_life_as_lone_boss_in_Kansas_City/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3Dalso|url-status=live}}</ref> equality among players and lack of individual ego<ref>{{cite web |title='The epitome of what the Patriots stand for': Captain Devin McCourty's hidden value is bridging past and present eras |publisher=The Athletic |work=Matthew Fairburn |date=January 6, 2022 |url=https://theathletic.com/3053165/2022/01/06/the-epitome-of-what-the-patriots-stand-for-captain-devin-mccourtys-hidden-value-is-bridging-past-and-present-eras/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815101512/https://theathletic.com/3053165/2022/01/06/the-epitome-of-what-the-patriots-stand-for-captain-devin-mccourtys-hidden-value-is-bridging-past-and-present-eras/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Their strong work ethic, intelligence and high level of focus and preparation for each individual game<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2005-01-24-team-concept_x.htm|title=Patriots all about the rings|work=]|first=Jarrett|last=Bell|date=January 24, 2005|access-date=October 6, 2009|archive-date=December 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208015214/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2005-01-24-team-concept_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Their versatile players, able to ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20050206-1920-fbn-superbowl-vrabel.html |title=Versatile Vrabel vaults into Super Bowl lore |work=] |first=Mark |last=Long |date=February 6, 2005 |access-date=October 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226234414/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20050206-1920-fbn-superbowl-vrabel.html |archive-date=December 26, 2008 }}</ref>
* Their multiple schemes intended to take advantage of their opponent's weaknesses<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1423846&type=columnist|title=Patriots used game plan to stymie St. Louis|work=]|first=Len|last=Pasquarelli|date=August 28, 2002|access-date=October 6, 2009|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025031946/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1423846&type=columnist|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nesn.com/2011/01/eric-mangini-shares-his-secrets-on-how-to-beat-the-patriots.html|title=Eric Mangini Shares His Secrets on How to Beat the Patriots|work=]|first=Dave|last=Grotz|date=January 15, 2011|access-date=January 15, 2011|archive-date=January 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117231301/http://www.nesn.com/2011/01/eric-mangini-shares-his-secrets-on-how-to-beat-the-patriots.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Championships==
The 1995 season was also marked by the Patriots' first appearance on ] since 1979. During the Patriots' last Monday Night Football appearance in 1980, when they faced the ] on the same night ] died, which was announced during the game by ]. A number of fans in attendance proved to be rowdy and uncontrollable and there was an abnormally high number of arrests. As a result of this behavior, the Town of Foxborough and the NFL refused to schedule Monday Night home games in New England. (This behavior, which occurred during day games as well, led the Patriots to only sell reduced-alcohol beer for several seasons in the 1980's.)


===Super Bowl championships===
After the Patriots successful season however, Bob Kraft successfully lobbied the Town of Foxborough and the NFL to schedule the Patriots on a Monday night. The NFL granted Kraft's request, scheduling the Patriots on Monday, October 23, in a game against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots won the game, 27-14, and the crowd was peaceful and orderly, with only a handful of isolated disturbances and arrests. In appreciation, Kraft took out a full-page ad in the Boston Globe thanking fans for their excellent behavior and the Patriots have since hosted several more night games without incident.
] banners for the Patriots' first three league championships at ] (pictured in 2007, they have since switched the location of them within the stadium, alongside the addition of three more championship banners).]]
The New England Patriots have won six ], the ] of the ]. The franchise is tied for the most all-time with the ]. The team repeated as champions between the ] and ] NFL seasons, they are only among eight NFL franchises to accomplish the feat. Between ] and ], the Patriots became the second team in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in four years (2001, ], 2004).<ref>{{cite web |title=Super Bowls |publisher=New England Patriots |date=2022 |url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/super-bowls |access-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814083930/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/super-bowls |url-status=live }}</ref>


] made one of the greatest plays in NFL history with a game-clinching ] at the goal line in ], ensuring the Patriots' victory in the final seconds of the game.]]
Over Bill Parcells' objections, in 1996 the team added wide receiver ] as a first-round draft pick. Despite Parcells referring to Glenn as "she" during a pre-season press conference, Glenn provided much the same spark to the receiving corps that Martin had provided to the running game. On defense, rookie safety ] made an impact, as did ] (signed from the ]) and second-year cornerback ]. Linebackers ] and ] arrived on the scene to help McGinest and Slade. Despite all these additions, the Patriots once again started out lackluster. After an early-season loss to the Redskins at home dropped the Patriots down to 3-3, the Patriots proceeded to win their next 4 games in a row, and 8 out of their last 10 (only losing to the ] (who would finish with the AFC's best record) and the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys to finish 11-5, winning the AFC East and earning a first-round bye as a #2 seed. The Patriots soundly defeated the ] 28-3 in a divisional playoff game played under a thick fog cover, and held off the ] 20-6 in the first AFC Championship game played in Foxboro (a game marked by a sudden power "brownout" just as ] was to attempt a field goal in the second quarter.) The team advanced to ] against the ].
] tallied one of the most impressive Super Bowl performances of all time in ], with 139 yards from scrimmage (29 rushing, 110 receiving), as well as holding multiple ] such as most receptions, most receiving yards by a running back, and most points scored in regulation and overtime (20, and 6).]]
] had two memorable plays in two of the Patriots' Super Bowl wins that were pivotal to the eventual victories. In ], he had a last second tackle on Seahawks RB ] at the one-yard line in the final minute of the game, forcing the Seahawks to have to call another play to reach the end zone. The Seahawks would throw the game-losing interception to Butler the next play, sealing the Patriots' fourth Super Bowl win. In ], his strip sack on Falcons QB ] was what turned out to be a crucial catalyst that helped led to the Patriots' historical comeback down 28–3.]]


{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%;text-align:center"
In the months and years after Kraft's purchase of the Patriots, relations between Kraft and Parcells were increasingly strained. This was primarily due to Kraft's wanting Parcells to yield some of his authority over personnel moves to a general manager. Parcells was not interested in yielding authority that he had been granted over personnel when he was hired, and famously complained that "if they're gonna let you cook the dinner, they at least ought to let you shop for some of the groceries." The conflict climaxed in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, with rampant rumors that Parcells would leave the Patriots after the season to take the vacant head coaching job with the ]. These constant rumors and speculation about Parcells' future was the big story throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl and proved to be a distraction for the Patriots. Despite these distractions, the Patriots played the Packers close for much of the game, and actually took the lead briefly in the second half. However two long ] touchdowns and a record 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Super Bowl MVP ] sealed New England's fate. The Packers won 35-21.
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Year
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Coach
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Super Bowl
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Location
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Opponent
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Score
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Record
|-
| ] ||rowspan="6"| ] || ] || ] (]) || ] || 20–17 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ] (]) || ] || 32–29 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ] (]) || ] || 24–21 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ] (]) || ] || 28–24 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || NRG Stadium (Houston) || ] || 34–28 (OT) || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ] (]) || ] || 13–3 || ]
|- style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"
|colspan="5" |'''Total Super Bowls won:'''
|colspan="2" |'''6'''
|}


===AFC championships===
Parcells did take the Jets job in the offseason, and after being rebuffed by former 49ers coach ], ] was named the new coach. The new regime, led by personnel man Bobby Grier, was immediately derided for botching draft picks, and the Patriots slipped back further in the standings during each of Carroll's years. In 1997 the Patriots still won the AFC East with a 10-6 record, but some key losses (including a loss to Parcells' Jets and a 4th-quarter collapse against the ]) meant the team had to play in the wild card round. After having an easy time with the ] in Foxboro, the injury-plagued Patriots met the Steelers in Pittsburgh for a rematch in the divisional playoff. A late fumble (recovered by future Patriot ]) won the game for Pittsburgh, 7-6.
The Patriots have won eleven ], the record for the most conference championships all-time in the NFL.<ref name="NFL Enterprises, LLC"/>


{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%;text-align:center"
Parcells convinced several Patriots, most notably Curtis Martin, to join the Jets for the 1998 season. ], a rookie draft pick out of the ], was drafted to be his replacement. After stumbling through the first half of the season (5-6 after the first 11 games), Bledsoe, playing with a broken finger, engineered late 4th-quarter comebacks against the ] and ] to save the season. The Bills game was especially controversial, as the game was prolonged due to a questionable pass interference call made in the end zone on what would have been the game's final play. Bledsoe and Glenn were later both knocked out for the season, and the Patriots backed into the last playoff seed with a 9-7 record. Backup quarterback ] proved to be no match for the ] in the first playoff game.
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Year
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Coach
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Location
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Opponent
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Score
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Record
|-
| ] || ] || ] (]) || ] || 31–14 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ] (]) || ] || 20–6 || ]
|-
| ] || rowspan="9"| ] || ] (]) || ] || 24–17 || ]
|-
| ] || ] (Foxborough) || ] || 23–20 || ]
|-
| ] || Heinz Field (Pittsburgh) || ] || 41–27 || ]
|-
| ] || rowspan="5"| Gillette Stadium (Foxborough) || ] || 21–12 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || 23–20 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || 45–7 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || 36–17 || ]
|-
| ] || ] || 24–20 || ]
|-
| ] || ] (]) || ] || 37–31 (OT) || ]
|- style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"
|colspan="4"| '''Total AFC Championships won:'''
|colspan="2"| '''11'''
|}


===Division championships===
Although Edwards had a promising 1998, his career was permanently derailed after he suffered a dislocated knee in Hawaii while playing a game of flag football on the beach - a game that was an officially-sponsored activity that took place during ] weekend. Edwards would miss the next three seasons and would not play for the Patriots again (although he did play for the Miami Dolphins as a reserve in 2002)
The Patriots have won 22 Division Championships, which is second place for the most all-time behind the ] and ], who are tied in first with 24. One of these divisional titles was won in the ] in the ] (1963), the rest were won in the ] of the ].<ref name="NFL Enterprises, LLC"/>


{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%;text-align:center"
===Finally, A New Home: Gillette Stadium===
|-
Throughout his tenure as owner of the Patriots, Kraft attempted to get a new stadium built somewhere in New England. After failing to reach an accord with either the City of Boston or the State of Rhode Island, in 1998 Kraft came close to reaching a deal with the Massachusetts Legislature for Kraft to build a new, self-financed stadium adjacent to the old stadium with the state providing $75 million in infrastructure improvements. However, Massachusetts House Speaker ] refused to support the bill, saying that he did not want public money benefitting private interests. Unable to overcome Finneran's objections, Kraft reached a deal with Connecticut Governor ] to build a new stadium in ], ] originally scheduled to open in 2001. However, after the stadium plan was approved by the ], there were a number of problems discovered with the proposed stadium site that would result in considerable delay of the stadium construction. At the same time, the NFL announced loan incentives where teams in the six largest markets (which included Boston) could be eligible to borrow up to $150 million from the league at advantageous interest rates and terms in order to build new stadiums. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Legislature, and Finneran, also indicated that they would be amenible to further discussions with Kraft.
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Year
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Coach
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"| Record
|-
| ] || ] || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ]
|-
| ] || ] || ]
|-
| ] || rowspan="17"| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| ] || ]
|- style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"
|colspan="2"| '''Total Division Championships won:'''
|colspan="1"| '''22'''
|}


{{multiple image
With this in mind, mindful of the mounting issues in Hartford and growing opposition to the deal, in the spring of 1999 Kraft announced that he was abandoning the Hartford stadium project and eventually reached a mutually acceptable deal with the Massachusetts legislature for the necessary infrastructure improvements. The final hurdle the stadium needed to clear was approval by the citizens of Foxboro on six separate measures. Despite some initial hesitation regarding a proposed dedicated access road for premium ticket holders, the Patriots won approval on each measure by an over 90% majority. This cleared the way for ] (nicknamed "The Razor") to be built adjacent to the old stadium in Foxboro. It opened in 2002.
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 350
| footer = ] (''left'') and ] (''right'') are the two Patriots wide receivers that have won the ] award, each doing so in ] and ], respectively. They are both known as two of the franchise's most prolific postseason performers. Edelman ranks third all-time in league postseason receiving yards and receptions, and his spectacular catch late in the fourth quarter of ] is considered one of the greatest catches of all time.
| footer_align = left
| image1 = Deion Branch in 2011.jpg
| image2 = Julian Edelman 2014.JPG
}}


==Statistics, records, and awards==
===Super Bowl Champions at last: Super Bowl XXXVI & XXXVIII===
===Season-by-season results===
With no running game and tough competition in the division the 1999 season was tough for the Patriots. The team started 6-2 but finished 8-8, and Carroll was fired. At the same time, ], hand-picked to be Parcells' successor with the Jets, quit after one day to join New England. After a tough season with lots of close losses, the Patriots finished 5-11 in 2000.
{{Main|List of New England Patriots seasons}}
This is a partial list of the Patriots' last five completed seasons.


'''''Note:''' The Finish, Wins, Losses, and Ties columns list regular season results and exclude any postseason play.''
The 2001 season started shaky as well. The Patriots lost their opener to the lowly Bengals, and in the first post-9/11 game against the Jets, Bledsoe was severely injured, shearing a blood vessel in his chest after being tackled out of bounds by the Jets' ]. Terry Glenn had a pre-season contract holdout and was also hit with a drug suspension by the league. Chris Slade had left for the ], and Ben Coates was gone as well.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| style="background:#fcc;"|<small>''']'''</small>
| style="background:#dfd;"|<small>'''Conference champions'''</small>
| style="background:#d0e7ff;"|<small>'''Division champions'''</small>
| style="background:#96cdcd;"|<small>'''Wild Card berth'''</small>
|}


<small>{{as of|2024|January|7|df=US}}</small>
Despite these high profile losses, the Patriots were able to find adequate replacements at very low cost. Receivers ] and ] had career seasons, first-round draft pick ] revitalized the defensive line, and ] (a free agent signed from Buffalo) ran for 1000 yards.


{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center;"
The big story, however, was quarterback ]. In Bledsoe's absence, Brady won three out of his first four starts, setting an NFL record by not throwing an interception in his first 162 career passes. As a result, Brady earned the confidence of Belichick and his teammates, and when Bledsoe was cleared to play, Belichick announced that Brady would remain the team's starting quarterback.
|-
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Season
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Team
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|League
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Conference
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Division
! colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Regular season
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Postseason results
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Awards
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Finish
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Wins
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Losses
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Ties
|-
! {{NFL Year|2019}} || ]
| NFL || AFC || style="background:#d0e7ff;"|East || style="background:#d0e7ff;"|1st || 12 || 4 || 0 || Lost ] (]) 20–13 || ] (])
|-
! {{NFL Year|2020}} || ]
| NFL || AFC || East ||3rd || 7 || 9 || 0 || — || —
|-
! {{NFL Year|2021}} || ]
| NFL || AFC || East || style="background:#96cdcd;"|2nd || 10 || 7 || 0 || Lost ] (]) 47–17 || —
|-
! {{NFL Year|2022}} || ]
| NFL || AFC || East ||3rd || 8 || 9 || 0 || — || —
|-
! {{NFL Year|2023}} || ]
| NFL || AFC || East ||4th || 4 || 13 || 0 || — || —
|}
<ref>{{cite web |title=Boston/New England Patriots Franchise Encyclopedia |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/ |access-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-date=August 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820074438/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Record vs. opponents===
This would not be the first time that Belichick had unseated an extremely popular incumbent quarterback. In 1993, when Belichick coached Cleveland, Belichick released popular starter ] and went with ] as the Browns' starting quarterback. Belichick's decision was heavily criticized, yet Testaverde played well for the Browns, eventually leading them to the playoffs, and Kosar never started regularly in the NFL again, justifying Belichick's decision.
{{Start NFL RVO}} <!-- Stats from https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/head-to-head.htm -->
|-
| ] || 8 || 1 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|8|1}} || '''W''' 50–10 || January 2, 2022 || ] || 4–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 9 || 3 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|3}} || '''L''' 37–26 || September 25, 2022 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–2 postseason
|-
| ] || 9 || 4 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|4}} || '''L''' 41–21 || October 13, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–0 postseason
|-
| ] || 10 || 4 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|10|4}} || '''L''' 33–14 || October 24, 2022 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 0–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 7 || 3 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|3}} || '''L''' 19–17 || October 3, 2021 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||
|-
| ] || 9 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|5}} || '''L''' 33–26 || November 24, 2022 || ] ||
|-
| ] || 17 || 10 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|17|10}} || '''L''' 22–18 || December 24, 2022 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||
|-
| ] || 10 || 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|10|6}} || '''L''' 34–0 || October 8, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||
|-
| ] / ] || 49 || 30 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|49|30}} || '''L''' 10–6 || November 12, 2023 || ] || 4–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 8 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|8|5}} || '''W''' 29–0 || October 9, 2022 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||
|-
| ] || 77 || 49 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|77|49|1}} || '''L''' 27–21 || December 31, 2023 || ] || 1–1 postseason
|-
| ] / ] || 24 || 15 || 2 || {{Winning percentage|24|15|2}} || '''L''' 6–0 || December 3, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 3–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 9 || 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|6}} || '''W''' 25–0 || November 18, 2021 || ] || 1–0 postseason
|-
| ] / ] || 24 || 16 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|24|16|1}} || '''W''' 36–13 || November 28, 2021 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–2 postseason
|-
| ] || 7 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|5}} || '''L''' 10–7 || November 26, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 0–2 postseason
|-
| ] || 72 || 54 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|72|54|1}} || '''L''' 17–3 || January 7, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–1 postseason
|-
| ] / ] || 9 || 7 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|7}} || '''W''' 27–13 || December 12, 2022 || ] ||
|-
| ] || 14 || 12 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|14|12}} || '''W''' 38–15 || October 16, 2022 || ] || 0–1 postseason
|-
| ] / ] || 7 || 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|6}} || '''L''' 24–3 || December 10, 2020 || Inglewood, California || 2–0 postseason
|-
| ] / ] / ] || 18 || 16 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|18|16|1}} || '''L''' 21–17 || October 15, 2023 || ] || 2–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 6|| 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|6}} || '''L''' 27–24 || October 2, 2022 || ] || 0–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 15 || 15 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|15|15}} || '''W''' 21–18 || December 7, 2023 || ] || 4–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 53 || 61 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|53|61}} || '''L''' 31–17 || October 29, 2023 || ] || 2–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 23 || 27 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|23|27}} || '''W''' 26–23 || December 24, 2023 || ] || 1–4 postseason
|-
| ] || 8 || 10 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|8|10}} || '''L''' 35–30 || September 20, 2020 || ] || 1–0 postseason
|-
| ] || 3 || 4 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|3|4}} || '''W''' 24–6 || November 7, 2021 || ] || 1–0 postseason
|-
| ] || 6 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|8}} || '''L''' 25–20 || September 10, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 1–1 postseason
|-
| ] || 5 || 7 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|5|7}} || '''L''' 20–17 || November 5, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||
|-
| ] || 14 || 21 || 3 || {{Winning percentage|14|21|3}} || '''L''' 27–17 || December 17, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–0 postseason
|-
| ] || 6 || 9 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|9}} || '''L''' 38–3 || October 1, 2023 || ] ||
|-
| ] || 5 || 9 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|5|9}} || '''L''' 33–6 || October 25, 2020 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||
|-
! Total !! 541 !! 433 !! 9 !! {{Winning percentage|541|433|9}} !! colspan="4"|
|-
! Total including playoffs !! 578 !! 455 !! 9 !! {{Winning percentage|578|455|9}} !! colspan="4"|
{{s-end}}
<ref>{{cite web |title=New England Patriots Head To Head Records |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference |date=2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/head-to-head.htm |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813203300/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/head-to-head.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Playoff record===
Despite Bledsoe's unhappiness about his new role - he was quoted as saying that he 'looked forward to competing to get (his) job back' - he caused no distractions and was supportive of Brady and the Patriots. Led by Brady, who immediately became a fan favorite, the Patriots continued to play excellent football, winning 6 games in a row to capture the AFC East with an 11-5 record. The Patriots additionally won a first-round bye as the #2 seed, for the second time in their history.
] in ].]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%;text-align:center"
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}" |Year
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}" |Game
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}" |Opponent
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}" |Result
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"| '''W''' 26–8
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 51–10
|-
|]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 24–21
|-
|]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 31–14
|-
|]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 31–14
|-
| rowspan="4" |]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#dfd"| '''W''' 26–14
|-
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 27–14
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 31–14
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 46–10
|-
|]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 22–17
|-
|]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 20–13
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 28–3
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 20–6
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 35–21
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 17–13
|-
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 7–6
|-
|]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 25–10
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 16–13
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 24–17
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 20–17
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 17–14
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 24–14
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 32–29
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 20–3
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 41–27
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 24–21
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 28–3
|-
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 27–13
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 37–16
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 24–21
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 38–34
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 31–20
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 21–12
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 17–14
|-
|]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 33–14
|-
|]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 28–21
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 45–10
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 23–20
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 21–17
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 41–28
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 28–13
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 43–22
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 26–16
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 35–31
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 45–7
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 28–24
|-
| rowspan="2" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 27–20
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 20–18
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 34–16
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 36–17
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 34–28 (OT)
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 35–14
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 24–20
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 41–33
|-
| rowspan="3" |]
|Divisional Round
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 41–28
|-
|AFC Championship
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 37–31 (OT)
|-
|]
|]
|style="background:#dfd"|'''W''' 13–3
|-
|]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 20–13
|-
|]
|AFC Wild Card
|]
|style="background:#fcc"|'''L''' 47–17
|-
|- style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"
| colspan="4" |<span style=style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"color:#203731">'''Overall Playoff Record: 37–22'''</span>
|}
<ref>{{cite web |title=New England Patriots Playoff History |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference |date=2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/playoffs.htm |access-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901005855/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/playoffs.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>


===All-time leaders===
In what would be the final game ever played at Foxboro Stadium, the Patriots hosted the ] in a relentless snowstorm which endured through the entire game. This game became forever known as the "Tuck Game", when a play originally ruled to be a Brady fumble was reversed by referee ] as an incomplete pass based upon the obscure "tuck rule". After review, Coleman ruled that, because Brady's arm was moving forward when he lost the football, he was deemed to have been in the act of throwing when he lost control of the ball. The rule, ironically, had been changed by the NFL some years previous because, in similar situations, it was impossible to tell whether a quarterback was actually trying to throw the ball or not. This change made the rule black and white, as opposed to a judgement call, and thus far simpler to enforce.
] holds nearly every record in career, single-season, and single-game passing statistics for the Patriots (regular season and playoffs), in addition to having the most total games played with the franchise.]]
] is the club's all-time leader in ] (receiving, rushing, and return yards combined) with 12,340 total yards.]]
] is the team's all-time leader in points scored with 1,775 total points. He also holds the single-season scoring record with 158 in ].]]
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:left"
! colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|All-time Patriots leaders
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Leader || style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Name || style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Record number || style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Tenure
|-
| Passing<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-passing.htm |title=New England Patriots Career Passing Leaders |publisher=Pro Football Reference |access-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919054320/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-passing.htm |archive-date=September 19, 2015}}</ref> || ] || 74,571 passing yards || 2000–2019
|-
| Rushing<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-rushing.htm |title=New England Patriots Career Rushing Leaders |publisher=Pro Football Reference |access-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909002346/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-rushing.htm |archive-date=September 9, 2015}}</ref> || ] || 5,453 rushing yards || 1973–1982
|-
| Receiving<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-receiving.htm |title=New England Patriots Career Receiving Leaders |publisher=Pro Football Reference |access-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921184448/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-receiving.htm |archive-date=September 21, 2015}}</ref> || ] || 10,352 receiving yards || 1977–1989
|-
| Scoring<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-scoring.htm |title=New England Patriots Career Scoring Leaders |publisher=Pro Football Reference |access-date=November 18, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105045202/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-scoring.htm |archive-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> || ] || 1,775 points || 2006–2019
|-
| Sacks<ref name="Pro Football Reference">{{cite web |title=New England Patriots Career Defense Leaders |publisher=Pro Football Reference |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-defense.htm |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-date=February 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212005056/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-defense.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> || ] || 100.0 sacks || 1982–1993
|-
| rowspan="2" | Interceptions<ref name="Pro Football Reference"/> || ]|| rowspan="2" | 36 interceptions || 1977–1989
|-
|]
|1995–2004
|-
| Coaching wins<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/ |title=New England Patriots All-Time Coaching Wins |publisher=Pro Football Reference |access-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820074438/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/ |archive-date=August 20, 2015}}</ref> || ] || 266 wins || 2000–2023
|}


===Statistics===
On the same play, the shows that Raider safety ] was guilty of roughing Brady by slapping him in the head. Had it been called, it would have resulted in a 15 yard penalty against the Raiders and would have made whether Brady tucked the ball or not a moot point.
====Career leaders====
*'''Games played''': 285 ] (2000–2019)
*'''Passing yards''': 74,571 ] (2000–2019) (NFL-record for most passing yards with a single team)
*'''Pass completions''': 6,377 ] (2000–2019) (NFL-record for most pass completions with a single team)
*'''Passing touchdowns''': 541 ] (2000–2019) (NFL-record for most passing touchdowns with a single team)
*'''Rushing yards''': 5,453 ] (1973–1982)
*'''Rushing touchdowns''': 45 ] (1965–1971)
*'''Receptions''': 672 ] (2007–2012)
*'''Receiving yards''': 10,352 ] (1977–1989)
*'''Receiving touchdowns''': 79 ] (2010–2018)
*'''All-purpose yards''': 12,340 ] (1999–2011)
*'''Points scored''': 1,775 ] (2006–2019)
*'''Field goals made''': 374 ] (2006–2018)
*'''Total punt yardage''': 19,922 ] (1981–1987)
*'''Punting average''' (min. 250 punts): 45.3 ] (2013–2018)
*'''Kickoff return yards''': 4,098 ] (1999–2011)
*'''Punt Return yards''': 2,625 ] (1993–2007)
*'''Pass interceptions''': 36 ] (1977–1989)/] (1995–2004)
*'''Sacks''': 100.0 ] (1982–1993)
*'''Forced fumbles''': 17 ] (1996–2008)


====Single-season leaders====
In the teeth of a frigid wind and heavy snow, kicker ] tied the game with a 45-yard field goal in the final 30 seconds. The Raiders did not attempt to run a play in regulation, and after losing the toss to start Overtime would not see the ball again, as the Patriots won the game, 16-13. Many Patriots fans see this game as payback for ]'s controversial call in 1976.
*'''Passing yards''': 5,235 ] (2011)<ref name="sspl">{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Passing touchdowns''': 50 ] (2007)<ref name="sspl" />
*'''Rushing yards''': 1,635 ] (2004)<ref name="ssrl">{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Single-Season Rushing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/single-season-rushing.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Rushing touchdowns''': 18 ] (2016)<ref name="ssrl" />
*'''Receptions''': 123 ] (2009)<ref name="sslrec">{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Single-Season Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/single-season-receiving.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Receiving yards''': 1,569 ] (2011)<ref name="sslrec" />
*'''Receiving touchdowns''': 23 ] (2007) (NFL-record for most receiving touchdowns in a single-season)<ref name="sslrec" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Receiving Touchdowns Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_td_single_season.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Points''': 158 ] (2013)<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Single-Season Scoring Summary Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/single-season-scoring.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Field goals made''': 38 ] (2013)<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Single-Season Kicking Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/single-season-kicking.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Total punt yardage''': 4,227 ] (1992)<ref name="sslpunt">{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Single-Season Punting Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/single-season-punting.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Punting average''': 48.7 ] (2020)<ref name="sslpunt" />
*'''Kickoff return yards''': 1,281 ] (2008)<ref name="returns1" />
*'''Punt return yards''': 608 ] (1976)<ref name="returns1">{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots Single-Season Kick & Punt Returns Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/single-season-returns.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Pass interceptions''': 11 ] (1964)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most interceptions in a single season, New England Patriots |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-interceptions-in-a-season-in-patriots-history |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Sacks''': 18.5 ] (1984)<ref name="g001">{{cite web | last=Brandt | first=Gil | title=Hall recall: Dangerous Tippett was a powerhouse | website=NFL.com | date=2008-07-30 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/hall-recall-dangerous-tippett-was-a-powerhouse-09000d5d809832c6 | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref>


===Individual awards===
The team then went to Pittsburgh to face the favored ] in the ]. After Brady injured his ankle in the second quarter, Bledsoe (in his last appearance as a Patriot) came off the sideline and immediately threw a touchdown pass. In the second half, thanks to help from two special teams touchdowns and two fourth quarter ] interceptions, the Patriots stunned Pittsburgh 24-17 to advance to ]. It would be the Patriots' third Super Bowl in team history, all of which to that point had been played in New Orleans.
], two-time ], ] and four-time ] (the NFL-record for the most Super Bowl MVPs with one franchise) with the Patriots, ] is seen celebrating the team's dramatic comeback victory over the Falcons in ]]]
The following Patriots have received these league honorific awards. They are specifically from the ], except for two cases: The ] in the case of the ] and the ] in the case of the Executive of the Year award. Seasons in which the ] counterparts of the awards were won (1960–1969) are labeled.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL, AFL, & AAFC Awards and Honors Index |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference |date=2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505030719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfhof_all_decade_2010.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>


'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In the Super Bowl, the Patriots faced the heavily-favored ], led by league MVP Kurt Warner and known as "the greatest show on turf", who had beaten the Patriots in the regular season in Foxboro. The Patriots were introduced second, and rather than coming out player-by-player, they were introduced collectively as a team, "the New England Patriots". The team introduction was met with great praise and admiration, and has since been used by each team at the Super Bowl (including the Patriots again in Super Bowls ] and ]).


{{col-begin}}
In contrast to the regular season game, Bill Belichick devised a defensive game plan that used the blitz very sparingly, but called for chipping the Rams receivers and running back Marshall Faulk as they went into their patterns. This disrupted the Rams' precise passing routes and the entire rhythm of the offense and caused the usually cool under pressure Warner to look shaky in the pocket, being sacked several times. The Patriots forced three turnovers, all of which led to scores (including an interception returned by ] for a touchdown).
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"| Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
|-
|]||]||]/]
|-
|]||]||]
|-
|]|| rowspan=3|]||rowspan=3|]
|-
|]
|-
|]
|}


{{col-3}}
Belichick's defense held the Rams high-powered offense in check until the fourth quarter, but after trailing 17-3 early in the fourth quarter, St. Louis scored two touchdowns to tie the game at 17-17. With 1:30 to go and no time outs, and with ] on the ] telecast opining that the Patriots should play for overtime, Brady calmly led New England's offense downfield, missing on only one pass (an intentional spike to stop the clock with 0:07 remaining), after which ] won the game with a 48-yard field goal as time expired. For the first time in their 42 year history, the Patriots were Super Bowl champions. Brady was selected Super Bowl MVP and signed a long-term contract with the team in the off-season. Bledsoe was traded to the ] in the 2002 off-season for a future first-round draft pick.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"| Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
|-
|]|| rowspan=2|]|| rowspan=2|]
|-
|]
|}


{{col-3}}
The Patriots started the 2002 season on a high note too, winning their first 3 games. However, injuries and problems with the offensive and defensive lines cost the team down the stretch, and the team finished 9-7. Despite a dramatic win over the Miami Dolphins in the season finale in Foxboro, they missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"| Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
|-
|]||]||]
|}
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}


{{col-begin}}
In the 2003 offseason the Patriots picked up several high profile players in free agency such as linebacker ] (who was placed on the injured reserve due to an injury early in the season), safety ] and defensive lineman ]. On the eve of the regular season opener, however, the Patriots released ] when Milloy refused to restructure his contract. The move came as a surprise to many, as Milloy was considered an integral part of the Patriots secondary. Yet as people would learn, with the Patriots the team came first, even before elite players. Milloy quickly signed a contract with the ], who beat the Patriots 31-0 in Week 1.
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Super Bowl
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
|-
|]|| rowspan=2|]|| rowspan=2|]
|-
|]
|-
|]||]||]
|-
|]|| rowspan=2|]|| rowspan=2|]
|-
|]
|-
|]||]||]
|}


{{col-3}}
The following week the Patriots traveled to Philadelphia to take on the ], who had also been shut out in their opener (17-0 at home by Tampa Bay). The Patriots won this game 31-10, and would lose only one more game for the rest of the season, to the ] who would finish the season at 5-11.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"| Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
|-
|]||]||]
|-
|]||]||]
|-
|]||''']'''||]
|}


{{col-3}}
Several big plays marked the team's season: an 82-yard touchdown from Brady to ] in overtime in Miami, a 4th-quarter comeback in Denver known for an intentional safety, and a goal-line stand in Indianapolis where ] was stopped by ] on 4th and goal by from the 2 yard line in the dying seconds. The Patriots also shut out 3 opponents: the ] (led by Bill Parcells), the Dolphins (coming just a few hours after a blizzard at Gillette Stadium which left little parking and snow drifts over seats), and a revenge 31-0 win over Buffalo in the final game of the regular season.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"| Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
|-
|]||''']'''||]
|-
|]||]||]
|}
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}


{{col-begin}}
The Patriots had the NFL's best record at 14-2 and for the first time in their history earned the top seed in the AFC playoffs, ensuring home-field advantage throughout. Their opponent in the divisional playoff was the ]. Played in a temperature of 5 °F (-15 °C), (making it the second-coldest game in NFL history) the Patriots and Titans played close until Vinatieri kicked the go-ahead field goal with 4 minutes left. An incomplete ] pass on 4th down with 1:40 left won the game 17-14 for New England. The Patriots then faced the ] for the ]. The New England defense frustrated Colts quarterback ] all day, forcing him to throw four interceptions (three to ]) and sacking him three times. Despite only one offensive touchdown by the Patriots, the Patriots were dominant. Still, the Colts remained in the game until the very end, when a late Adam Vinatieri field goal with 10 seconds left gave the Patriots their final margin of victory, 24-14. The Patriots were back in the Super Bowl, this time to face the ].
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"| Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Player
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
|-
|]||]||]
|-
|]||]||]
|-
|]||]||]
|-
|]||]||]
|}


{{col-3}}
] defenders ], ], and ] pose.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
] was one of the closest championship games ever played. After a defensive battle for most of the first half, the teams traded touchdowns late in the second quarter, then more quick strikes by both teams made the score 14-10 Patriots at halftime. The third quarter was scoreless, but ] scored on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 21-10. Carolina scored two more touchdowns (but missed the two-point conversion on both) to take a 22-21 lead. Following a go-ahead score by the Patriots, a trick pass to linebacker ] followed by Kevin Faulk's run for a two-point conversion that put the Patriots up 29-22 with 2:51 left to play. Undaunted, the Panthers drove quickly downfield, and, as he had done two years previous with St. Louis, ] late touchdown catch and PAT tied the game at 29 with 1:08 to play. As he had two years prior, Brady led the Patriots on another dramatic, game-ending drive, which culminated with an ] 41 yard field goal with four seconds left. The Patriots won their second Super Bowl in three years, 32-29; and Brady was once again named MVP. The victory also made the 2003 Patriots the first team ever to win - or for that matter, even reach - the Super Bowl after having been shut out on opening day.
|-
! colspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|]
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Coach
|-
|]||''']'''
|-
|]|| rowspan=3|]
|-
|]
|-
|]
|}


{{col-3}}
===Dynasty (Super Bowl XXXIX)===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
]]
|-
The Patriots made more big moves in the 2004 offseason to make sure a repeat of the disappointing 2002 season did not happen. Their biggest move was obtaining running back ] from the ]. These moves paid off, as the Patriots finished the regular season at 14-2. On ] they set the record for the number of consecutive wins (regular and post-season) in NFL history, at 19, after beating the 0-4 ] 24-10. On ] they broke the record for the most consecutive regular season victories at 18 after beating the ] 13-7. They also extended their overall winning streak to 21. The streak finally came to an end on ] when the Patriots were beaten by the ] 34-20. On ], the Patriots clinched the AFC East division championship for the third time in the past four years. On ], ], the Patriots advanced to the AFC Divisional game by beating the Indianapolis Colts, 20-3. In the Conference Championship on ], they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 41-27, advancing to ] to face the ]. The Patriots went on to defeat the Eagles 24-21 to become the first team in six years to repeat as NFL Super Bowl champions, and only the second team ever to win three Super Bowls in four years (the first was the ], winning Super Bowls ], ], and ].)
! colspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"| NFL Executive of the Year
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"| Season
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Executive
|-
|]|| rowspan=2|]
|-
|]
|-
|]||]
|}
{{col-end}}


==Players of note==
===Transition: 2005 and beyond===
{{Further|List of New England Patriots players|List of New England Patriots starting quarterbacks|List of New England Patriots first-round draft picks}}
The Patriots entered the 2005 off-season knowing that, if nothing else, Belichick's top two assistants would be moving on to their own head coaching jobs. In December, offensive coordinator ] had accepted an offer from the ] to be their head coach, thus fufilling a longtime dream. Defensive coordinator ] also left to be head coach of the ], ironically the team that (under different management) had fired Belichick following the 1995 season.


===Current roster===
Significant players moved on as well. ] a longtime Patriot, who tied the Patriots all-time career interception record in the 2004 season, was released by New England after he took a hardline stance on renegotiating his contract or signing an extension. He would eventually sign on with the ]. Other players who left include offensive lineman ], who left to join Crennel in Cleveland, ], and ].
{{New England Patriots roster}}
], widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. Spending his entire career with the Patriots, Hannah received many individual accolades and awards, and is a franchise icon.]]
] (pictured with Denver Broncos). Law is tied for the record of most interceptions in the franchise's history (36). Law also had one of the most memorable moments in Patriots history, with a 47-yard pick-six in ].]]
]. Seymour was considered one of the most versatile defensive lineman in the NFL during his tenure.]]
], the Patriots' all-time sack leader (100.0). Tippett achieved his sack totals in only 11 seasons played.]]
], widely regarded as one of the greatest receivers of all time, caught an ] (still standing) 23 receiving touchdowns in a single-season as a Patriot, during the historic undefeated 16–0 ].]]


===Pro Football Hall of Famers===
The Patriots also made attempts to improve their receiving corps. During the off-season they acquired David Terrell from the ], who had played with Tom Brady at the ]. They also acquired Andre Davis from the ], during training camp. However, both players would be released shortly after their arrival, without having any kind of impact. Davis was later resigned.
The ] has inducted six players who made their primary contribution to professional football while with the Patriots. The Patriots' total number of Pro Football Hall of Famers is 12 (11 players and 1 coach).<ref>{{cite web |title=New England Patriots Pro Football Hall of Famers |publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/players/?team=New%20England%20Patriots |access-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823035844/https://www.profootballhof.com/players/?team=New%20England%20Patriots |url-status=live }}</ref>


'''Notes:'''
Perhaps the most devastating aspect of the offseason came just five days after the Pro Bowl, when linebacker ], considered to be the heart of the Patriots' defense, suffered what was determined to be a very mild stroke. In the aftermath, still wanting to remain part of the Patriots, Bruschi remarked that he would reevalute his condition for playing football at the end of the 2005 season. After failing to secure a decision by his doctors to clear him for practice in early July, 2005, Bruschi decided to sit out the 2005 season. However, on October 17, 2005, he announced that he would be returning to the Patriots as an active player.
* Hall of Famers who made the major part of their primary contribution for the Patriots are listed in '''bold'''.
* Hall of Famers who spent only a minor portion of their career with the Patriots are listed in normal font.


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
A positive development during the off-season came when ] signed a new contract that would keep him in New England through the 2010 season. The defense was also bolstered by the addition of linebackers ] from Seattle and ] from Kansas City to compensate for the anticipated absence of Bruschi. Additionally, although ], the long-time Patriots receiver and all-around contributor, was initially released for salary cap reasons, an agreement was announced on May 23 that Brown would return for 2005.
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|New England Patriots in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Players
|-
! style="width:50px;"|No.
! style="width:130px;"|Name
! style="width:50px;"|Inducted
! style="width:210px;"|Position(s)
! style="width:160px;"|Tenure
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 85 ||<span style="display:none">Buoniconti, Nick</span>''']'''|| style="text-align:center;"| 2001 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 73 ||<span style="display:none">'''Hannah, John'''</span>''']''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1991 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 40 ||<span style="display:none">'''Haynes, Mike'''</span>''']''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1997 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 24 ||<span style="display:none">'''Law, Ty'''</span>''']''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2019 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 28 ||<span style="display:none">Martin, Curtis</span>] || style="text-align:center;"| 2012 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 66 ||<span style="display:none">McMichael, Steve</span>] || style="text-align:center;"| 2024 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 81 ||<span style="display:none">Moss, Randy</span>] || style="text-align:center;"| 2018 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 24 ||<span style="display:none">Revis, Darrelle</span>] || style="text-align:center;"| 2023 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 55 ||<span style="display:none">Seau, Junior</span>] || style="text-align:center;"| 2015 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 93 ||<span style="display:none">'''Seymour, Richard'''</span>''']''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2022 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 56 ||<span style="display:none">'''Tippett, Andre'''</span>''']''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2008 || ] || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Coaches and Contributors
|-
! style="width:130px;" colspan=2|Name
! style="width:50px;"|Inducted
! style="width:210px;"|Position(s)
! style="width:160px;"|Tenure
|-
| colspan=2|<span style="display:none">Parcells, Bill</span>] || style="text-align:center;"|2013 || Head coach || style="text-align:center;"| ]–]
|}


===Retired numbers===
In the 2005 NFL Draft, the Patriots used their first round pick on ], an offensive guard out of Fresno State. In the seventh round they also drafted USC quarterback ], who had backed up Heisman winners ] and ]. Despite having never started for the Trojans, Cassell impressed the offensive coaches and thus caused the release of longtime backup ]. The Patriots also traded down several times to accumulate picks for the 2006 draft.
{{main|List of New England Patriots retired numbers}}


{|class="wikitable"
On ], the Patriots announced the return of ], the former ] and Patriots quarterback who had most recently played with the ]. Flutie, who was signed to be a veteran backup to Tom Brady, also has the distinction of being the last ] player active on an NFL roster.
|-
|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the ]
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|'''New England Patriots retired numbers'''
|-
! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|No.
! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Player
! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Position
! style="width:100px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Tenure
! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Retired
|-
| '''12''' || ] || |] || 2000–2019 || June 12, 2024
|-
| '''20''' || ] || |]/] || 1960–1970 || 1971
|-
| '''40''' || style="background:#ffb"|] || ] || 1976–1982 || 1996
|-
| '''57''' || ] || ] || 1974–1987 || July 11, 1988
|-
| '''73''' || style="background:#ffb"|] || ] || 1973–1985 || 1990
|-
| '''78''' || ] || ] || 1987–2000 || September 30, 2001
|-
| '''79''' || ] || ] || 1960–1970 || 1971
|-
| '''89''' || ] || ] || 1960–1967 || 1968
|}


The Patriots have officially retired eight uniform numbers, having only retired three numbers since ] purchased the team in 1994. Three of the retirees careers spanned the original ]L-era Boston Patriots. The only unofficial retired number is ]'s '''56''', which has not been reissued since he announced his retirement after the 1993 season.
On September 8, the Patriots won their season opener, defeating the Oakland Raiders 30-20.
Tom Brady completed 24 of 38 passes for 306 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Patriots home winning streak at Gillette Stadium would, however, end at 21 straight as they would lose to the San Diego Chargers on October 2nd 41-17, the Chargers scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half.


===Patriots Hall of Fame===
On November 7, the Patriots lost to the Indianapolis Colts for the first time since ], with a final score of 40-21 in Foxborough. Many fans blamed a series of injuries, especially in the secondary; as well as the loss of Weis and Crennel; for the team's inconsistency in 2005. However, they nonetheless clinched their third-straight AFC East division title after they defeated the ], 28-0, on December 17. After a 28-26 loss against the ] in Week 17, they ended the season at 10-6. The Patriots will host a playoff game against the ], during the weekend of January 7-8, 2006.
The Patriots Hall of Fame features 31 former players and four contributors as a part of the franchise's own hall of fame, founded to independently commemorate significant members of the organization within the club's history. It is referred to by the team as "the franchise's highest individual honor". It was established in 1991, with ] being the inaugural member.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hall of Fame |date=June 8, 2017 |publisher=Patriots Hall of Fame |url=https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/about/about-the-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822053129/https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/about/about-the-hall-of-fame/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The physical Patriots Hall of Fame building opened in 2008 outside of the stadium at ], presented by ]. Featuring a vast collection of game-worn gear, game-used equipment, memorabilia, trophies, in addition to multiple exhibits using audio and video technology, it is periodically renovated and updated yearly. It is described as a "modern, interactive museum".<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hall |date=May 22, 2017 |publisher=Patriots Hall of Fame |url=https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/about/about-the-hall/ |access-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827153444/https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/about/about-the-hall/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Season-by-season===

{{Start NFL SBS}}
A committee of media and staff selected 11 players for enshrinement between 1991 and 2001, before a six-year span of no selections. In 2007, in advance of the grand opening of the physical Patriots Hall of Fame in 2008, the club introduced a new nomination committee to select three candidates, with the winner of an internet fan vote being enshrined in the hall of fame.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ben Coates elected to Patriots Hall of Fame|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/ben-coates-elected-to-patriots-hall-of-fame-140866|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=July 7, 2008|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804095254/https://www.patriots.com/news/ben-coates-elected-to-patriots-hall-of-fame-140866|url-status=live}}</ref> In order to be eligible, players and head coaches must be retired for at least four years. Beginning in 2011, and meeting every four-to-five years, a senior selection committee has the option of voting a player who has been retired for at least 25 seasons into the hall of fame, alongside the traditional inductee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Selection Process and Committee|url=https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/hall-of-fame/selection-process-and-committee/|website=PatriotsHallofFame.com|date=June 8, 2017|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=February 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205182600/https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/hall-of-fame/selection-process-and-committee/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Starting in 2009, long-time "contributors", which can range from roles such as assistant coaches and broadcasters, have been periodically inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame directly by owner ]. Former team owner and founder ] was posthumously inducted in March 2009, before the Patriots' 50th season, as the first contributor inducted.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/sullivan_induct.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328122450/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/sullivan_induct.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 28, 2009 |title=Sullivan inducted into team's Hall |work=] |first=Chad |last=Finn |date=March 24, 2009 |access-date=March 24, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://leaderpost.com/sports/pats-honour-the-past |title=Pats honour the past |website=] |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125427/https://leaderpost.com/sports/pats-honour-the-past |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{|class="wikitable
|- |-
|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the ]
| colspan="6" align="center" | '''Boston Patriots'''
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|- |-
| colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|'''Patriots Hall of Fame'''
|1960 || 5 || 9 || 0 || 4th East (AFL) || --
|- |-
| style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|'''No.'''
|1961 || 9 || 4 || 1 || 2nd East (AFL) || --
| style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|'''Name'''
| style="width:210px;{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|'''Position '''
| style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|'''Years with club'''
| style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|'''Inducted'''
|- |-
|1962 || 9 || 4 || 1 || 2nd East (AFL) || -- | 65 || ]~† || ] || 1961–1971 || 2015
|- |-
| 78 || ] || ] || 1987–2000 || 2001
|1963 || 7 || 6 || 1 || 1st East (AFL) || Lost ] (])
|- |-
|1964 || 10 || 3 || 1 || 2nd East (AFL) || -- | 11 || ] || ] || 1993–2001 || 2011
|- |-
| 12 || ] || ] || 2000–2019 || 2024{{efn|Despite not technically being eligible until 2027 under the current rules, the traditional four-year waiting process was waived exclusively for Brady, directly by owner ], in addition to being inducted without the conventional ballot.}}
|1965 || 4 || 8 || 2 || 3rd East (AFL) || --
|- |-
| 80 || ] || ]<br />WR/KR Coach || 1993–2007<br />2020–present || 2012
|1966 || 8 || 4 || 2 || 2nd East (AFL) || --
|- |-
|1967 || 3 || 10 || 1 || 5th East (AFL) || -- | 54 || ] || ] || 1996–2008 || 2013
|- |-
| 85 || style="background:#ffb"|] || ] || 1962–1968 || 1992
|1968 || 4 || 10 || 0 || 4th East (AFL) || --
|- |-
| 20 || ] || ]/]<br />Broadcaster || 1960–1970<br />1972–1978, 1988–2012 || 1992
|1969 || 4 || 10 || 0 || 3rd East (AFL) || --
|- |-
| 26 || ] || ] || 1977–1989 || 2017
| colspan="6" align="center" | '''Merged into NFL'''
|- |-
|1970 || 2 || 12 || 0 || 5th AFC East || -- | 87 || ] || ] || 1991–1999 || 2008
|- |-
| 39 || ] || ] || 1973–1982 || 2010
| colspan="6" align="center" | '''New England Patriots'''
|- |-
|1971 || 6 || 8 || 0 || 3rd AFC East || -- | 89 || ]† || ] || 1960–1967 ||1993
|- |-
|1972 || 3 || 11 || 0 || 5th AFC East || -- | 33 || ] || ] || 1999–2011 || 2016
|- |-
|1973 || 5 || 9 || 0 || 3rd AFC East || -- | 70 || ]~† || ] || 1973–1978 || 2019
|- |-
|1974 || 7 || 7 || 0 || 3rd AFC East || -- | 14 || ] || ] || 1975–1990 || 1995
|- |-
| 73 || style="background:#ffb"|] || ] || 1973–1985 || 1991
|1975 || 3 || 11 || 0 || 4th AFC East || --
|- |-
| 37 || ] || ] || 2003–2008 || 2019
|1976 || 11 || 3 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || Lost ] (])
|- |-
| 40 || style="background:#ffb"|] || ] || 1976–1982 || 1994
|1977 || 9 || 5 || 0 || 3rd AFC East || --
|- |-
| 79 || ]† || ] || 1960–1971 ||1993
|1978 || 11 || 5 || 0 || 1st AFC East || Lost ] (])
|- |-
|1979 || 9 || 7 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || -- | 24 || style="background:#ffb"|] || ] || 1995–2004 || 2014
|- |-
|1980 || 10 || 6 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || -- | 72 || ] || ] || 2001–2011 || 2018
|- |-
|1981 || 2 || 12 || 0 || 5th AFC East || -- | 55 || ] || ]/] || 1994–2005 || 2015
|- |-
| 86 || ] || ] || 1977–1989 || 2007
|1982 || 5 || 4 || 0 || 7th AFC Conf. || Lost ] (])
|- |-
|1983 || 8 || 8 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || -- | 56 || ]~ || ] || 1964–1974 || 2011
|- |-
|1984 || 9 || 7 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || -- | 35 || ]† || ] || 1965–1971 || 2009
|- |-
| 57 || ] || ] || 1974–1987 ||1993
|1985 || 11 || 5 || 0 || 3rd AFC East || Lost ] (])
|- |-
| 15 || ] || ] || 1961–1967 ||1993
|1986 || 11 || 5 || 0 || 1st AFC East || Lost ] (])
|- |-
|1987 || 8 || 7 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || -- | — || ]* || Broadcaster || 1972–1979<br />1991–2012 || 2013
|- |-
| — || ]* || Assistant Coach || 1982–1988<br />1991–2013<br />2016–2019 ||2023
|1988 || 9 || 7 || 0 || 3rd AFC East || --
|- |-
| 93 || style="background:#ffb"|] || ] || 2001–2008 || 2020{{efn|Seymour was voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2020, however due to the ] his induction did not take place until 2021.}}
|1989 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 4th AFC East || --
|- |-
| — || Tracy Sormanti*† || Cheerleading Director || 1983–2020 || 2021{{efn|Sormanti, inducted as a contributor, was the only member of the class of 2021 due to the ], as the ballot for the traditional inductee was cancelled for that year.}}
|1990 || 1 || 15 || 0 || 5th AFC East || --
|- |-
| — || ]*† || Founder/Owner || 1960–1988 || 2009
|1991 || 6 || 10 || 0 || 4th AFC East || --
|- |-
| 56 || style="background:#ffb"|] || ]<br /> Executive Director of Community Affairs || 1982–1993<br />2007–present || 1999
|1992 || 2 || 14 || 0 || 5th AFC East || --
|- |-
|1993 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 4th AFC East || -- | 50 || ] || ] || 2001–2008 ||2023
|- |-
| 75 || ] || ] || 2004–2014 || 2022
|1994 || 10 || 6 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || Lost ] (])
|}
'''Notes''':
* <sup>*</sup> = Inducted as a contributor
* <sup>~</sup> = Inducted as a senior selection
* <sup>†</sup> = Posthumous induction
<ref>{{cite web |title=Hall of Fame |date=May 22, 2017 |publisher=Patriots Hall of Fame |url=https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/hall-of-fame/ |access-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130132606/https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/hall-of-fame/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===NFL All-Decade and Anniversary team selections===
{{multiple image
| align = left
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 480
| footer = ], ], and ] are among the prestigious list of people to have been named to multiple ], all entirely for their time with the Patriots. Each were also named to the honorific ]. Hannah was also selected to the ].
| footer_align = left
| image1 = Tom Brady 2017.JPG
| image2 = John hannah patriots.jpg
| image3 = Photo of the Day- 4-20 (34163554775) (cropped).jpg
}}

The following Patriots were named to the ] (1960–1969), as well any ] after the ] in 1970 (and ] and ] All-Time Teams, selected in 1994 and 2019, respectively).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2020/04/news-nfls-all-decade-teams/ | title=NFL's All-Decade Teams {{pipe}} Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site | access-date=July 16, 2022 | archive-date=July 16, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716023259/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2020/04/news-nfls-all-decade-teams/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Only those who spent time with New England during the respective decades are listed for all-decade team selections.

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|- |-
| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|1995 || 6 || 10 || 0 || 4th AFC East || --
|- |-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
|1996 || 11 || 5 || 0 || 1st AFC East || Lost ] (])
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|- |-
| 56 || ] || C || 1964–1974
|1997 || 10 || 6 || 0 || 1st AFC East || Lost ] (])
|- |-
| 65 || ] || DT || 1961–1971
|1998 || 9 || 7 || 0 || 4th AFC East || Lost ] (])
|- |-
|1999 || 8 || 8 || 0 || 5th AFC East || -- | 85 || ''']''' || MLB || 1962–1968
|- |-
|2000 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 5th AFC East || -- | 46 || ] || P || 1968
|}
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|-
| 73 || ''']''' || G || 1973–1985
|}
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|- |-
| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|2001 || 11 || 5 || 0 || 1st AFC East || Won ]
|- |-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
|2002 || 9 || 7 || 0 || 2nd AFC East || --
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|- |-
| 73 || ''']''' || G || 1973–1985
|2003 || 14 || 2 || 0 || 1st AFC East || Won ]
|- |-
| 56 || ''']''' || LB || 1982–1993
|2004 || 14 || 2 || 0 || 1st AFC East || Won ]
|- |-
| 40 || ''']''' || CB || 1976–1982
|2005|| 10 || 6 || 0 || 1st AFC East || ]
|} |}
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}


{{col-begin}}
==Players of note==
{{col-3}}
===Current players===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{{New England Patriots roster}}
|-
|colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|-
| 73 || ''']''' || G || 1973–1985
|-
| 40 || ''']''' || CB || 1976–1982
|}
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|-
| 87 || ] || TE || 1991–1999
|-
| — || ''']''' || Coach || 1993–1996
|}
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|-
| 12 || ] || QB || 2000–2019
|-
| 81 || ''']''' || WR || 2007–2010
|-
| 93 || ''']''' || DE || 2001–2008
|-
| 24 || ''']''' || CB || 1995–2004
|-
| 4 || ] || K || 1996–2005
|-
| — || ] || Coach || 2000–2023
|}
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}


{{col-begin}}
===]rs===
{{col-3}}
* ] LB
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
* ] G
|-
* ] CB
| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|-
| 12 || ] || QB || 2000–2019
|-
| 81 || ''']''' || WR || 2007–2010
|-
| 87 || ] || TE || 2010–2018
|-
| 73 || ''']''' || G || 1973–1985
|-
| 55 || ''']'''{{efn|Seau was also a member of the ] for his time outside of New England.}} || LB || 2006–2009
|-
| 40 || ''']''' || CB || 1976–1982
|-
| 4 || ] || K || 1996–2005
|-
| — || ] || Coach || 2000–2023
|}
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|''']'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Name
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}}"|Tenure
|-
| 12 || ] || QB || 2000–2019
|-
| 17 || ] || WR || 2019
|-
| 87 || ] || TE || 2010–2018
|-
| 70 || ] || G || 2005–2013
|-
| 95 || ] || LB{{efn|As a part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Jones was listed as a ] (LB) due to his time with the ], in New England however he was specifically listed as a ] (DE).}} || 2012–2015
|-
| 24 || ''']''' || CB || 2014
|-
| 3 || ] || K || 2006–2019
|-
| 84 || ] || KR || 2018
|-
| — || ] || Coach || 2000–2023
|}
{{col-end}}


===Retired numbers=== ===Patriots All-Decade teams===
Starting in 2010, every ten years the Patriots Hall of Fame committee will release an all-decade team to celebrate the greatest members of the team at every position during each respective decade. The committee has retroactively released all-decade teams for every decade prior to the 2000s.<ref name="New England Patriots">{{cite web |title=PATRIOTS ALL-DECADE AND ANNIVERSARY TEAMS |publisher=New England Patriots |date=2022 |url=https://www.patriots.com/press-room/all-decade-teams |access-date=September 1, 2022 |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901084511/https://www.patriots.com/press-room/all-decade-teams |url-status=live }}</ref>
*20 ] K/WR
*40 ] CB
*56 ] LB
*57 ] LB
*73 ] G
*78 ] T
*79 ] DL
*89 ] DL


====1960s (AFL)====
In addition, QB ] (14), QB ] (15) and LB ] (85) have been honored with induction into the Patriots' Hall of Fame. Although their numbers have not been retired, none was worn by a Patriots player in the 2005 season.
In November 1971, fans voted on a 10-year Patriots anniversary team, which coincided with the team's 10 years in the then-defunct American Football League:<ref name="AnniversaryTeams">{{cite news|title=Patriots 50th Anniversary and All-Decade Teams|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-50th-anniversary-and-all-decade-teams-87596|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=August 2, 2009|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=May 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526222719/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-50th-anniversary-and-all-decade-teams-87596|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional selections for returner, special teamer, and coach were added in 2009:<ref name="2009AnniversaryTeams">{{cite news|title=Patriots All-Decade teams announced|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-all-decade-teams-announced-142906|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|date=March 31, 2009|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805215814/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-all-decade-teams-announced-142906|url-status=live}}</ref>


'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
===Notable alumni===

{|
] was one of the franchise's first star players, playing from the inaugural season until the 1970 season. He then remained close to the team as broadcaster until 2012.]]
|valign="top"|

*] DE
{| class="wikitable"
*] LB
|-
*] DL (born 1939)
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Boston Patriots|border=2}}"|'''Boston Patriots All-1960s team (1971)'''
*] Coach
|-
*] QB
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Boston Patriots}};"|Unit
*] LB
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Boston Patriots}};"|Position
*] (1936-2003) RB
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Boston Patriots}};"|Players & coach
*] Coach
|-
*] CB
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
*] TE
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
*] WR (1936 - 2004)
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 1961–1967}}
*] RB
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
*] Defensive Coordinator
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
*] RB
| {{hlist|] (FB) 1965–1971 |] (RB) {{daterange|1960–1968}}}}
*] QB
|-
*] RB
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
|valign="top"|
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 1960–1968|] (WR) 1963–1968}}
*] DL
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
*] Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
*] Coach
| {{hlist|] (TE) 1965–1969}}
*] WR
|-
*] WR
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
*] QB
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 1961–1969|] (T) 1965–1977|] (G) 1962–1965|] (G) 1964–1973|] (C) 1964–1974}}
*] LB
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
*] RB
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
*] Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
*] CB
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|] (DE) 1960–1967|] (DE) 1961–1969|] (DT) 1961–1971|] (DT) 1960–1970}}
*] LB
|-
*] RB
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
*] WR
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (OLB) 1960–1967|] (OLB) 1967–1971|''']''' (MLB) 1962–1968}}
*] LB
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
*] CB
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
*] CB
| {{hlist|] (CB) 1960–1967|] (CB) 1968–1970}}
|valign="top"|
|-
*] RB
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
*] SS
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 1961–1971|] (FS) 1961–1967}}
*] WR
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
*] OL (born 1942)
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
*] RB
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
*] Coach
| {{hlist|] (K) 1960–1970|] (P) 1961–1966}}
*] QB (born 1930)
|-
*] QB
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
*] RB
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 1960–1968}}
*] K
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
*] WR
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
*] RB
| {{hlist|] 1961–1971}}
*] WR
|- style="background:#FFFFFF"
*] DT
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
*] Offensive Coordinator
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
*] C
| {{hlist|] 1961–1968}}
|} |}

====1970s====
In March 2009, as part of the Patriots' 50th anniversary, a group of local media and other team figures selected all-decade teams for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s:<ref name="2009AnniversaryTeams" />

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

] is the franchise's all-time rushing yards leader. He was the leading rusher of the historical ] team, in which the Patriots achieved an NFL ] 3,165 total rushing yards as a team. This league record stood until ], when the Ravens surpassed the record.]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots All-1970s team (2009)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92}};"|Players & coach
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 1975–1990}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|] (RB) 1973–1982 |] (RB) {{daterange|1974–1982}}}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 1977–1989|] (WR) 1971–1976}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 1975–1980, 1987–1989}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 1973–1978|] (T) 1965–1977|''']''' (G) 1973–1985|] (G) 1972–1980|] (C) 1971–1981}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|] (DE) 1971–1985, 1987|] (DE) 1974–1981|] (DT) 1973–1981}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (OLB) 1975–1978|] (OLB) 1973–1981|] (ILB) 1974–1987|] (ILB) 1974–1979}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|] (CB) 1977–1989|''']''' (CB) 1976–1982}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 1976–1981|] (FS) 1974–1980}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 1974–1983|] (P) 1975–1978}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 1973–1975}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| {{hlist|] 1978–1990}}
|- style="background:#FFFFFF"
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
| {{hlist|] 1973–1978}}
|}

====1980s====
In March 2009, as part of the Patriots' 50th anniversary, a group of local media and other team figures selected all-decade teams for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s:<ref name="2009AnniversaryTeams" />

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

] was known as one of the daring players of his era, with his willingness to scramble out of the pocket. His 12 rushing touchdowns as a QB in 1976 would stand as single-season ] until 2011, when ] surpassed it.]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots All-1980s team (2009)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 71thru92}};"|Players & coach
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 1975–1990}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|] (RB) 1981–1987 |] (RB) {{daterange|1984–1988}}}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 1977–1989|] (WR) 1984–1992}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 1981–1990}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 1987–2000|] (T) 1981–1986|''']''' (G) 1973–1985|] (G) 1981–1988|] (C) 1976–1987}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|] (DE) 1971–1985, 1987|] (DE) 1985–1991|] (DT) 1976–1981}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|''']''' (OLB) 1982–1993|] (OLB) 1981–1987|] (ILB) 1974–1987|] (ILB) 1983–1992}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|] (CB) 1977–1989|] (CB) 1983–1991}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 1980–1990|] (FS) 1982–1991}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 1984–1987|] (P) 1981–1987}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 1984–1992}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| {{hlist|] 1978–1990}}
|-
|- style="background:#FFFFFF"
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
| {{hlist|] 1984–1989}}
|}

====1990s====
In March 2009, as part of the Patriots' 50th anniversary, a group of local media and other team figures selected all-decade teams for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s:<ref name="2009AnniversaryTeams" />

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

] began his long and storied career with the Patriots, completing multiple franchise-altering kicks to help the team reach and win three Super Bowls. Vinatieri kicked two famous field goals in the ] in blizzard-like conditions, as well as the game-winning field goals in the Patriots' first two Super Bowl victories.]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots All-1990s team (2009)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99}};"|Players & coach
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 1993–2001}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|''']''' (RB) 1995–1997 |] (RB) {{daterange|1991–1993}}}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 1996–2001|] (WR) 1996–1999}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 1991–1999}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 1987–2000|] (T) 1991–1995|] (G) 1993–1999|] (G) 1994–2000|] (C) 1995–1998}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|] (DE) 1994–2005|] (DE) 1986–1993|] (DT) 1988–1994}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|''']''' (OLB) 1982–1993|] (OLB) 1993–2000|] (ILB) 1988–1995|] (ILB) 1995–2004}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|] (CB) 1989–1995|''']''' (CB) 1995–2004}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 1996–1998|] (SS) 1996–2002}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 1996–2005|] (P) 1996–1998}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 1995–1997}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| {{hlist|] 1994–2000}}
|-
|- style="background:#FFFFFF"
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
| {{hlist|''']''' 1993–1996}}
|}

====2000s====
On March 16, 2010, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected an all-decade team for the 2000s:<ref name="AnniversaryTeams"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nabet |first=Nikolai |date=May 25, 2010 |title=New England Patriots All-Decade Team |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/396793-new-england-patriots-all-decade-team |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326063628/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/396793-new-england-patriots-all-decade-team |archive-date=March 26, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |website=]}}</ref>

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

], despite being undrafted and undersized, broke barriers and re-defined the ] position in the NFL. He holds the franchise's career receptions record (672), single-season receptions record (123 in 2009), and single-season receiving yards record (1,569 yards in 2011).]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots All-2000s team (2010)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Players & coach
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 2000–2019}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|] (RB) {{daterange|2004–2006}}}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|''']''' (WR) 2007–2010|] (WR) 2007–2012|] (WR) 1993–2007}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 2002–2006}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 2001–2011|] (T) 2005–2010|] (G) 2000–2004|] (G) 2005–2013|] (C) 2003–2011}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|''']''' (DE) 2001–2008|] (DE) 2003–2010|] (DT) 2004–2014}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (OLB) 1994–2005|] (OLB) 2001–2008|] (ILB) 1996–2008|] (ILB) 2001–2004}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|''']''' (CB) 1995–2004|] (CB) 2003–2007}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 1996–2002|] (SS) 2003–2008}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 1996–2005|] (P) 2004–2006}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 1999–2011}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| {{hlist|] 2001–2008}}
|-
|- style="background:#FFFFFF"
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
| {{hlist|] 2000–2023}}
|}

====2010s====
On April 29, 2020, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected an all-decade team for the 2010s:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-announce-2010s-all-decade-teamm|title=Patriots announce 2010s All-Decade Team|website=Patriots.com|date=April 29, 2020|access-date=April 30, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

] product, FS ] was one of the defensive stalwarts of the 2010s teams. A career Patriot, McCourty is considered one of the greatest leaders to ever don a Patriots uniform, he was named a team captain every year after his rookie season for the rest of his 13-year career. His level of play led to his role in three Super Bowl championships.]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots All-2010s team (2020)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Players & coach
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 2000–2019}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|] (RB) 2014–2021|] (FB) 2012–2019}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 2007–2012|] (WR) 2009–2020|] (Flex) 2013–2017}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 2010–2018}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 2009–2016|] (T) 2011–2017|] (G) 2016–2020|] (G) 2005–2013|] (C) 2015–present}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|] (DE) 2012–2015|] (DE) 2015–2018, 2023|] (DT) 2004–2014|] (DT) 2017–2023}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (OLB) 2009–2016|] (OLB) 2016–2019, 2021|] (ILB) 2008–2015|] (ILB) 2012–2021}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|] (CB) 2014–2017|] (CB) 2017–2020}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 2009–2012, 2014–2020|] (FS) 2010–2022}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 2006–2019|] (P) 2013–2018}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 2009–2020}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| {{hlist|] 2008–2023}}
|-
|- style="background:#FFFFFF"
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
| {{hlist|] 2000–2023}}
|}

===Patriots Anniversary teams===
Periodically, the Patriots Hall of Fame committee will release an anniversary team to celebrate the greatest members of the team at every position up to the year of publication.{{efn|The 35th Anniversary team in 1994 was selected exclusively by local media with no additions from the Patriots Hall of Fame committee.}}<ref name="New England Patriots"/>

====35th Anniversary team (1994)====
In 1994, a group of local media selected a 35th anniversary team:<ref name="AnniversaryTeams" />

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

] was a defensive anchor for the Patriots for 14 seasons. He led the Patriots in tackles in eight of his 14 seasons, including an unofficial team record of 207 in 1984.]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots 35th Anniversary team (1994)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots 93thru99}};"|Players
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 1975–1990}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|] (FB) 1965–1971|] (HB) 1973–1982}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 1977–1989|] (WR) 1960–1970}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 1975–1980, 1987–1989}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 1987–2000|] (T) 1965–1977|''']''' (G) 1973–1985|] (G) 1972–1980|] (C) 1964–1974}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|] (DE) 1971–1985, 1987|] (DE) 1961–1969|] (DT) 1961–1971|] (DT) 1960–1970}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|''']''' (LB) 1982–1993|''']''' (LB) 1962–1968|] (LB) 1974–1987|] (LB) 1974–1979}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|''']''' (CB) 1976–1982|] (CB) 1977–1989}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 1961–1967|] (FS) 1982–1991}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 1960–1970|] (P) 1981-1987}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 1978–1990}}
|}

====50th Anniversary team (2009)====
In 2009, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected a 50th anniversary team:<ref name="AnniversaryTeams" />

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

] joined the Patriots after the team failed to repeat as champions in the ]. His physicality, mental toughness and work ethic was a perfect fit and led to Harrison having a big role in the Patriots winning back-to-back Super Bowls in ] and ].]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots 50th Anniversary team (2009)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Players & coach
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 2000–2019}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|] (FB) 1965–1971|] (RB) 1973–1982}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 1977–1989|] (WR) 1993–2007|] (WR) 1984–1992}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 1991–1999}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 1987–2000|] (T) 2001–2011|''']''' (G) 1973–1985|] (G) 2005–2013|] (C) 1964–1974}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|] (DE) 1971–1985, 1987|''']''' (DE) 2001–2008|] (DT) 1961–1971|] (DT) 2004–2014}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|''']''' (OLB) 1982–1993|] (OLB) 2001–2008|] (ILB) 1974–1987|''']''' (ILB) 1962–1968}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|''']''' (CB) 1976–1982|''']''' (CB) 1995–2004}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 2003–2008|] (FS) 1982–1991}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="3" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 1996–2005|] (P) 1981-1987}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 1999–2011}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| {{hlist|] 1978–1990}}
|-
|- style="background:#FFFFFF"
! rowspan="1" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Captains
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Captains
| {{hlist|] (Offense) 1960–1970|] (Defense) 1996–2008}}
|-
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
| {{hlist|] 2000–2023}}
|}

===All-Dynasty team (2001–2019)===
On October 22, 2020, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected an "All-Dynasty Team" to celebrate the greatest members of the team at every position throughout the ] from 2001 to 2019:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/the-patriots-hall-of-fame-presented-by-raytheon-technologies-announces-its-patri|title=The Patriots Hall of Fame Presented by Raytheon Technologies Announces its Patriots All-Dynasty Team Exhibit|website=Patriots.com|date=October 22, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024132340/https://www.patriots.com/news/the-patriots-hall-of-fame-presented-by-raytheon-technologies-announces-its-patri|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="New England Patriots"/>

'''Bold''' indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

] was drafted in the ] and contributed immediately. Wilfork is known as one of the greatest pure ]s in NFL history, and was a favorite amongst teammates and fans alike. A member of two Super Bowl winning teams, Wilfork was the only Patriots player besides ] to have won in both decades of the dynasty (] and ]).]]

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}}"|'''New England Patriots All-Dynasty team (2001–2019)'''
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Unit
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots}};"|Players & coach
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Offense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Quarterback
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (QB) 2000–2019}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Running back
| {{hlist|] (RB) 1999–2011|] (RB) 2004–2006|] (RB) 2014–2021|] (FB) 2012–2019}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Wide receiver
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (WR) 1993–2007|] (WR) 2007–2012|''']''' (WR) 2007–2010|] (WR) 2009–2020}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Tight end
| {{hlist|] (TE) 2002–2006|] (TE) 2010–2018}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Offensive line
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (T) 2001–2011|] (T) 2009–2016|] (T) 2011–2017|] (G) 2000–2004|] (G) 2005–2013|] (G) 2016–2020|] (C) 2003–2011}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Defense
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Defensive line
| {{hlist|style="background:#F7F7F7"|''']''' (DE) 2001–2008|] (DE) 2003–2010|] (DT) 2004–2014}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Linebacker
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (OLB) 1994–2005|] (OLB) 2001–2008||] (OLB) 2009–2016|] (ILB) 1996–2008|] (ILB) 2001–2004|] (ILB) 2012–2021}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Cornerback
| {{hlist|''']''' (CB) 1995–2004|] (CB) 2003–2007|] (CB) 2017–2020}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Safety
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] (SS) 2003–2008|] (FS) 2010–2022|] (SS) 2009–2012, 2014–2019}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="4" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Special teams
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Kicker/punter
| {{hlist|] (K) 1996–2005|] (P) 2013-2018}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Returner
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 2003–2005|] 2005–2008|] 2009–2020}}
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coverage
| {{hlist|] 2001–2008|] 2008–2023}}
|-
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Long snapper
| style="background:#FFFFFF"|{{hlist|] 2000–2008|] 2015–present}}
|-
|- style="background:#F7F7F7"
! rowspan="2" style="background:#D3D3D3;"|Coach
! style="background:#EDEDED;"|Coach
| {{hlist|] 2000–2023}}
|}

===Pro Bowl selections===
The following Patriots players have been named to the ] (or the ] game prior to 1970):<ref name="pro-football-reference.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/all-pros.htm | title=Boston/New England Patriots All-Pros and Pro Bowlers | website=] | access-date=July 16, 2022 | archive-date=August 6, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806223424/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/all-pros.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Two Patriots has been named Pro Bowl MVP, ] in 1966 (AFL), and ] as co-MVP in ].

In addition to the players, three Patriots coaches have participated in the Pro Bowl as conference coaches. ] in 1963 and 1966 (AFL), ] in ], and ] in ] and ].

], widely regarded as one of the greatest special teams players ever, holds the record for the most Pro Bowl selections of any special teams player in NFL history with 10 selections.]]

*'''QB''' ] (14), ], ] (3) (AFL), ], ]
*'''FB''' ] (4) (AFL), ] (2) (AFL), ], ]
*'''HB''' ] (2), ], ], ], ], ] (AFL)
*'''LT''' ] (6), ], ] (3), ] (2), ] (AFL)
*'''LG''' ] (9), ] (6), ] (2) (AFL), ] (AFL)
*'''C''' ] (7) (AFL), ], ]
*'''RG''' ] (AFL), ] (AFL), ]
*'''RT''' ] (AFL), ] (AFL)
*'''TE''' ], ] (5), ] (3), ] (2)
*'''WR''' ], ] (5) (AFL), ] (4), ], ], ], ], ] (AFL), ] (AFL)
*'''DE''' ] (5), ] (4) (AFL), ] (4) (AFL), ], ], ]
*'''DT''' ] (6) (AFL), ] (5), ] (4) (AFL)
*'''LB''' ], ] (5) (AFL), ] (4) (AFL), ] (3), ], ], ], ], ] (2), ], ], ], ]
*'''CB''' ] (6), ] (4), ] (3), ] (AFL), ] (AFL), ] (AFL), ], ], ], ], ], ]
*'''SS''' ] (4), ] (2) (AFL), ] (AFL),
*'''FS''' ] (2), ] (AFL), ], ]
*'''PK''' ] (4), ] (2), ], ]
*'''P''' ], ]
*'''ST''' ] (10), ] (3), ] (2), ], ]

===First-team All-Pro selections===
The following Patriots players have been named ] First-team ] (or ] prior to 1970):<ref name="pro-football-reference.com"/>

] was an integral member of the Patriots' late 2010s defenses, achieving two-time First-team ] honors and the franchise's first ] recipient in 2019. His fourth-quarter interception during the final minutes of ] helped seal the Patriots' eventual victory.]]
*'''QB''' ] (3), ] (AFL)
*'''FB''' ] (AFL) (2)
*'''LT''' ] (3), ]
*'''LG''' ] (7), ]
*'''C''' ] (AFL)
*'''RG''' ] (AFL)
*'''TE''' ] (4), ] (2), ], ] (AFL)
*'''WR''' ] (2), ]
*'''DE''' ], ] (AFL) (3)
*'''DT''' ] (AFL), ]
*'''LB''' ] (4) (AFL), ] (2), ] (AFL), ], ]
*'''CB''' ], ] (2), ], ]
*'''SS''' ] (AFL), ], ]
*'''PK''' ], ] (2)
*'''P''' ]
*'''ST''' ] (2), ], ]

===All-time first-round draft picks===
{{Main|List of New England Patriots first-round draft picks}}

==Administration and personnel==
], a native ]ian and a Patriots fanatic before purchasing the team, bought the franchise in 1994.]]

===Ownership===
The Patriots have had four owners since becoming a franchise, the first being Massachusetts native ] from 1959 to 1988. During Sullivan's ] of owning the club, the Patriots tallied 14 winning records, made six playoff appearances, played in the 1963 AFL Championship Game and represented the AFC in ]. However, he was also notoriously cheap, and would cause friction with some his high-profile players who were seeking to be respected and paid what they were worth, causing someone such as future Pro Football Hall of Famer ] to seek an owner who was team first.<ref name="Sullivan-Obituary" />

Following his bankruptcy, Sullivan sold the team to ] owner ] in 1988.<ref name="Sullivan-Obituary">{{Cite news |last1=Litsky |first1=Frank |date=February 24, 1998 |title=Billy Sullivan, 86, Founder of Football Patriots, Dies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/24/sports/billy-sullivan-86-founder-of-football-patriots-dies.html |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224235738/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/24/sports/billy-sullivan-86-founder-of-football-patriots-dies.html |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> The sale did not include ], which Sullivan lost in a bankruptcy sale to paper magnate ], and Kiam lost money on the deal. In 1990, ], a ''Boston Herald'' reporter, sued Kiam and the Patriots when ] allegedly exposed himself and made lewd comments to her in the team change room. The incident stirred debate over female reporters in the locker room. Kiam became the center of the controversy when he came to the defense of the players' actions.<ref name="People magazine, Oct. 15, 1990">{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20113326,00.html|title=Sportswriter Lisa Olson Calls the New England Patriots Out of Bounds for Sexual Harassment|date=October 15, 1990|last=Kunen|first=James S.|work=]|access-date=July 11, 2012|archive-date=June 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608124246/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20113326,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his later career, Kiam's business interests moved on from the Patriots, so he sold them in 1992 to ] businessman ]. During his ownership, Orthwein hired ] as head coach and oversaw the drafting of first-overall draft pick quarterback ], who helped to return the moribund franchise to respectability. He planned to relocate the Patriots franchise to St. Louis, renaming the team the ]. However, those plans were derailed when Boston paper magnate ], owner of ], refused to accept a buyout of the lease. Kraft used his ownership of the stadium to stage a ], offering to pay $175 million for the Patriots franchise knowing that Orthwein no longer wanted the team if he could not move it to St. Louis. Although future ] owner ] offered to buy the team for $200 million and move it to St. Louis, Orthwein would have been saddled with all moving expenses. He also would have been responsible for any legal expenses as well, and Kraft had already made it clear that he would go to court to enforce the lease. With no other choice, Orthwein accepted Kraft's bid on January 21, 1994.<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|last1=McG. Thomas Jr.|first1=Robert|title=Sold! Time to Call Them the New England Permanents|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/22/sports/sold-time-to-call-them-the-new-england-permanents.html|access-date=February 5, 2018|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 22, 1994|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131065302/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/22/sports/sold-time-to-call-them-the-new-england-permanents.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kraft had been a life-long fan (he was a season ticket holder since 1971) before he purchased the team and intended to support them much more than all of the previous owners did, making multiple moves that have turned New England into an admirable franchise since. The Patriots under Kraft have been the NFL's most successful franchise since 1994. Since then, the Patriots have appeared in ten Super Bowls, have won six, and had numerous league records established by the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2019 |title=Career highlights of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft |url=https://www.wcvb.com/amp/article/career-highlights-of-new-england-patriots-owner-robert-kraft/26429628 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024225216/https://www.wcvb.com/amp/article/career-highlights-of-new-england-patriots-owner-robert-kraft/26429628 |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=WCVB.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Golden |first=Mitchell |date=November 13, 2008 |title=Bob Kraft: The Patriots' Perfect Owner |url=https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/81498-bob-kraft-the-patriots-perfect-owner.amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024090422/https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/81498-bob-kraft-the-patriots-perfect-owner.amp.html |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>

{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:140px;"|Name
!rowspan="2"|Tenure
!colspan="3"|Record
!rowspan="2"|Titles
|-
!W!!L!!T
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|193||202||9
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|21||43||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|7||25||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–present
|320||163||0
|6
|}

===Head coaches===
{{Main|List of New England Patriots head coaches}}

], head coach from ] to ], led the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time.]]
The Patriots have had 15 head coaches throughout their history as a franchise. ] was the most recent head coach as of the end of the ]. The role is currently vacant. <ref name="g518">{{cite web | last=Myers | first=Jimmy | title=With Jerod Mayo as new coach, plenty of questions and challenges for the Patriots | website=The Bay State Banner | date=2024-01-17 | url=https://baystatebanner.com/2024/01/17/with-jerod-mayo-as-new-coach-plenty-of-questions-and-challenges-for-the-patriots/#:~:text=Turning%2038%20in%20February%2C%20Mayo,NFL%20head%20coach%20to%20date. | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref>

] had the longest tenure as head coach (23 seasons) with the Patriots, and coached the team from ] to ]. He has been widely considered one of the greatest coaches of all time, and was named a member of the ], due to his numerous accomplishments with the Patriots.<ref name="i477">{{cite web | last=Roche | first=Conor | title=Bill Belichick named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team | website=Boston.com | date=2019-11-23 | url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/11/22/bill-belichick-named-to-the-nfl-100-all-time-team/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> He specifically led the Patriots to 17 ] division titles, 13 appearances in the ], and nine Super Bowl appearances, with a record six wins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bill Belichick Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/BeliBi0.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>

Belichick was the NFL's longest-tenured head coach at the time of his departure, as well as the first all-time in ] with 31 and third in ] with 297.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2017 |title=Bill Belichick Passes Tom Landry On NFL's All-Time Wins List |publisher=CBS Boston |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/11/19/patriots-bill-belichick-tom-landry-nfl-all-time-wins-list/ |access-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-date=November 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120065649/http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/11/19/patriots-bill-belichick-tom-landry-nfl-all-time-wins-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He is one of only three head coaches who have won six NFL titles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Bill Belichick joins George Halas, Curly Lambeau with six NFL titles |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25923676 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180125/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25923676 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was named the ] ] for the ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/coaches.htm |title=New England Patriots Coaches |website=] |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123923/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/coaches.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Belichick led the team for more regular season games (336), post-season games (42) and more complete seasons (23) than any other head coach. His 266 wins with the Patriots are far and away the most in franchise history, more than quadruple times those of runner-up ].

Belichick was acquired in a "trade" with the rival ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Pat |date=2023-07-24 |title=The most important decisions in Patriots history: Trading for Bill Belichick |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/7/24/23800864/most-important-decisions-patriots-history-bill-belichick-trade |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pats Pulpit |language=en}}</ref> Belichick did not want to be under ]' authority there in 2000, with uncertainty of his role once their owner, ], died. The initial promise was that Belichick would've been granted extreme authority over all of the Jets executive decisions, but when Hess died Parcells overruled the stipulation with loopholes, so he would remain in control as general manager, leading to Belichick's infamous resignation in 2000. Parcells, a two winning Super Bowl champion coach with the ] (also was an assistant with the Patriots in the early 1980s), had joined New England's staff for the 1993 season to help resurrect the franchise from its dark early 1990s days but had conflicted interests with owner Robert Kraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=January 1, 2020 |title=Inside Bill Belichick's resignation as the Jets' coach 20 years ago |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28388772/inside-bill-belichick-resignation-jets-coach-20-years-ago |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826205518/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28388772/inside-bill-belichick-resignation-jets-coach-20-years-ago |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In his last year with the Patriots in 1996, Parcells brought in his assistant head coach from his Giants days, Belichick, after being dismissed from coaching five seasons with the ]. Here, Kraft would plant the seeds of a bond between him and Belichick, as Belichick would often mediate issues between Kraft and Parcells. Although Belichick left in 1997 to once again be Parcells assistant in their Jets regime, cold feet about his long-term role there brought him back after negotiating with Kraft, even though he was still under contract with the Jets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Middlehurst-Schwartz |first=Michael |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Bill Belichick: Resigning from New York Jets was 'one of the great moments of my career' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/11/10/bill-belichick-jets-resign-patriots-coach/6241124002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813202551/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/11/10/bill-belichick-jets-resign-patriots-coach/6241124002/ |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=USA TODAY}}</ref> The Patriots had technically "tampered" in communicating with Belichick. For compensation, the Patriots gave the Jets their first round pick in the ], where even without their first round pick, the Patriots would coincidentally draft ] in the sixth round, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time and the NFL's greatest draft steal.<ref name="m162">{{cite web | last=Suter | first=Richard | title=Tom Brady and the greatest late-round picks in NFL draft history | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2024-05-06 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-greatest-round-picks-144236981.html | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

While Belichick led the team to nine of their eleven ] appearances, winning six of them, before him the Patriots saw some championship game appearances. Holovak, ] and Parcells all led the Patriots to league championship games, with only one coach failing to reach the Super Bowl. Five Patriots head coaches, Holovak, ], Berry, Parcells, and Belichick, have been named ] by at least one major news organization. The first head coach in franchise history was ], who coached them to a 7–12–0 record in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lou Saban Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/SabaLo0.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:140px;"|Name
!rowspan="2"|Tenure
!colspan="3"|Record
!rowspan="2"|Titles
|-
!W!!L!!T
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|7||12||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|52||49||9
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|5||16||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|9||21||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]*
|align=left|]
|1||4||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|46||39||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|21||28||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|18||15||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|48||39||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]
|1||15||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|8||24||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|32||32||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|27||21||0
|
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]–]
|266||121||0
|6
|-
|align=left | ]
|align=left|]
|4||13||0
|
|}
'''Note''':
* <sup>*</sup> = Interim coach

{{New England Patriots staff}}

===Offensive coordinator history===
Source:<ref name="AllTimePatriotsCoaches">{{cite web|title=All-Time Assistant Coaches|url=https://patriots.1rmg.com/seasons/|date=September 12, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719063039/https://patriots.1rmg.com/seasons/|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Years !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Name
|-
| 2024 || ]
|-
| 2023 || Bill O'Brien
|-
| 2012–2021 || Josh McDaniels
|-
| 2011 || ]
|-
| 2006–2008 || ]
|-
| 2000–2004 || ]
|-
| 1998–1999 || ]
|-
| 1997 || ]
|-
| 1993–1996 || ]
|-
| 1991–1992 || ]
|-
| 1990 || ]
|-
| 1982–1984 || ]
|-
| 1977–1978 || ]
|-
| 1973–1976 || ]
|}

===Defensive coordinator history===
Source:<ref name="AllTimePatriotsCoaches"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Years !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|border=2}};"|Name
|-
| 2024–present || ]
|-
| 2012–2017 || ]
|-
| 2006–2009 || ]
|-
| 2005 || ]
|-
| 2001–2004 || ]
|-
| 1997–1999 || ]
|-
| 1993–1996 || ]
|-
| 1991–1992 || ]
|-
| 1990 || ]
|-
| 1983–1987 || ]
|-
| 1982 || ]
|-
| 1980–1981 || ]
|-
| 1973–1978 || ]
|}

==Culture==
{{multiple image
| align = left
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 350
| footer = Patriots fans rallying in celebration of the team's ] championship in front of ] in 2003 (''left''). Patriots fans in attendance for the victory parade of ] on ], Boston in 2017 (''right'').
| footer_align = left
| image1 = BostonCityhall.jpg
| image2 = New England Patriots Victory Parade 2017.jpg
}}

===Cheerleaders===
{{Main|New England Patriots Cheerleaders}}
]
The Patriots' professional cheerleading squad is the ] which represents the team in the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=CHEERLEADERS|url=https://www.patriots.com/cheerleaders/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=June 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608172415/https://www.patriots.com/cheerleaders/|url-status=live}}</ref> Notable alumni of the cheerleading squad include wrestler ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/former-patriots-cheerleader-thrives-in-wwe-nxt-263231?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|title=Former Patriots cheerleader thrives in WWE NXT|website=www.patriots.com|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805095011/https://www.patriots.com/news/former-patriots-cheerleader-thrives-in-wwe-nxt-263231?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|url-status=live}}</ref> and model ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-cheerleaders-where-are-they-now-camille-kostek?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|title=Patriots Cheerleaders: Where Are They Now? – Camille Kostek|website=www.patriots.com|date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=May 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519005329/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-cheerleaders-where-are-they-now-camille-kostek?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|url-status=live}}</ref> Long-time cheerleading director Tracy Sormanti, who was the cheer director since 1994 and had been involved with the organization since 1983, died after a three-year battle with ] in 2020.<ref name="h008">{{cite web | title=Patriots Saddened to Announce the Passing of Cheerleading Director Tracy Sormanti | website=Patriots.com | date=2020-12-08 | url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-saddened-to-announce-the-passing-of-cheerleading-director-tracy-sormant | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> She was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2021 as a contributor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tracy Sormanti, Patriots Hall of Fame |publisher=New England Patriots Hall of Fame |work=Class of 2021 |date=2021 |url=https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/hall_of_famer/tracy-sormanti/ |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810031847/https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/hall_of_famer/tracy-sormanti/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Mascots===
]

The Patriots' official ] since 1995 has been ], a ] ] wearing a Patriots home jersey based on the original logo of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|title=PAT PATRIOT|url=https://www.patriots.com/cheerleaders/pat-patriot|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Patriots.com|access-date=May 21, 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804105124/https://www.patriots.com/cheerleaders/pat-patriot|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Patriots also employ a corps known as the End Zone Militia, a group of American Revolutionary War reenactors founded in 1996 by Geoff Campbell, a reenactor for the ].<ref name="u670">{{cite web | last=Spencer | first=Lauren | title=The Patriot Act: A look at the endzone militia | website=Patriots.com | date=2017-03-22 | url=https://www.patriots.com/news/the-patriot-act-a-look-at-the-endzone-militia-295526 | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> Consisting of about 30 men and women, they dress 20 for each home game and split themselves into two groups of 10 lining the back of either end zone. When the Patriots score – whether it be a ], ], ] or ] – the militia behind the opposite end zone fire a volley of ] from ]. Per an interview with the ] in and around the time of ], said shots use double the load of ] than a regular historical reenactor does, specifically 200 grains, in order to be heard throughout the stadium. ESPN writer ] named this one of the top ten celebrations in the league in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pahigian |first=Josh |date=December 13, 2007 |title=It's a Celebration: Best NFL Touchdown Rituals |url=http://www.espn.com/travel/news/story?id=3139628 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110085854/http://www.espn.com/travel/news/story?id=3139628 |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

===Fans===
The team draws much of its fanbase from the ] region of the United States, as well as from the Canadian province of ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Malley |first=Nick |date=April 29, 2023 |title=Draft pick idolized Patriots in native Quebec, still a huge Canadiens fan |url=https://masslive.com/patriots/2023/04/draft-pick-idolized-patriots-in-native-quebec-still-a-huge-canadiens-fan.html |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=masslive |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218222630/https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2023/04/draft-pick-idolized-patriots-in-native-quebec-still-a-huge-canadiens-fan.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2015 |title=Patriots fans travel from Montreal, Canada to attend Boston parade |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/patriots-fans-travel-from-montreal-canada-to-attend-boston-parade/8055073 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903074434/https://www.wcvb.com/article/patriots-fans-travel-from-montreal-canada-to-attend-boston-parade/8055073 |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=WCVB |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2023 |title=Canadians, who are the most popular NFL teams in your region? |url=https://forums.hfboards.com/threads/canadians-who-are-the-most-popular-nfl-teams-in-your-region.2915611/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=HFBoards - NHL Message Board and Forum for National Hockey League |language=en-US |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903074440/https://forums.hfboards.com/threads/canadians-who-are-the-most-popular-nfl-teams-in-your-region.2915611/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and much of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bissett |first=Kevin |title=Cheers across the border: In New Brunswick, the Patriots are local |url=https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/cheers-across-the-border-in-new-brunswick-the-patriots-are-local-1.4267431 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=ctvnews |date=January 24, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218222629/https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/cheers-across-the-border-in-new-brunswick-the-patriots-are-local-1.4267431 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Radio and television==
{{Main list|List of New England Patriots broadcasters}}

]

The Patriots' flagship radio station is ] (98.5 FM, otherwise known as "The Sports Hub"),<ref name="Patriots Media">{{Cite web |title=Patriots Game Broadcast Information |url=https://www.patriots.com/audio/game-broadcast-info |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015703/https://www.patriots.com/audio/game-broadcast-info |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |website=Patriots.com}}</ref> owned by ].<ref name="BBGI">{{cite web |url = https://bbgi.com/brands/ |title = BBGI Brands |publisher=Beasley Broadcast Group |access-date=February 5, 2019 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015126/https://bbgi.com/brands/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The larger radio network is called the ], whose 37 affiliate stations span seven states.<ref name="Patriots Media" /> ] and ] were the longtime announcing team until their retirement following the conclusion of the 2012 NFL season.<ref name="i480">{{cite web | last=Wagoner | first=Nick | title=Pats voice Cappelletti retires; Santos plans exit | website=ESPN.com | date=2012-07-20 | url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8183380/patriots-voice-gino-cappelletti-retires-gil-santos-plans-exit-report-says | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> Santos was replaced by ].<ref name="Patriots Media" /> Former Patriots QB ] joined the radio team in the 2011 season as a sideline analyst, and in 2013, he replaced Cappelletti as color commentator.<ref name="Patriots Media" />

Any preseason games not on national television are shown on ]'s ] ], who also airs the bulk of Patriots regular-season games by virtue of CBS having the rights to most AFC games; CBS also has a presence at the nearby ] with the "CBS Scene" bar and restaurant. During the regular season whenever the Patriots host an NFC team, the games are aired on ] affiliate ], and '']'' games are carried by Boston ] station ].<ref name="Patriots Media" /> Preseason games were broadcast on ] affiliate ] from 1995 until the change to WBZ in 2009 (WCVB continues to simulcast ESPN's '']'' games featuring the Patriots).<ref name="Patriots Media" /> ] was ] announcer for the 1995–2012 seasons, with ] as a ] and Mike Lynch as a ].<ref name="Patriots Media" /> Lynch was replaced by WBZ reporter ] in 2009.<ref name="Patriots Media" />

==Controversies==
{{See also|List of conspiracy theories#New England Patriots}}

===Snowplow Game===
{{Main|Snowplow Game}}
During a December 12, 1982, home game against the Miami Dolphins under icy conditions, the game remained scoreless until the fourth quarter when Patriots head coach ] motioned to snowplow operator Mark Henderson to specifically clear a spot on the field for New England kicker ] so he could kick what proved to be the game-winning 33-yard field goal to give the Patriots a 3–0 win.<ref name="w244">{{cite web | last=Buckley | first=Steve | title=A foothold on history: 25 years later, Mark Henderson still remembered for role in Pats' 'Snowplow Game' | website=Boston Herald | date=2007-12-12 | url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2007/12/12/a-foothold-on-history-25-years-later-mark-henderson-still-remembered-for-role-in-pats-snowplow-game/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> At the time, an emergency ground rule was put into play where the officials could call time-out and allow the ground crew to use a snowplow to clear the yard markers, but not plow often enough to keep the field clear. Dolphins head coach ], believing it to be against the league rules, pointed out that the league's ] clause allowed the league to overturn it, and met with NFL commissioner ] several days later to formally protest the game result. Although Rozelle agreed with Shula that the use of the plow gave the Patriots an unfair advantage, he said that he had never reversed the result of a game and was not going to start doing so for any reason, including cheating.<ref>"NFL Top 10: Bad Weather Games", produced by NFL Network</ref> Henderson, a convict on work release, jokingly remarked, "What are they gonna do, throw me in jail?"<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nash |first=Bruce |url=https://archive.org/details/footballhallofsh0000nash |title=Football Hall of Shame |date=May 1, 1991 |publisher=Pocket Books |isbn=0-671-74551-4|via=Archive.org |page= |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Grossfeld |first1=Stan |title=Brush with immortality Tractor driver cleared his way into history |url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2010/01/03/brush_with_immortality/ |newspaper=Boston.com |date=January 3, 2010 |publisher=Boston Globe |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005023537/http://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2010/01/03/brush_with_immortality/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The following year, the NFL banned the use of snowplows on the field during a game.<ref name="n447">{{cite web | last=Guss | first=Daniel | title=Patriots' rule-bending goes back decades, to 'snow plow' game in 1982 | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2015-02-01 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-patriots-scandal-20150201-story.html | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The Patriots organization has commemorated the game with an exhibit at the Hall at Patriot Place within Gillette Stadium, where the plow itself hangs from the ceiling.<ref>{{cite news|last=McCarthy|first=Michael|work=]|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/12/happy-anniversary-to-nfls-infamous-snowplow-game/1#.UqUbpqVn994|title=Happy anniversary to NFL's 'Snowplow Game'|date=December 12, 2010|access-date=October 2, 2022|archive-date=December 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205022108/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/12/happy-anniversary-to-nfls-infamous-snowplow-game/1#.UqUbpqVn994|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Spygate===
{{Main|Spygate (NFL)}}
During the ], the New England Patriots were disciplined by the league for videotaping ]' defensive coaches' signals from an unauthorized location during a September 9, 2007, game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2007-09-12-belichick-apology_N.htm|title=Belichick apologizes for 'Videogate'|last=Pedulla|first=Tom|date=September 12, 2007|newspaper=]|access-date=January 18, 2008|archive-date=February 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211235302/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2007-09-12-belichick-apology_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22190391/|title=Jets play innocent, wonder 'What is 'Spygate?'|date=December 10, 2008|agency=]|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113034635/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22190391/|archive-date=January 13, 2008 |url-status=dead|access-date=January 18, 2008}}</ref> Videotaping opposing coaches is not illegal in the NFL '']'', but there are designated areas allowed by the league to do such taping. After an investigation, the NFL fined Patriots head coach ] $500,000 for his role in the incident, fined the Patriots $250,000, and docked the team their original first-round selection in the ], which would have been the 31st pick of the draft.<ref name="Ruling">{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/09/final_ruling.html|title=Final ruling|last=Reiss|first=Mike|date=September 13, 2007|newspaper=]|access-date=February 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011112029/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/09/final_ruling.html|archive-date=October 11, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Deflategate===
{{Main|Deflategate}}
During the ] against the ], allegations arose that the Patriots were using under-inflated footballs. It was even suggested that the Patriots' staff themselves deliberately deflated the footballs to give their team an unfair advantage during the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Rock |first1=Tom |last2=Glauber |first2=Bob |date=January 21, 2015 |title=NFL was ready to check New England Patriots' footballs against Colts, report says |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/nfl-was-ready-to-check-new-england-patriots-footballs-against-colts-report-says-1.9829583 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515053229/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/nfl-was-ready-to-check-new-england-patriots-footballs-against-colts-report-says-1.9829583 |archive-date=May 15, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2015 |website=Newsday}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Silva |first=Steve |date=2015-01-21 |title=Report: Colts Raised Concerns About Under-Inflated Balls After Game vs. Patriots in Indianapolis |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2015/01/21/report_patriots_may_have_deflated_footballs_for_af/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092820/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2015/01/report_patriots_may_have_deflated_footballs_for_af.html |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2015 |work=Boston.com}}</ref> A lengthy investigation and heated debate commenced shortly afterwards, with a full report being published in May 2015.<ref name="CNN1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/22/us/nfl-patriots-deflategate-rules/|title=What the heck is Deflategate anyway?|last=McLaughlin|first=Eliott|date=January 23, 2015|work=]|access-date=January 23, 2015|archive-date=January 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123161650/http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/22/us/nfl-patriots-deflategate-rules/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Wells report">{{cite web|title=Investigative Report Concerning Footballs Used During The Afc Championship Game On January 18, 2015|url=https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/investigative-and-expert-reports-re-footballs-used-during-afc-championsh.pdf|author=Wells Jr., Theodore V.|publisher=National Football League|date=May 6, 2015|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107035724/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/investigative-and-expert-reports-re-footballs-used-during-afc-championsh.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wells Report found that balls provided by the Patriots, who were the home team, indeed had less pressure on average than the balls provided by the Colts. Also notable was the findings of some suggestions of communication between ] and two Patriots locker room attendants, indicating Brady was likely "generally aware" of the situation and that the Patriots staff intentionally deflated the footballs.<ref name = "Wells report" /> A later study by the ] called the evidence and methodology of the Wells report "deeply flawed" and "unreliable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aei.org/publication/on-wells-report/|title=On the Wells Report|work=American Enterprise Institute|access-date=August 10, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224110011/https://www.aei.org/publication/on-wells-report/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the incident, the NFL suspended Brady without pay for the first four games of the ], fined the Patriots $1{{nbsp}}million, and forced them to forfeit their 2016 first round draft pick and 2017 fourth round draft pick.<ref name="t071">{{cite web | last=Reiss | first=Mike | title=NFL fines Pats $1.1M, takes pick for sideline film | website=ESPN.com | date=2020-06-29 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29380577/new-england-patriots-fined-11-million-lose-draft-pick-film-crew-fallout#:~:text=The%20NFL%20fined%20the%20New,Cincinnati%20Bengals%20and%20Cleveland%20Browns. | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> Brady appealed his suspension, which was eventually vacated by the ], only for the ] to reinstate it a year later for the ].<ref name="espn.go.com">{{Cite web |last1=Brandt |first1=Andrew |last2=Reiss |first2=Mike |last3=Rovell |first3=Darren |date=April 25, 2016 |title=Tom Brady's four-game suspension upheld |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15353950/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-four-game-suspension-deflategate-reinstated-appeals-court |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426150714/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15353950/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-four-game-suspension-deflategate-reinstated-appeals-court |archive-date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |website=]|agency=]}}</ref> Brady eventually agreed to serve the suspension in 2016, but led the Patriots to win ] in spite of it.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |title=Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – February 5th, 2017 |website=] |access-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331010158/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="f827">{{cite web | last=Brennan | first=Christine | title=With Patriots Super Bowl LI win, air goes out of DeflateGate | website=USA TODAY | date=2017-02-06 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/brennan/2017/02/06/new-england-patriots-super-bowl-li-tom-brady-deflategate/97539666/ | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

====Accusations of falsified data====

However, in February 2022, sportswriter ] revealed that the ] falsified data about the Deflategate scandal and hid information that would have cleared the Patriots of wrongdoing. In his book ''Playmakers: How the NFL Really Works (And Doesn't)'', Florio revealed that NFL executives, specifically vice president ], jumped to conclusions about the air pressure inside the Patriots' footballs at halftime of the AFC Championship game. He also noted that 11 of the 12 Patriot footballs used in the game were not outside the predicted range of ], and the other was only slightly below.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/as-new-deflategate-details-emerge-this-remains-the-same-nfl-owes-tom-brady-an-apology-221153589.html|last=Wetzel|first=Dan|title=As new Deflategate details emerge, this remains the same: NFL owes Tom Brady an apology|website=Yahoo Sports|date=February 8, 2022|accessdate=November 15, 2024}}</ref>

Florio also revealed that NFL general counsel Jeff Pash ordered that the records of all PSI data gathered from the 2015 season be deleted. Leaked transcripts revealed that the NFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations, Dave Gardi, used false numbers in his letter to the Patriots which stated that the team was to be investigated. It was also revealed that Vincent did not instruct anyone to record the timing of the measurements taken, the temperature in the room during testing, if the footballs tested were wet or dry, and that he did not know which of the two air pressure gauges was used to make the pregame measurements. Vincent also admitted that he and other NFL executives never heard of the ] and were unaware that PSI in a football can change in certain environments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/boston/news/new-deflategate-report-negative-light-on-nfl-covering-up-facts-leaking-false-information/|title=New DeflateGate Report Casts Negative Light On NFL For Covering Up Facts, Leaking False Information|last=Hurley|first=Michael|website=]|date=February 6, 2022|accessdate=November 15, 2024}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
*]
*] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==Notes and references==
==External links==
'''Explanatory notes'''
*
{{notelist}}
* - fan-run team news and commentary
'''Citations'''
* - fan-run discussion board and historical archive
{{Reflist}}
* - Fansite run by Pats fans for Pats fans
* - British fan club and discussion forum
*


==References== ==Further reading==
* {{Cite book |last=Benedict |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Benedict |title=The Dynasty |publisher=] |year=2021 |isbn=9781982134112}}
*Jim Nance Statistics http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/NancJi00.htm/
* {{Cite book |last=Fox |first=Larry |title=The New England Patriots: Triumph & Tragedy |year=1979 |publisher=] |isbn=0-689-10992-X |url=https://archive.org/details/newenglandpatrio00foxl}}
*MVP Award for Jim Nance http://football.about.com/od/nflhistory/l/bl_awardsmvp.htm
* {{Cite book |last=Hyldburg |first=Bob |title=Total Patriots: The Definitive Encyclopedia of the World-Class Franchise |year=2009 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-60078-099-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781600780998_0}}
*Jim Plunkett Heisman Winner http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/heisman/heisman_trophy_winners.htm
* {{Cite book |last=Holley |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Holley |title=Patriot Reign: Bill Belichick, the Coaches, and the Players Who Built a Champion |publisher=] |year=2004 |isbn=0-06-075794-9}}
*1971 NFL Draft http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/draft/1971.jsp
* {{Cite book |last=Price |first=Christopher |title=The Blueprint: How the New England Patriots Beat the System to Create the Last Great NFL Superpower |year=2007 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-312-36838-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/blueprinthownewe00chri}}
*1970 NFL Results http://home.earthlink.net/~ob1gui/nflsbar/nflrnk70.htm
* {{Cite book |last=Lavin |first=James |title=Management Secrets of the New England Patriots: From Patsies to Triple Super Bowl Champs; Vol. 1 |publisher=Pointer Press |year=2005 |isbn=0-9762039-5-2}}
*Jack Tatum tackle Controversy http://archive.profootballweekly.com/content/archives/features_1998/pollack_080399.asp
* {{Cite book |last=Lavin |first=James |title=Management Secrets of the New England Patriots: From Patsies to Triple Super Bowl Champs; Vol. 2 |publisher=Pointer Press |year=2005 |isbn=0-9762039-8-7}}
* {{Cite book |last=Glennon |first=Sean |title=The Good, the Bad & the Ugly New England Patriots: Heart-pounding, Jaw-dropping, and Gut-wrenching Moments from New England Patriots History |year=2008 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-60078-118-6 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781600780219}}
* {{Cite book |last=Felger |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Felger |title=Tales from the Patriots Sideline |year=2004 |publisher=Sports Publishing LLC |isbn=1-58261-525-X |url=https://archive.org/details/unset0000unse_y8i2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Donaldson |first=Jim |title=Then Belichick Said to Brady: The Best New England Patriots Stories Ever Told |publisher=] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-60078-239-8}}
* {{Cite book |last=Donaldson |first=Jim |url=https://archive.org/details/stadiumstoriesne0000dona |title=Stadium Stories: New England Patriots |publisher=Globe Pequot |year=2005 |isbn=0-7627-3788-3}}


==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424222528/https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/ |date=April 24, 2019 }}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005194328/https://www.nfl.com/teams/new-england-patriots/ |date=October 5, 2020 }}
* at ]

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Latest revision as of 01:30, 6 January 2025

National Football League franchise in Foxborough, Massachusetts

New England Patriots
Current season
New England Patriots logo
New England Patriots logo
New England Patriots wordmark
New England Patriots wordmark
LogoWordmark
Established November 16, 1959; 65 years ago (November 16, 1959)
First season: 1960
Play in and headquartered in Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
League / conference affiliations
American Football League (1960–1969)
  • Eastern Division (1960–1969)

National Football League (1970–present)

Uniforms
Team colorsNautical blue, red, new century silver, white
       
Fight song"I'm Shipping Up to Boston"
MascotPat Patriot
Websitepatriots.com
Personnel
Owner(s)Robert Kraft
CEORobert Kraft
PresidentJonathan Kraft
General managerEliot Wolf
Head coachVacant
Team history
  • Boston Patriots (1960–1970)
  • New England Patriots (1971–present)
Team nicknames
  • The Pats
  • The Evil Empire
  • The Boston TE Party (tight ends; 2010–2012)
  • The Boogeymen (Linebackers; 2019)
Championships
League championships (6)
Conference championships (11)
Division championships (22)
Playoff appearances (28)
Home fields
Team owner(s)

The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. The Patriots compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The Patriots play home games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Boston. The franchise is owned by Robert Kraft, who purchased the team in 1994. As of 2023, the Patriots are tied for the third-most valuable sports team in the world and have sold out every home game since 1994.

Founded in 1959 as the Boston Patriots, the team was a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) before joining the NFL in 1970 through the AFL–NFL merger. The Patriots played their home games at various stadiums throughout Boston, including Fenway Park from 1963 to 1969 until the franchise moved to Foxborough in 1971. As part of the move, the team changed its name to the New England Patriots. Home games were played at Foxboro Stadium until 2002 when the stadium was demolished alongside the opening of Gillette Stadium. The team began utilizing Gillette Stadium for home games the same year.

The Patriots hold the records for most Super Bowl wins (6, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers), appearances (11), and losses (5, tied with the Denver Broncos). Generally unsuccessful prior to the 21st century, the franchise enjoyed a period of dominance under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady from 2001 to 2019. The Brady–Belichick era, regarded as one of the greatest sports dynasties, would see the Patriots claim nearly every major Super Bowl record. Other NFL records held by the franchise include the most wins in a 10-year period (126 from 2003 to 2012), the longest winning streak of regular season and playoff games (21 from October 2003 to October 2004), the most consecutive winning seasons (19 from 2001 to 2019), the most consecutive conference championship appearances (8 from 2011 to 2018), the most consecutive division titles (11 from 2009 to 2019), the only undefeated 16-game regular season (2007), and the highest postseason winning percentage (.638).

History

Main article: History of the New England Patriots See also: Brady–Belichick era

Brief summary

Billy Sullivan, a Massachusetts native, brought professional football back to the state after a nearly eleven-year absence by founding the Patriots in 1959. His 27-year tenure of ownership did not come without controversy, however.
The Patriots were named after the colonists who rebelled against British control during the Revolutionary War, which was locally relevant due to the colony of Massachusetts playing a pivotal role in American independence. (Image: Minute Man statue in Concord, Massachusetts)

On November 16, 1959, Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was awarded the eighth and final franchise of the developing American Football League (AFL). The following winter, locals were allowed to submit ideas for the Boston football team's official name. The most popular choice – and the one that Sullivan selected – was the "Boston Patriots", with "Patriots" referring to the colonists of the Thirteen Colonies who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution and in July 1776 declared the United States of America an independent nation, which heavily involved the then-colony of Massachusetts. Immediately thereafter, artist Phil Bissell of The Boston Globe developed the "Pat Patriot" logo.

The Patriots never had a regular home stadium in the AFL. Boston University Field, Harvard Stadium, Fenway Park (shared with baseball's Boston Red Sox), and Boston College's Alumni Stadium all served as home fields during their time in the American Football League. The 1963 season saw the franchise's first playoff win over Buffalo to clinch the division. They subsequently lost the AFL championship game to the San Diego Chargers 51–10. They did not appear again in an AFL or NFL post-season game for another 13 years.

When the NFL and AFL merged in 1970, the Patriots were placed in the American Football Conference (AFC) East division, where they still play. The following year, the Patriots moved to a new stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which would serve as their home for the next 30 years. As a result of the move, they announced they would change their name from the Boston Patriots to the Bay State Patriots, after the state of Massachusetts. The name was rejected by the NFL and on March 22, 1971, the team officially announced they would change its geographic name to New England.

During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success under head coach Chuck Fairbanks, earning a berth to the playoffs in 1976 – as a wild card team – and in 1978 – as AFC East champions. They lost in the first round both times. Under his successor, Ron Erhardt, the team finished one game out of the playoffs his first two years. The next coach, Ron Meyer, led the team to the playoffs in the strike-shortened 1982 season, and despite not having a losing record during his career, he was fired in 1984 due to poor relationships with players and management. Hall-of-Fame player Raymond Berry was hired as his replacement, and in 1985, he brought the team to its first AFC Championship and a berth in Super Bowl XX, which they lost to the Chicago Bears 46–10. Following their Super Bowl loss, they returned to the playoffs in 1986, but lost in the first round. Berry left the team following a disappointing 1989 season, and his replacement Rod Rust only lasted one season, 1990, during which the Patriots went 1–15. During the late 1980s and early 1990s they changed ownership several times, being purchased from the Sullivan family first by Victor Kiam in 1988, who sold the team to James Orthwein in 1992. Though Orthwein's period as owner was short and controversial, he did oversee major changes to the team, first with the hiring of former New York Giants coach Bill Parcells in 1993. Orthwein and his marketing team then defied Patriots fans' overwhelming preference and commissioned the NFL to develop a new visual identity and logo, and changed their primary colors from the traditional red, white and blue to blue and silver for the team uniforms. Orthwein intended to move the team to his native St. Louis (where it would have been renamed as the St. Louis Stallions), but instead sold the team in 1994 for $175 million to Boston paper magnate Robert Kraft, who had bought the Patriots' then-home, Foxboro Stadium, out of bankruptcy in 1988.

Continuing on as head coach under Kraft's ownership, Parcells would bring the Patriots to two playoff appearances, including Super Bowl XXXI (following the 1996 season), which they lost to the Green Bay Packers by a score of 35–21. Pete Carroll, Parcells's successor, would also take the team to the playoffs twice in 1997 and 1998 before being dismissed as head coach after the 1999 season.

QB Tom Brady and HC Bill Belichick were the pillars of the Patriots dynasty throughout the 2000s and 2010s. During that period (2001–2019), they led the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six, as well as accumulating numerous franchise and league records. Brady is widely regarded as the greatest QB of all time, with Belichick widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Together, they are universally known as one of the greatest QB-HC tandems of all time.
TE Rob Gronkowski, widely regarded as one of the greatest TEs of all time, was a staple of the 2010s offenses. Nicknamed "Gronk", he holds many franchise and league records, including an NFL-record most total and receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season (18 total, 17 receiving), as well as most receiving touchdowns (79) in Patriots history.

In 2000, the Patriots hired head coach Bill Belichick, who had served as defensive coordinator under Parcells including during Super Bowl XXXI. Their new home field, Gillette Stadium, opened in 2002 to replace the aging Foxboro Stadium. Long-time starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who was the franchise's star throughout the 1990s, went down with a sheared blood vessel in his chest in a week two match-up in 2001 against the rival New York Jets. Backup quarterback Tom Brady, drafted by the Patriots in sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft, became the starting quarterback. Brady's successful play led to Bledsoe never getting his job back as a starter, and would serve as the franchise's starting quarterback for the next 18 years. Under Belichick and Brady, the Patriots became one of the most consistently dominant teams in the NFL, with many describing the team as a "dynasty". Within the first few seasons of the 21st century, the team won three Super Bowls in four seasons (2001, 2003, and 2004), over the St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. In the 2005 season, the Patriots went 10–6 and won the division. The Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. In the 2006 season, the Patriots went 12–4 and won the division. After defeating the Jets and the Chargers, the Patriots lost in the AFC Championship to the Colts. The Patriots finished the 2007 regular season with a perfect 16–0 record, becoming only the fourth team in league history to go undefeated in the regular season, and the only one since the league expanded its regular season schedule to 16 games. After advancing to Super Bowl XLII, the team's fourth Super Bowl in seven years, the Patriots were upset by the Giants to end their bid for a 19–0 season. With the loss, the Patriots ended the year at 18–1, becoming only one of three teams to go 18–1 along with the 1984 San Francisco 49ers and the 1985 Chicago Bears. However, both the Bears and 49ers lost their only game during the regular season, and both would win their respective Super Bowl. In the first game of the 2008 season, Brady suffered a torn ACL against the Chiefs. Matt Cassell stepped in for the rest of the season and the team finished 11–5 but missed the postseason. In the 2009 season, Brady returned from his injury and led the team to a 10–6 record and a division title. The team's season in the Wild Card Round with a 33–14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Patriots went 14–2 and won the division in the 2010 season but were one-and-done in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the New York Jets in a 28–21 loss.

The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl in 2011 but lost again to the Giants, 21–17. In the 2012 season, the Patriots won the AFC East with a 12–4 record. The team defeated the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round before falling to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship. In the 2013 season, the Patriots went 12–4 and won the division. The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 43–22 in the Divisional Round before falling to the Denver Bronos 26–16 in the AFC Championship. In 2014, the Patriots won the division with a 12–4 record. The Patrios defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship. The Patriots reached a record-tying eighth Super Bowl, where they defeated the defending champion Seattle Seahawks by a score of 28–24 to win Super Bowl XLIX for their fourth title. After Seattle had driven the ball to New England's 1-yard line with under a minute to go, New England rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler made a critical interception on Seattle's final offensive play that helped to seal the victory. In the 2015 season, the Patriots won the division with a 12–4 record. The team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round before falling to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship. New England became the first team to reach nine Super Bowls in the 2016–17 playoffs and faced the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Losing 28–3 midway through the third quarter, the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. In the first overtime in Super Bowl history, the Patriots won the coin toss and scored a touchdown to claim their fifth Super Bowl victory. The Patriots extended their record to ten Super Bowl appearances in the 2017–18 playoffs but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. The Patriots returned to the championship game for a third consecutive season in Super Bowl LIII, where they defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3 to win their sixth Super Bowl, tying them with the Pittsburgh Steelers for most Super Bowl victories in NFL history.

Following a disappointing 2019 season, in which the team lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Tennessee Titans, and in which the long-time Brady–Belichick partnership was strained due to Brady wanting to have more input in organizational decisions, Brady departed the Patriots after 20 seasons for free agency, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To replace him, the Patriots signed veteran quarterback Cam Newton. In 2020, the team missed the playoffs with their first losing record, 7–9, in two decades. The team drafted Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, and released Newton after naming Jones the starting quarterback prior to the team's first game of the 2021 season. Jones led the team to their first playoff berth without Brady since 1998, but they would lose 47–17 to the division rival Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round. The Patriots finished with a 8–9 record and missed the postseason in the 2022 season.

After a gloomy 4–13 record in the 2023 season, the Patriots mutually parted ways with Bill Belichick after 24 years on January 11, 2024, notably due to a series of poor decisions in his final years as general manager regarding offensive personnel, which culminated in a sharp decline of offensive production following the 2021 season. One day later, the Patriots promoted the pair of Jerod Mayo, then-current linebackers coach and former player, and Eliot Wolf, director of scouting and son of Pro Football Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf, as head coach and de facto general manager to each succeed Belichick's duties. Mac Jones, after three seasons as the incumbent starter, was traded in the 2024 offseason due to his insufficient play. The Mayo-Wolf regime kickstarted a new era during the 2024 NFL draft, selecting Drake Maye third overall, the highest draft pick held by the Patriots in 31 years up to that point.

Logos and uniforms

Primary logos

  • The Patriots' primary logo used in the Sullivan era from 1961 to 1992, known as "Pat Patriot". Today, it is kept as a secondary logo, complementing the modern logo, the "Flying Elvis" The Patriots' primary logo used in the Sullivan era from 1961 to 1992, known as "Pat Patriot". Today, it is kept as a secondary logo, complementing the modern logo, the "Flying Elvis"
  • The Patriots' primary logo used since 1993, known as the "Flying Elvis". The only alteration since 1993 was the blue being darkened in 2000 The Patriots' primary logo used since 1993, known as the "Flying Elvis". The only alteration since 1993 was the blue being darkened in 2000
The Patriots' helmet since 2000 (displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame)
The Patriots' dynasty era uniforms from 2000 to 2019 (displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame)

The Patriots original helmet logo was a simple tricorne hat, used only for the 1960 season. From 1961 to 1992, the Patriots used a logo of a Revolutionary War minuteman hiking a football. The Patriots wordmark logo during this time consisted of a western-style font. The minuteman logo became known as the "Pat Patriot" logo, which later became the name of the team's mascot.

In 1979, the Patriots worked with NFL Properties to design a new, streamlined logo, to replace the complex Pat Patriot logo. The new logo featured the blue and white profile of a minuteman in a tricorne hat set against a flag showing three red stripes separated by two white stripes. Team owner Billy Sullivan decided to put the new logo up to a vote against Pat Patriot with the fans at the September 23 home game against the San Diego Chargers, using a sound level meter to judge the crowd's reaction. The new logo was decidedly rejected by the crowd in favor of Pat, and the concept was shelved.

In 1993, a new logo was unveiled involving the gray face of a minuteman wearing a red, white and royal blue hat that begins as a tricorne and transitions into a flowing banner-like design. It became popularly known as the "Flying Elvis" due to many observing its resemblance to the profile of a young Elvis Presley. A new script logo was introduced as well in tandem with the "Flying Elvis", utilizing a cursive font.

In 2000, the blue color used on the tricorne of the "Flying Elvis" as well as the outline of the cursive wordmark was switched from royal blue to nautical blue to coincide with the uniform change in the new millennium.

On July 3, 2013, the Patriots unveiled a new wordmark to accompany the "Flying Elvis", which replaced the script of their previous cursive typeface with modernized block letters (colored in blue or white depending on the background), and modified the "Flying Elvis" to be underneath instead of flowing up-top. While appearing everywhere else, it was not applied on the uniforms until the 2015 season due to NFL uniform policies.

WordmarksThe Patriots' wordmark used in the Sullivan era between 1960 and 1992The Patriots' wordmark used from 1993 to 2013, with the blue darkened in 2000. A version with the "Flying Elvis" attached to the top was frequently usedThe Patriots' wordmark used since 2013. A version with a small "Flying Elvis" underneath the block letters is also commonly seen, such as in the end zone of Gillette Stadium

Uniforms

1960–1992

The uniforms worn by the Patriots in the Sullivan era from 1960 to 1992, with variations in the striping throughout the years in the shoulders and sleeves. The face mask color was gray from 1960 to 1981, white from 1982 to 1990 and red from 1991 to 1992.

The Patriots' primary uniforms remained largely unchanged from the franchises' inaugural season until 1993. The Patriots originally wore red jerseys with white block numbering at home, and white jerseys with red block numbering on the road. Both uniforms used white pants and white helmets, first with the hat logo over the player's number, then with the "Pat Patriot" logo starting in 1961. A blue stripe was added to the two red helmet stripes in 1964. The numbers on both the home and away jerseys gained a blue outline in 1973. In 1979, the Patriots began the first of many sporadic runs of wearing red pants with the white jerseys. The red pants were dropped in 1981, but returned in 1984. After being dropped again in 1988, they were used again from 1990 to 1992.

1993–1999

The uniforms worn by the Patriots in the early Kraft era from 1993 to 1999, with alterations specifically in the numbers, shoulders, and stripes between 1993 and 1995 before finally settling on a look until 2000. The face mask color also changed from silver in 1993 to red in 1994–present.

The Patriots underwent a complete identity overhaul before the 1993 season, starting with the introduction of the aforementioned "Flying Elvis" logo. The new uniforms consisted of a royal blue home jersey and a white away jersey. The helmet was silver with the Flying Elvis logo and no additional striping. Both uniforms used silver pants, originally with stripes designed to look like those flowing from the Flying Elvis, but these were changed to simple red and blue stripes after one season. When they debuted, both the home and away jerseys used red block numbers with a blue and white outline, but after one season the home uniforms switched to the now-familiar white with a red outline.

In 1995, the Patriots switched the block numbers to a more modern rounded number font with a dropshadow. The Patriots were one of the first adopters of custom numbers, a trend that would grow drastically over the next 20 years.

2000–2019

The primary uniforms worn by the Patriots in the dynasty era from 2000 to 2019, including a red throwback version released in 2002, then not seen again until 2010. The pictured red throwback had minor differences from each variation from 2002, 2010–2012 before being shelved due to NFL helmet policies. The Patriots also wore red AFL-patched throwback jerseys (for the 50th anniversary of the AFL) in 2009 along with the other original AFL franchises, however those jerseys were more based on the 1961 season specific appearance.

In 2000, the Patriots then became one of the few teams at the time to drop the rounded numbers and switch back to block numbers. The shade of blue was switched for the first time in the franchises' history, from royal to nautical blue. The jerseys once again had the number on the shoulders while the logo moved back to the sleeves. "New Century" silver stripes were also added to the home jersey, with nautical blue stripes appearing on the away jersey. The Patriots, unsatisfied with the 1990s white-on-silver road look, also took the opportunity to introduce blue pants to be worn with the white jersey, offering a better contrast. To better match the blue pants, the number on the white jersey was switched from red to blue.

Though the Patriots had generally worn silver pants with the blue jerseys, and navy pants with the white jerseys, they did wear an all-blue set during the 2002 season. On two consecutive home games that season, the Patriots wore blue tops with their road blue pants and white socks; they lost both games (Week 6 vs. the Packers, and Week 8 vs. the Broncos). The team would not wear an all-blue set again until the introduction of the Color Rush uniforms in 2016.

Throughout the 2011 season, the Patriots wore dark patches with white lettering on their uniforms with the initials 'MHK' in honor of Myra Kraft, the late long-time spouse of owner Robert Kraft.

2020–present

The primary uniforms worn by the Patriots in the post-dynasty era from 2020–present, with the red throwback returning for use starting in the 2022 season, due to the NFL reverting their helmet policies. It is the same version as the 2012 dynasty-era alternate.

In 2020, the Patriots made some changes to their uniform. The all-blue "Color Rush" design became the primary home uniform, complete with a tweaked nameplate font and numbers, and blue/red/white socks. A corresponding white uniform was also unveiled, also paired with the blue pants. Both uniforms featured truncated shoulder striping as a nod to the "Pat Patriot" uniforms. Coincidentally, the arrival of new jerseys occurred with the departure of long-time quarterback, Tom Brady, from the Patriots. Brady was in New England exactly between the last uniform change in 2000, and left before the 2020 uniform change in 2019.

The Patriots brought back the silver pants to pair with the current uniforms in a 2022 Week 7 home game on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears. Unlike the previous silver pants the team wore from 2000 to 2019, this design featured thicker red stripes, matching the same width as the middle blue stripe. During a Week 7 2024 road game at Wembley Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Patriots paired their silver pants with the road white uniform for the first time since 1999.

Alternate uniforms

In 1994, the Patriots wore the "Pat Patriot" helmets and plain white striped pants from two seasons prior as alternates as part of the NFL's 75th-anniversary celebration. In 2002, NFL teams were allowed to add a permanent third jersey to be worn in a maximum of two games. The Patriots reintroduced a red jersey as their alternate, complemented with the old-style "Pat Patriot" helmet. In 2003, the Patriots changed their alternate to a silver jersey with blue pants. For this uniform, the "Flying Elvis" helmet was used. The uniform was identical to the white jersey with any areas of white replaced by silver. These uniforms were dropped after 2007. No alternate uniform was used in 2008. In 2009, the red alternate was reintroduced, again accompanied by the "Pat Patriot" helmet. An alternate white road jersey was also worn with the older helmet for one game, using red numbers, in tribute to the 50th anniversary of the AFL. The red alternate gained a blue outline around the numbers in 2010 and this was worn through 2012. The Patriots temporarily retired their alternate red uniforms in 2013, thanks to a new NFL rule outlawing throwback alternate helmets, and restricting teams to one helmet shell only. However, after the NFL reinstated the use of alternate helmets in 2022, the Patriots brought back the throwback red uniforms.

In 2016, the Patriots took part in the NFL's Color Rush program, wearing monochrome navy uniforms on September 22 against the Houston Texans. The uniform tops were patterned after the 1980s Pat Patriot-era uniforms, while the pants featured thick white stripes with red accents. They have worn them a total of four times since 2016. In 2017, an all-white Color Rush uniform was introduced and used for the Patriots' Thursday night road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Facilities

Stadium and headquarters

Main article: Gillette Stadium Aerial view of Foxboro Stadium, where the Patriots played for their first 31 seasons in Foxborough after not being able to find a permanent home in Boston, from 1971 to 2001The field of Gillette Stadium, the current home stadium of the Patriots in Foxborough since 2002

Since 2002, the Patriots' home stadium has been Gillette Stadium, a $350 million facility privately financed by Robert Kraft, located in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It houses the team's practice facilities, the team's administrative offices, as well as its owning entity's, The Kraft Group, along with the Kraft-owned Major League Soccer team, the New England Revolution. The field, which was originally natural grass, was replaced with a FieldTurf surface during the 2006 season. The Patriots installed a new video board, the largest in the United States, in 2023. Despite not being around for more than 20 years, Gillette Stadium is home to the second most postseason games ever, Candlestick Park being first with 27 total. The Patriots have a 19–4 playoff record in this stadium as of the conclusion of the 2019 NFL season, the AFC playoffs consistently had the Patriots playing from home in 2001–2019. The area around the stadium was developed, beginning in 2007, into a $375 million "lifestyle and entertainment center" called Patriot Place; among its largest structures is a multi-floor restaurant and bar called CBS Scene.

Prior to 2002, the Patriots played in Foxboro Stadium dating back to 1971, the team's second year in the NFL after the AFL–NFL merger, and this venue was also privately funded. The final game in this stadium was the 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff game which was a 16–13 overtime win over the visiting Oakland Raiders, known for the raging snowstorm and the "tuck rule" call. During the team's days in the American Football League and its first year in the NFL, the Boston Patriots were hosted by a number of fields in or around Boston.

Stadium history

Stadium Location Duration
Boston University Field Boston, Massachusetts 1960–1962
Fenway Park 1963–1968
Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 1969
Harvard Stadium Allston, Massachusetts 1970
Foxboro Stadium Foxborough, Massachusetts 1971–2001
Gillette Stadium 2002–present

Training camp and practice

Patriots players during training camp in 2009

The Patriots hold training camp and practices just outside of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with twin practice fields available for team use.

Prior to 2003, the Patriots held training camp and practice at numerous locations. From 1976 to 2002, the team held training camp at Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island. From 1960 to 1961, then from 1969 to 1975, the Patriots held training camp at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Between 1962 and 1968, the Patriots held training camp at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.

From 1971 until 2001, the Patriots would simply practice at Foxboro Stadium whenever the field was available, otherwise they would use the public football fields that were available in Foxborough.

Aircraft

One of the two Patriots' 767s taxiing at Logan International Airport in 2020

In 2017, the Patriots purchased two Boeing 767-300ERs for use as team planes, with one serving as the backup, which were ready in time for the 2017 NFL season. This made them the first team in league history to own their own planes. At the time it was getting more difficult for professional sports teams to book private charter flights, with eight teams being dropped that season, as major commercial airlines were instead focusing on more profitable scheduled flights. The two jet airliners, N366AA and N39367, were previously operated by American Airlines from 1991 to 2016. The planes are known affectionately as "AirKrafts" after team owner Robert Kraft. Kraft has lent one of the planes to transport students to the March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington, D.C.

In 2020, the New England Patriots signed an agreement with Eastern Airlines to handle the operations of their planes. In July 2023, the Patriots filed a lawsuit against Eastern Airlines over an alleged breach of contract. Since February 2024, both planes now operate with Omni Air International.

Rivalries

In terms of number of games played, the Patriots have competed most against other teams in the AFC East division: the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets, who were all a part of the AFC East division since the AFL–NFL merger, as well as the former AFL Eastern division. The Patriots also share rivalries with several teams outside of their division, including the Indianapolis Colts, who were members of the AFC East from 1970 to 2001, the Baltimore Ravens, the Denver Broncos, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders. Outside of the AFC, the Patriots also had a memorable rivalry with the New York Giants.

Divisional rivals

New York Jets

Main article: Jets–Patriots rivalry
Bill Belichick, after resigning from the Jets before ever coaching a game, was "traded" from the Jets to the Patriots in 2000 for a first round pick, which turned out to be one of the most notorious transactions in NFL history.

The closest rivalry geographically has been that with the New York Jets. The Patriots and Jets have been in the same division (what is now the AFC East) since both teams' foundings in 1960, and have played each other at least twice a year since then. The rivalry between the Jets and Patriots has escalated since 1996, when Patriots head coach Bill Parcells left the Patriots under controversy to become the head coach of the Jets; he was replaced by former Jets coach Pete Carroll. Four years later, Carroll was fired, and Parcells's assistant, Bill Belichick, resigned the day he was named the Jets' head coach to become the head coach of the Patriots. Six years after that, Eric Mangini, an assistant under Belichick, became the head coach of the Jets.

Bill Belichick achieved his 200th career head coaching win (regular season and playoffs) on November 22, 2012, defeating the Jets 49–19; it was his 163rd such win as Patriots coach. Belichick also passed George Halas for second most career head coaching wins (regular season and playoffs) with his 325th win on October 30, 2022, in a 22–17 victory over the Jets. As of 2023, the Patriots lead the all-time series 75–55–1.

Buffalo Bills

Main article: Bills–Patriots rivalry
DT Ty Warren takes down Bills QB J. P. Losman for a safety in 2006.

The Patriots and the Bills were both charter members of the AFL, and even competed with each other in an AFL playoff game. They have remained divisional rivals since the AFL–NFL merger. Prior to the rise of Tom Brady, the two teams shared a mellow, yet occasionally competitive rivalry, featuring highlights from players such as O. J. Simpson, Steve Grogan, Joe Ferguson, Jim Kelly, and Drew Bledsoe. However, Brady dominated the Bills during his tenure as the Patriots' franchise quarterback, holding a 32–3 regular-season record over them. Though Patriots fans usually felt apathetic towards the Bills during the Brady era, Bills fans came to despise the Patriots more than any other rival. With the departure of Tom Brady after the 2019 season, the Bills swept the Pats in 2020, including a 38–9 Monday Night Football win that stands as the worst home loss of the Belichick era. It was their first time doing so since 1999, Belichick's first year as head coach and the year before Brady was drafted. In the 2021–22 NFL playoffs, the Bills defeated the Patriots 47–17 in the rivalry's first playoff matchup in nearly 60 years, with the Bills scoring seven consecutive touchdowns and never punting or attempting a field goal against the Pats defense, making for the NFL's first "perfect offensive game" in history and the worst playoff loss of Belichick's career. As of 2023, the Patriots lead the all-time series 78–50–1.

Miami Dolphins

Main article: Dolphins–Patriots rivalry
RB Craig James rushes the ball past the Dolphins' defense in the 1985 AFC Championship game.

The Patriots first played the Miami Dolphins in 1966 in the AFL, when Miami was one of two expansion teams to debut that year in that league. The Dolphins dominated the Patriots in the 1970s and 1990s, but the two teams remained competitive with each other for years before the rise of Tom Brady. Brady, however, struggled occasionally against the Dolphins in the 2000s before reasserting dominance in the 2010s. The Patriots and Dolphins are the only two teams in the Super Bowl era to post undefeated regular season records, with Miami going 14–0 in 1972 and the Patriots going 16–0 in 2007. Notable moments between the clubs include the Snowplow Game, three playoff matchups, the Dolphins revealing their Wildcat offense against the Patriots, and the Miracle in Miami. As of 2023, the Dolphins lead the all-time series 62–55.

Conference rivals

Indianapolis Colts

Main article: Colts–Patriots rivalry See also: Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry

The Patriots rivalry with the Indianapolis Colts ran through the two clubs' tenure together in the AFC East (1970–2001). The two clubs clashed in several close games, such as on December 19, 1971, as a late Patriots touchdown decided a 21–17 New England win; on September 18, 1978, the Colts rallied to defeat the Patriots 34–27 on Monday Night Football on a virtual one-man scoring rampage by running back Joe Washington; on September 4, 1983, the Colts defeated the Patriots in overtime 29–23 in their final season in Baltimore. The Patriots defeated the Colts in back-to-back overtime games, 23–17 on December 8, 1991, and 37–34 on November 15, 1992.

The Pats facing the Colts in 2011

Even though the two clubs were placed in separate divisions in the NFL's 2002 divisional realignment, their rivalry did not diminish. At that time, both teams were among the best in the AFC, and both were led by likely Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Peyton Manning (for the Colts) and Tom Brady (for the Patriots). The teams met three times in four years (2003, 2004, 2006) in the playoffs, with the winner going on to win that season's Super Bowl each time. The Manning portion of the rivalry began in Manning's rookie season, 1998; in 1999 Manning suffered a bitter 31–28 loss in September as the Patriots behind Drew Bledsoe erased a 28–7 Colts lead, then defeated the Patriots 20–15 in Indianapolis on December 12. The Brady–Manning portion of the rivalry began on September 30, 2001, as Brady made his first NFL start in a 44–13 Patriots win at Foxboro; on October 21 the Patriots defeated the Colts at the RCA Dome 38–17.

After the Colts left the AFC East in 2002, they first met on November 30, 2003, in a 38–34 Patriots win decided on a last-second goal line stand by the Patriots. The Colts broke a six-game Patriot winning streak in the rivalry in November 2005, then won twice in 2006; in the AFC Championship Game the Colts erased a 21–6 halftime lead; the game lead tied or changed seven times in the second half before a late touchdown led to a 38–34 Colts win. The November 4, 2007, meeting involved both teams being unbeaten to that point; the 8–0 Patriots and the 7–0 Colts. The Patriots rallied to win 24–20. The Colts won again in 2008 and then erased a large Patriots lead in 2009's 4th and 2 game. Manning's final meeting with the Patriots as a Colt came in November 2010; a late interception sealed a 31–28 Patriots win. In 2012, the Patriots faced the Colts, quarterbacked now by Andrew Luck, on November 18; the Patriots defeated the Colts 59–24. The Patriots also beat the Colts on January 12, 2014, 43–22. The Patriots played the Colts in the playoffs again on January 18, 2015, in the AFC title game, winning 45–7. As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 53–31.

Baltimore Ravens

Main article: Ravens–Patriots rivalry

The Ravens first met the New England Patriots in 1996, but the rivalry truly started in 2007 when the Ravens suffered a bitter 27–24 loss in the Patriots' quest for perfection. The rivalry began to escalate in 2009 when the Ravens lost to the Patriots 27–21 in a game that involved a confrontation between Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs. Both players would go on to take verbal shots at each other through the media after the game. The Ravens defeated the Patriots in the 2009 AFC Wild Card playoff game, 33–14. This was the first time the Ravens had ever defeated the Patriots. The Ravens faced the Patriots in week six of the 2010 season. The Patriots ended up winning 23–20 in overtime; the game caused controversy from a hit to the helmet of tight end Todd Heap by Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather.

The Ravens played the Patriots for the third consecutive season in the 2011 AFC Championship Game, which the Ravens lost 23–20. The rivalry reached a new level of friction with this, the second career playoff game between the two clubs. The Ravens clawed to a 20–16 lead in the fourth quarter, but Patriots quarterback Tom Brady dove into the end zone to make the score 23–20 with around 11 minutes remaining; this proved to be the winning touchdown. On the Ravens' last possession of the game, quarterback Joe Flacco threw a pass to wide receiver Lee Evans in the corner of the end zone which looked to be the game-winning touchdown, before a last-second strip by Sterling Moore forced the ball from the hands of Evans, forcing the game to be decided on a last-minute field goal by Ravens placekicker Billy Cundiff. With 11 seconds remaining on the clock, the kicker missed the 32-yard field goal attempt, allowing the Patriots to kill the clock on their way to Super Bowl XLVI for a rematch with the New York Giants.

The Ravens' first regular-season win over the Patriots came on September 23, 2012. The game was emotional as receiver Torrey Smith was competing following the death of his brother in a motorcycle accident just the night before. Smith caught two touchdowns in a back and forth game; the Ravens erased a 13–0 lead in the first half and led 14–13, but the Patriots scored at the end of the second quarter for a 20–14 lead. The lead changed twice in the third quarter and the Patriots led 30–21 in the fourth, but the Ravens scored on Smith's second touchdown catch. The Ravens were stopped on fourth down but the Patriots had to punt; in the final two minutes a pass interference penalty on Devin McCourty put the ball at the Patriots 7-yard line; new Ravens kicker Justin Tucker booted a 27-yard field goal on the final play; the ball sailed directly over the upright and was ruled good; the quality of officiating by replacement referees caused controversy as Bill Belichick angrily reached for one of the referees as they were leaving the field, leading to a $50,000 fine later that week.

The two teams met again on January 20, 2013, in the AFC Championship, where the Ravens won 28–13. The Patriots led at halftime, 13–7, but the Ravens defense gave up no points in the 2nd half. It was the first time ever that Tom Brady lost a game at home after leading at halftime, and the first time a road team beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship.

The two teams met once again at Gillette Stadium in the playoffs on January 10, 2015. The Patriots trailed by as much as 14 twice, before beating the Ravens 35–31 to advance to the AFC Championship.

The two teams met with Lamar Jackson as the Ravens quarterback for the first time on Sunday Night Football on November 3, 2019. The 8–0 Patriots were favored over the 5–2 Ravens before the game, but the Ravens won in a blowout, 37–20. As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 11–5.

Denver Broncos

Main article: Broncos–Patriots rivalry See also: Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry

The Broncos and Patriots met twice annually during the American Football League (AFL) years from 1960 to 1969, and played in the first-ever AFL game on September 9, 1960. Since 1995, the two teams have met frequently during the regular season, including nine consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2003. As of the end of the 2015 season, the two teams have met in the playoffs five times, with the Broncos owning a 4–1 record. The teams' first playoff match on January 4, 1987, was John Elway's first career playoff win, while the teams' second playoff match on January 14, 2006, game was the Broncos' first playoff win since Elway's retirement after the 1998 season. The game was also notable for Champ Bailey's 100-yard interception that resulted in a touchdown-saving tackle by Benjamin Watson at the 1-yard line. On October 11, 2009, the two teams met with former Patriots' offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels as the Broncos' head coach. Both teams wore their AFL 50th anniversary jerseys. The game featured a 98-yard drive in the fourth quarter, with a game-tying touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Brandon Marshall, followed by an overtime drive led by Orton that resulted in a 41-yard game-winning field goal by Matt Prater. The two teams met in the Divisional round of the 2011 playoffs, with the Patriots blowing out Tim Tebow and the Broncos by a score of 45–10. The Broncos' rivalry with the Patriots later intensified when longtime Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning became the Broncos' starting quarterback from 2012 to 2015. Manning and Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady maintained a legendary rivalry from 2001 until Manning's retirement after the 2015 season. Though Brady dominated Manning in regular season play, winning nine of twelve meetings, Manning won three of five playoff meetings, including the Broncos' 26–16 win in the 2013 AFC Championship and the Broncos' 20–18 win in the 2015 AFC Championship. As of the 2023 season, the Broncos lead the all-time series 31–24.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Main article: Patriots–Steelers rivalry

The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as a prominent rival in league circles when the Patriots upset the Steelers in the 2001 AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field, though the two teams had met in the postseason twice before; the Patriots defeated the Steelers in 1996 28–3 while the Steelers won 7–6 in 1997; both times, the Patriots fielded players with Pittsburgh-area roots in Ty Law and Curtis Martin. Martin's final game with the Patriots was in the 1997 playoffs before he departed to the rival New York Jets. Following the 2001 AFC title upset, the Patriots defeated the Steelers 30–14 at the start of the 2002 season. Pittsburgh did not exact revenge for the two losses until ending the Patriots' record-setting 21-game winning streak in week 6 of the 2004 NFL season. Later that season, the Steelers lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Patriots in the AFC Championship game after a 15–1 regular season.

The Patriots won six of seven meetings over a ten-year period (1998–2007) before the Steelers broke through with a 33–10 victory at Foxborough in 2008, after Matt Cassel turned the ball over five times. The Patriots in 2013 then made history by becoming the first opponent to score 55 points on the Steelers, winning 55–31. The Patriots won again in 2015 (28–21) and 2016's regular season (27–16), and then won 36–17 in the 2016 AFC Championship Game. They also won in 2017 when a go-ahead touchdown reception by Steelers' tight end Jesse James was controversially called back. Though they ultimately missed the playoffs, the Steelers defeated the Patriots by a score of 17–10 on December 16, 2018, in Pittsburgh.

In the postseason, the Patriots have outscored the Steelers 135–75, with the Patriots maintaining a 4–1 record. The only other franchises with winning AFC playoff records against Steelers include the Los Angeles Chargers (2–1), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2–0), and the Broncos (5–3). The Steelers have an all-time regular-season record of 15–13 against the Patriots. In the Bill Belichick era, the main period of the rivalry, the Patriots have a 12–4 record against the Steelers. In their last matchup, the Patriots beat the Steelers 33–3 on Sunday Night Football. As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 19–16.

Oakland Raiders

The rivalry between the Patriots and the Raiders dates to their time in the AFL, but was intensified during a 1978 preseason game, when Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley was permanently paralyzed after a vicious hit delivered by Raiders free safety Jack Tatum. Before that, the Patriots also lost a playoff game in 1976 to the Raiders; the game is unofficially known as "The Ben Dreith Game" due to a controversial penalty by head referee Dreith. While based in Los Angeles, the Raiders hosted the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs in 1986. The game was won by the Patriots and marred by a chaotic rumble between the teams in the end zone as players were leaving the field after the game. The brawl was especially notable for Raiders linebacker Matt Millen attacking GM Patrick Sullivan, son of owner Billy Sullivan, with his helmet. The two teams met in a divisional-round playoff game in 2002, which became known as the "Tuck Rule Game". Late in the game, an incomplete pass, ruled a fumble, by quarterback Tom Brady was overturned, and the Patriots went on to win in overtime and eventually won the Super Bowl against the heavily favored St. Louis Rams. Since that game, the Patriots have won five of the last six regular-season contests between the two teams. The first contest being the following year during the 2002 season in Oakland, with the Raiders winning 27–20; they met in the 2005 season opener in New England with the Patriots ruining Randy Moss' debut as a Raider 30–20; the Patriots defeated the Raiders 49–26 in December 2008 in Bill Belichick's 100th regular-season win as Patriots coach; a Patriots 31–19 win during the 2011 season; a scrappy 16–9 Patriots win in the third week of the 2014 season, and the Patriots' 33–8 win in Mexico City in 2017, and following a last-minute lateral play that went awry, a Raider win 30–24. The win also snapped a six-game losing streak against the Patriots. The two teams met again the following season, with the Raiders defeating the Patriots 21–17. The Patriots lead the all-time series 20–17–1.

Inter-conference rivals

New York Giants

Main article: Giants–Patriots rivalry
Tom Brady pictured in 2007, during the Patriots' historic 16–0 season. It was the only undefeated regular season in the NFL during the 16-game schedule era. The Patriots had defeated the Giants in the final game of the regular season, however the Giants would then upset the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Brady also earned his first MVP award that season and broke the NFL passing touchdowns record (50, broken in 2013 by the Broncos).

The two teams rarely played each other given they were on opposite conferences, but the rivalry gained notoriety in the late 2000s thanks to some close contests and memorable moments between Tom Brady and Eli Manning. In the 2007 season, the Patriots defeated the Giants 38–35 to clinch a perfect 16–0 regular season, but could not finish a perfect 19–0 season in Super Bowl XLII following a 17–14 defeat. That game featured the now-iconic Helmet Catch from David Tyree. The Giants also defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, a 21–17 victory. As of the 2023 season, the series is tied 7–7.

Strategy and influence

Further information: New England Patriots strategy LB Willie McGinest (left), LB Tedy Bruschi (middle), and LB Mike Vrabel (right) are three Patriots credited for instilling and defining what is described the "Patriot Way" throughout the dynasty from 2001 to 2019. Each of them were members of the team's strong defense during the first three Super Bowl wins. McGinest also holds the NFL playoff record of most career postseason sacks (16.0) and most postseason sacks in a single game (4.5 in 2005). Other players that were known for their involvement in upholding the "Patriot Way" include 3× Super Bowl champion WR Troy Brown (not pictured) and Super Bowl champion SS Lawyer Milloy (not pictured).

Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have employed specific on-field and off-field strategies. On the field, the Patriots have typically used an "Erhardt–Perkins" offense and a "Fairbanks–Bullough" 3–4 defense, referred to commonly as a two-gap 3–4 defensive system. Under Erhardt's, Perkin's and Bullough's stints as coordinators and head coaches across the league after developing the scheme in collaboration with head coach Chuck Fairbanks, the systems developed in New England in the 1970s would begin to see historic use. Influence spread, especially under their coaching tree in Bill Parcells' schemes as head coach of the New York Giants in the mid-to-late 1980s, after serving as a linebacker coach for the Patriots in 1980. Parcells would come back to New England as head coach in 1993 and re-install the system used in the 1970s and 1980s, re-uniting with Ray Perkins as WR coach. Parcells own coaching tree would use the scheme created in New England as well, especially Belichick, once he was named as head coach after years of being an assistant to Parcells with the New York Giants, the Patriots, and the New York Jets.

Since 2000, the philosophy in making personnel decisions and in game planning has focused on the "team" concept, stressing preparation, strong work ethic, versatility, and lack of individual ego. This approach, which has led to six Super Bowl victories under Belichick, has been analyzed in media such as the 2004 book Patriot Reign, as well as the 2021 documentary miniseries Man in the Arena.

The New England Patriots are noted for the following characteristics under coach Belichick's tenure, dubbed as the "Patriot Way":

  • Their self-critical, perfectionist, and militaristic approach
  • Their emphasis on team, equality among players and lack of individual ego
  • Their strong work ethic, intelligence and high level of focus and preparation for each individual game
  • Their versatile players, able to play multiple positions
  • Their multiple schemes intended to take advantage of their opponent's weaknesses

Championships

Super Bowl championships

The Super Bowl banners for the Patriots' first three league championships at Gillette Stadium (pictured in 2007, they have since switched the location of them within the stadium, alongside the addition of three more championship banners).

The New England Patriots have won six Super Bowls, the league championship of the NFL. The franchise is tied for the most all-time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team repeated as champions between the 2003 and 2004 NFL seasons, they are only among eight NFL franchises to accomplish the feat. Between 2001 and 2004, the Patriots became the second team in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in four years (2001, 2003, 2004).

A Super Bowl hero, CB Malcolm Butler made one of the greatest plays in NFL history with a game-clinching interception at the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX, ensuring the Patriots' victory in the final seconds of the game.
RB James White tallied one of the most impressive Super Bowl performances of all time in Super Bowl LI, with 139 yards from scrimmage (29 rushing, 110 receiving), as well as holding multiple Super Bowl records such as most receptions, most receiving yards by a running back, and most points scored in regulation and overtime (20, and 6).
LB Dont'a Hightower had two memorable plays in two of the Patriots' Super Bowl wins that were pivotal to the eventual victories. In Super Bowl XLIX, he had a last second tackle on Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard line in the final minute of the game, forcing the Seahawks to have to call another play to reach the end zone. The Seahawks would throw the game-losing interception to Butler the next play, sealing the Patriots' fourth Super Bowl win. In Super Bowl LI, his strip sack on Falcons QB Matt Ryan was what turned out to be a crucial catalyst that helped led to the Patriots' historical comeback down 28–3.
Year Coach Super Bowl Location Opponent Score Record
2001 Bill Belichick XXXVI Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans) St. Louis Rams 20–17 11–5
2003 XXXVIII Reliant Stadium (Houston) Carolina Panthers 32–29 14–2
2004 XXXIX Alltel Stadium (Jacksonville) Philadelphia Eagles 24–21 14–2
2014 XLIX University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale) Seattle Seahawks 28–24 12–4
2016 LI NRG Stadium (Houston) Atlanta Falcons 34–28 (OT) 14–2
2018 LIII Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) Los Angeles Rams 13–3 11–5
Total Super Bowls won: 6

AFC championships

The Patriots have won eleven AFC Championships, the record for the most conference championships all-time in the NFL.

Year Coach Location Opponent Score Record
1985 Raymond Berry Miami Orange Bowl (Miami) Miami Dolphins 31–14 11–5
1996 Bill Parcells Foxboro Stadium (Foxborough) Jacksonville Jaguars 20–6 11–5
2001 Bill Belichick Heinz Field (Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh Steelers 24–17 11–5
2003 Gillette Stadium (Foxborough) Indianapolis Colts 23–20 14–2
2004 Heinz Field (Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh Steelers 41–27 14–2
2007 Gillette Stadium (Foxborough) San Diego Chargers 21–12 16–0
2011 Baltimore Ravens 23–20 13–3
2014 Indianapolis Colts 45–7 12–4
2016 Pittsburgh Steelers 36–17 14–2
2017 Jacksonville Jaguars 24–20 13–3
2018 Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City) Kansas City Chiefs 37–31 (OT) 11–5
Total AFC Championships won: 11

Division championships

The Patriots have won 22 Division Championships, which is second place for the most all-time behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, who are tied in first with 24. One of these divisional titles was won in the AFL in the AFL East (1963), the rest were won in the AFC East of the NFL.

Year Coach Record
1963 Mike Holovak 7–6–1
1978 Chuck Fairbanks 11–5
1986 Raymond Berry 11–5
1996 Bill Parcells 11–5
1997 Pete Carroll 10–6
2001 Bill Belichick 11–5
2003 14–2
2004 14–2
2005 10–6
2006 12–4
2007 16–0
2009 10–6
2010 14–2
2011 13–3
2012 12–4
2013 12–4
2014 12–4
2015 12–4
2016 14–2
2017 13–3
2018 11–5
2019 12–4
Total Division Championships won: 22
Deion Branch (left) and Julian Edelman (right) are the two Patriots wide receivers that have won the Super Bowl MVP award, each doing so in Super Bowl XXXIX and Super Bowl LIII, respectively. They are both known as two of the franchise's most prolific postseason performers. Edelman ranks third all-time in league postseason receiving yards and receptions, and his spectacular catch late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI is considered one of the greatest catches of all time.

Statistics, records, and awards

Season-by-season results

Main article: List of New England Patriots seasons

This is a partial list of the Patriots' last five completed seasons.

Note: The Finish, Wins, Losses, and Ties columns list regular season results and exclude any postseason play.

Super Bowl champions Conference champions Division champions Wild Card berth

As of January 7, 2024

Season Team League Conference Division Regular season Postseason results Awards
Finish Wins Losses Ties
2019 2019 NFL AFC East 1st 12 4 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs (Titans) 20–13 Stephon Gilmore (DPOY)
2020 2020 NFL AFC East 3rd 7 9 0 — —
2021 2021 NFL AFC East 2nd 10 7 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs (Bills) 47–17 —
2022 2022 NFL AFC East 3rd 8 9 0 — —
2023 2023 NFL AFC East 4th 4 13 0 — —

Record vs. opponents

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

Team W L T Percent Last result Last date Last locale Postseason
Jacksonville Jaguars 8 1 0 .889 W 50–10 January 2, 2022 Foxborough, Massachusetts 4–1 postseason
Baltimore Ravens 9 3 0 .750 L 37–26 September 25, 2022 Foxborough, Massachusetts 2–2 postseason
Houston Texans 9 4 0 .692 L 41–21 October 13, 2024 Foxborough, Massachusetts 2–0 postseason
Chicago Bears 10 4 0 .714 L 33–14 October 24, 2022 Foxborough, Massachusetts 0–1 postseason
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7 3 0 .700 L 19–17 October 3, 2021 Foxborough, Massachusetts
Minnesota Vikings 9 5 0 .643 L 33–26 November 24, 2022 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cincinnati Bengals 17 10 0 .630 L 22–18 December 24, 2022 Foxborough, Massachusetts
New Orleans Saints 10 6 0 .625 L 34–0 October 8, 2023 Foxborough, Massachusetts
Baltimore / Indianapolis Colts 49 30 0 .620 L 10–6 November 12, 2023 Frankfurt, Germany 4–1 postseason
Detroit Lions 8 5 0 .615 W 29–0 October 9, 2022 Foxborough, Massachusetts
Buffalo Bills 77 49 1 .610 L 27–21 December 31, 2023 Buffalo, New York 1–1 postseason
San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers 24 15 2 .610 L 6–0 December 3, 2023 Foxborough, Massachusetts 3–1 postseason
Atlanta Falcons 9 6 0 .600 W 25–0 November 18, 2021 Atlanta, Georgia 1–0 postseason
Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans 24 16 1 .598 W 36–13 November 28, 2021 Foxborough, Massachusetts 2–2 postseason
New York Giants 7 5 0 .583 L 10–7 November 26, 2023 Foxborough, Massachusetts 0–2 postseason
New York Jets 72 54 1 .571 L 17–3 January 7, 2024 Foxborough, Massachusetts 2–1 postseason
St. Louis / Phoenix / Arizona Cardinals 9 7 0 .563 W 27–13 December 12, 2022 Glendale, Arizona
Cleveland Browns 14 12 0 .538 W 38–15 October 16, 2022 Cleveland, Ohio 0–1 postseason
St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams 7 6 0 .538 L 24–3 December 10, 2020 Inglewood, California 2–0 postseason
Oakland / Los Angeles / Las Vegas Raiders 18 16 1 .529 L 21–17 October 15, 2023 Las Vegas, Nevada 2–1 postseason
Green Bay Packers 6 6 0 .500 L 27–24 October 2, 2022 Green Bay, Wisconsin 0–1 postseason
Pittsburgh Steelers 15 15 0 .500 W 21–18 December 7, 2023 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 4–1 postseason
Miami Dolphins 53 61 0 .465 L 31–17 October 29, 2023 Miami Gardens, Florida 2–1 postseason
Denver Broncos 23 27 0 .460 W 26–23 December 24, 2023 Denver, Colorado 1–4 postseason
Seattle Seahawks 8 10 0 .444 L 35–30 September 20, 2020 Seattle, Washington 1–0 postseason
Carolina Panthers 3 4 0 .429 W 24–6 November 7, 2021 Charlotte, North Carolina 1–0 postseason
Philadelphia Eagles 6 8 0 .429 L 25–20 September 10, 2023 Foxborough, Massachusetts 1–1 postseason
Washington Commanders 5 7 0 .417 L 20–17 November 5, 2023 Foxborough, Massachusetts
Kansas City Chiefs 14 21 3 .408 L 27–17 December 17, 2023 Foxborough, Massachusetts 2–0 postseason
Dallas Cowboys 6 9 0 .400 L 38–3 October 1, 2023 Arlington, Texas
San Francisco 49ers 5 9 0 .357 L 33–6 October 25, 2020 Foxborough, Massachusetts
Total 541 433 9 .555
Total including playoffs 578 455 9 .559

Playoff record

The Patriots snapping the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.
Year Game Opponent Result
1963 Divisional Round Buffalo Bills W 26–8
AFL Championship San Diego Chargers L 51–10
1976 Divisional Round Oakland Raiders L 24–21
1978 Divisional Round Houston Oilers L 31–14
1982 AFC Wild Card Miami Dolphins L 31–14
1985 AFC Wild Card New York Jets W 26–14
Divisional Round Los Angeles Raiders W 27–14
AFC Championship Miami Dolphins W 31–14
Super Bowl XX Chicago Bears L 46–10
1986 Divisional Round Denver Broncos L 22–17
1994 AFC Wild Card Cleveland Browns L 20–13
1996 Divisional Round Pittsburgh Steelers W 28–3
AFC Championship Jacksonville Jaguars W 20–6
Super Bowl XXXI Green Bay Packers L 35–21
1997 AFC Wild Card Miami Dolphins W 17–13
Divisional Round Pittsburgh Steelers L 7–6
1998 AFC Wild Card Jacksonville Jaguars L 25–10
2001 Divisional Round Oakland Raiders W 16–13
AFC Championship Pittsburgh Steelers W 24–17
Super Bowl XXXVI St. Louis Rams W 20–17
2003 Divisional Round Tennessee Titans W 17–14
AFC Championship Indianapolis Colts W 24–14
Super Bowl XXXVIII Carolina Panthers W 32–29
2004 Divisional Round Indianapolis Colts W 20–3
AFC Championship Pittsburgh Steelers W 41–27
Super Bowl XXXIX Philadelphia Eagles W 24–21
2005 AFC Wild Card Jacksonville Jaguars W 28–3
Divisional Round Denver Broncos L 27–13
2006 AFC Wild Card New York Jets W 37–16
Divisional Round San Diego Chargers W 24–21
AFC Championship Indianapolis Colts L 38–34
2007 Divisional Round Jacksonville Jaguars W 31–20
AFC Championship San Diego Chargers W 21–12
Super Bowl XLII New York Giants L 17–14
2009 AFC Wild Card Baltimore Ravens L 33–14
2010 Divisional Round New York Jets L 28–21
2011 Divisional Round Denver Broncos W 45–10
AFC Championship Baltimore Ravens W 23–20
Super Bowl XLVI New York Giants L 21–17
2012 Divisional Round Houston Texans W 41–28
AFC Championship Baltimore Ravens L 28–13
2013 Divisional Round Indianapolis Colts W 43–22
AFC Championship Denver Broncos L 26–16
2014 Divisional Round Baltimore Ravens W 35–31
AFC Championship Indianapolis Colts W 45–7
Super Bowl XLIX Seattle Seahawks W 28–24
2015 Divisional Round Kansas City Chiefs W 27–20
AFC Championship Denver Broncos L 20–18
2016 Divisional Round Houston Texans W 34–16
AFC Championship Pittsburgh Steelers W 36–17
Super Bowl LI Atlanta Falcons W 34–28 (OT)
2017 Divisional Round Tennessee Titans W 35–14
AFC Championship Jacksonville Jaguars W 24–20
Super Bowl LII Philadelphia Eagles L 41–33
2018 Divisional Round Los Angeles Chargers W 41–28
AFC Championship Kansas City Chiefs W 37–31 (OT)
Super Bowl LIII Los Angeles Rams W 13–3
2019 AFC Wild Card Tennessee Titans L 20–13
2021 AFC Wild Card Buffalo Bills L 47–17
Overall Playoff Record: 37–22

All-time leaders

The longest tenured and most decorated player in franchise history, Tom Brady holds nearly every record in career, single-season, and single-game passing statistics for the Patriots (regular season and playoffs), in addition to having the most total games played with the franchise.
A career Patriot and a 3× Super Bowl champion, RB Kevin Faulk is the club's all-time leader in all-purpose yards (receiving, rushing, and return yards combined) with 12,340 total yards.
3× Super Bowl champion K Stephen Gostkowski is the team's all-time leader in points scored with 1,775 total points. He also holds the single-season scoring record with 158 in 2013.
All-time Patriots leaders
Leader Name Record number Tenure
Passing Tom Brady 74,571 passing yards 2000–2019
Rushing Sam Cunningham 5,453 rushing yards 1973–1982
Receiving Stanley Morgan 10,352 receiving yards 1977–1989
Scoring Stephen Gostkowski 1,775 points 2006–2019
Sacks Andre Tippett 100.0 sacks 1982–1993
Interceptions Raymond Clayborn 36 interceptions 1977–1989
Ty Law 1995–2004
Coaching wins Bill Belichick 266 wins 2000–2023

Statistics

Career leaders

Single-season leaders

Individual awards

A three-time NFL MVP, two-time NFL OPOY, NFL CPOY and four-time Super Bowl MVP (the NFL-record for the most Super Bowl MVPs with one franchise) with the Patriots, Tom Brady is seen celebrating the team's dramatic comeback victory over the Falcons in Super Bowl LI

The following Patriots have received these league honorific awards. They are specifically from the Associated Press, except for two cases: The NFL in the case of the Super Bowl MVP and the Pro Football Writers of America in the case of the Executive of the Year award. Seasons in which the AFL counterparts of the awards were won (1960–1969) are labeled.

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

NFL Most Valuable Player
Season Player Position
1964 Gino Cappelletti FL/K
1966 Jim Nance FB
2007 Tom Brady QB
2010
2017


NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Season Player Position
2007 Tom Brady QB
2010


NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Season Player Position
2019 Stephon Gilmore CB

Super Bowl Most Valuable Player
Super Bowl Player Position
XXXVI Tom Brady QB
XXXVIII
XXXIX Deion Branch WR
XLIX Tom Brady QB
LI
LIII Julian Edelman WR


NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Season Player Position
1988 John Stephens RB
1991 Leonard Russell RB
1995 Curtis Martin RB


NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Season Player Position
1976 Mike Haynes CB
2008 Jerod Mayo LB

NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Season Player Position
1966 Vito "Babe" Parilli QB
2005 Tedy Bruschi LB
2009 Tom Brady QB
2014 Rob Gronkowski TE


NFL Coach of the Year
Season Coach
1994 Bill Parcells
2003 Bill Belichick
2007
2010


NFL Executive of the Year
Season Executive
2003 Scott Pioli
2007
2021 Bill Belichick

Players of note

Further information: List of New England Patriots players, List of New England Patriots starting quarterbacks, and List of New England Patriots first-round draft picks

Current roster

New England Patriots roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Reserve


As of January 6, 2025. Rookies in italics.

65 active, 7 reserve

Hall of Fame G John Hannah, widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. Spending his entire career with the Patriots, Hannah received many individual accolades and awards, and is a franchise icon.
Hall of Fame CB, 3× Super Bowl champion Ty Law (pictured with Denver Broncos). Law is tied for the record of most interceptions in the franchise's history (36). Law also had one of the most memorable moments in Patriots history, with a 47-yard pick-six in Super Bowl XXXVI.
Hall of Fame DE, 3× Super Bowl champion Richard Seymour. Seymour was considered one of the most versatile defensive lineman in the NFL during his tenure.
Hall of Fame LB Andre Tippett, the Patriots' all-time sack leader (100.0). Tippett achieved his sack totals in only 11 seasons played.
Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss, widely regarded as one of the greatest receivers of all time, caught an NFL-record (still standing) 23 receiving touchdowns in a single-season as a Patriot, during the historic undefeated 16–0 2007 season.

Pro Football Hall of Famers

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has inducted six players who made their primary contribution to professional football while with the Patriots. The Patriots' total number of Pro Football Hall of Famers is 12 (11 players and 1 coach).

Notes:

  • Hall of Famers who made the major part of their primary contribution for the Patriots are listed in bold.
  • Hall of Famers who spent only a minor portion of their career with the Patriots are listed in normal font.
New England Patriots in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Players
No. Name Inducted Position(s) Tenure
85 Buoniconti, NickNick Buoniconti 2001 LB 1962–1968
73 Hannah, JohnJohn Hannah 1991 G 1973–1985
40 Haynes, MikeMike Haynes 1997 CB 1976–1982
24 Law, TyTy Law 2019 CB 1995–2004
28 Martin, CurtisCurtis Martin 2012 RB 1995–1997
66 McMichael, SteveSteve McMichael 2024 DT 1980
81 Moss, RandyRandy Moss 2018 WR 2007–2010
24 Revis, DarrelleDarrelle Revis 2023 CB 2014
55 Seau, JuniorJunior Seau 2015 LB 2006–2009
93 Seymour, RichardRichard Seymour 2022 DE 2001–2008
56 Tippett, AndreAndre Tippett 2008 LB 1982–1993
Coaches and Contributors
Name Inducted Position(s) Tenure
Parcells, BillBill Parcells 2013 Head coach 1993–1996

Retired numbers

Main article: List of New England Patriots retired numbers
Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
New England Patriots retired numbers
No. Player Position Tenure Retired
12 Tom Brady QB 2000–2019 June 12, 2024
20 Gino Cappelletti FL/K 1960–1970 1971
40 Mike Haynes CB 1976–1982 1996
57 Steve Nelson LB 1974–1987 July 11, 1988
73 John Hannah G 1973–1985 1990
78 Bruce Armstrong T 1987–2000 September 30, 2001
79 Jim Lee Hunt DT 1960–1970 1971
89 Bob Dee DE 1960–1967 1968

The Patriots have officially retired eight uniform numbers, having only retired three numbers since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994. Three of the retirees careers spanned the original AFL-era Boston Patriots. The only unofficial retired number is Andre Tippett's 56, which has not been reissued since he announced his retirement after the 1993 season.

Patriots Hall of Fame

The Patriots Hall of Fame features 31 former players and four contributors as a part of the franchise's own hall of fame, founded to independently commemorate significant members of the organization within the club's history. It is referred to by the team as "the franchise's highest individual honor". It was established in 1991, with John Hannah being the inaugural member.

The physical Patriots Hall of Fame building opened in 2008 outside of the stadium at Patriot Place, presented by RTX. Featuring a vast collection of game-worn gear, game-used equipment, memorabilia, trophies, in addition to multiple exhibits using audio and video technology, it is periodically renovated and updated yearly. It is described as a "modern, interactive museum".

A committee of media and staff selected 11 players for enshrinement between 1991 and 2001, before a six-year span of no selections. In 2007, in advance of the grand opening of the physical Patriots Hall of Fame in 2008, the club introduced a new nomination committee to select three candidates, with the winner of an internet fan vote being enshrined in the hall of fame. In order to be eligible, players and head coaches must be retired for at least four years. Beginning in 2011, and meeting every four-to-five years, a senior selection committee has the option of voting a player who has been retired for at least 25 seasons into the hall of fame, alongside the traditional inductee.

Starting in 2009, long-time "contributors", which can range from roles such as assistant coaches and broadcasters, have been periodically inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame directly by owner Robert Kraft. Former team owner and founder Billy Sullivan was posthumously inducted in March 2009, before the Patriots' 50th season, as the first contributor inducted.

Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Patriots Hall of Fame
No. Name Position Years with club Inducted
65 Houston Antwine~† DL 1961–1971 2015
78 Bruce Armstrong T 1987–2000 2001
11 Drew Bledsoe QB 1993–2001 2011
12 Tom Brady QB 2000–2019 2024
80 Troy Brown WR
WR/KR Coach		 1993–2007
2020–present		 2012
54 Tedy Bruschi LB 1996–2008 2013
85 Nick Buoniconti LB 1962–1968 1992
20 Gino Cappelletti FL/K
Broadcaster		 1960–1970
1972–1978, 1988–2012		 1992
26 Raymond Clayborn CB 1977–1989 2017
87 Ben Coates TE 1991–1999 2008
39 Sam Cunningham RB 1973–1982 2010
89 Bob Dee† DL 1960–1967 1993
33 Kevin Faulk RB 1999–2011 2016
70 Leon Gray~† T 1973–1978 2019
14 Steve Grogan QB 1975–1990 1995
73 John Hannah G 1973–1985 1991
37 Rodney Harrison S 2003–2008 2019
40 Mike Haynes CB 1976–1982 1994
79 Jim Lee Hunt† DT 1960–1971 1993
24 Ty Law CB 1995–2004 2014
72 Matt Light T 2001–2011 2018
55 Willie McGinest LB/DE 1994–2005 2015
86 Stanley Morgan WR 1977–1989 2007
56 Jon Morris~ C 1964–1974 2011
35 Jim Nance† FB 1965–1971 2009
57 Steve Nelson LB 1974–1987 1993
15 Vito "Babe" Parilli QB 1961–1967 1993
— Gil Santos* Broadcaster 1972–1979
1991–2012		 2013
— Dante Scarnecchia* Assistant Coach 1982–1988
1991–2013
2016–2019		 2023
93 Richard Seymour DL 2001–2008 2020
— Tracy Sormanti*† Cheerleading Director 1983–2020 2021
— Billy Sullivan*† Founder/Owner 1960–1988 2009
56 Andre Tippett LB
Executive Director of Community Affairs		 1982–1993
2007–present		 1999
50 Mike Vrabel LB 2001–2008 2023
75 Vince Wilfork DL 2004–2014 2022

Notes:

  • = Inducted as a contributor
  • = Inducted as a senior selection
  • = Posthumous induction

NFL All-Decade and Anniversary team selections

Tom Brady, John Hannah, and Bill Belichick are among the prestigious list of people to have been named to multiple NFL all-decade teams, all entirely for their time with the Patriots. Each were also named to the honorific NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Hannah was also selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.

The following Patriots were named to the AFL All-Time Team (1960–1969), as well any NFL all-decade team after the AFL–NFL merger in 1970 (and NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams, selected in 1994 and 2019, respectively). Only those who spent time with New England during the respective decades are listed for all-decade team selections.

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

AFL All-Time team (1960–1969)
No. Name Position Tenure
56 Jon Morris C 1964–1974
65 Houston Antwine DT 1961–1971
85 Nick Buoniconti MLB 1962–1968
46 Bob Scarpitto P 1968
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
No. Name Position Tenure
73 John Hannah G 1973–1985
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
No. Name Position Tenure
73 John Hannah G 1973–1985
56 Andre Tippett LB 1982–1993
40 Mike Haynes CB 1976–1982

NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
No. Name Position Tenure
73 John Hannah G 1973–1985
40 Mike Haynes CB 1976–1982
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
No. Name Position Tenure
87 Ben Coates TE 1991–1999
— Bill Parcells Coach 1993–1996
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
No. Name Position Tenure
12 Tom Brady QB 2000–2019
81 Randy Moss WR 2007–2010
93 Richard Seymour DE 2001–2008
24 Ty Law CB 1995–2004
4 Adam Vinatieri K 1996–2005
— Bill Belichick Coach 2000–2023

NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
No. Name Position Tenure
12 Tom Brady QB 2000–2019
81 Randy Moss WR 2007–2010
87 Rob Gronkowski TE 2010–2018
73 John Hannah G 1973–1985
55 Junior Seau LB 2006–2009
40 Mike Haynes CB 1976–1982
4 Adam Vinatieri K 1996–2005
— Bill Belichick Coach 2000–2023
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
No. Name Position Tenure
12 Tom Brady QB 2000–2019
17 Antonio Brown WR 2019
87 Rob Gronkowski TE 2010–2018
70 Logan Mankins G 2005–2013
95 Chandler Jones LB 2012–2015
24 Darrelle Revis CB 2014
3 Stephen Gostkowski K 2006–2019
84 Cordarrelle Patterson KR 2018
— Bill Belichick Coach 2000–2023

Patriots All-Decade teams

Starting in 2010, every ten years the Patriots Hall of Fame committee will release an all-decade team to celebrate the greatest members of the team at every position during each respective decade. The committee has retroactively released all-decade teams for every decade prior to the 2000s.

1960s (AFL)

In November 1971, fans voted on a 10-year Patriots anniversary team, which coincided with the team's 10 years in the then-defunct American Football League: Additional selections for returner, special teamer, and coach were added in 2009:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Known affectionately as "Mr. Patriot", FL/K Gino Cappelletti was one of the franchise's first star players, playing from the inaugural season until the 1970 season. He then remained close to the team as broadcaster until 2012.
Boston Patriots All-1960s team (1971)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Coach Coach

1970s

In March 2009, as part of the Patriots' 50th anniversary, a group of local media and other team figures selected all-decade teams for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

RB Sam "Bam" Cunningham is the franchise's all-time rushing yards leader. He was the leading rusher of the historical 1978 team, in which the Patriots achieved an NFL record 3,165 total rushing yards as a team. This league record stood until 2019, when the Ravens surpassed the record.
New England Patriots All-1970s team (2009)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Coach Coach

1980s

In March 2009, as part of the Patriots' 50th anniversary, a group of local media and other team figures selected all-decade teams for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

QB Steve Grogan was known as one of the daring players of his era, with his willingness to scramble out of the pocket. His 12 rushing touchdowns as a QB in 1976 would stand as single-season NFL-record until 2011, when Cam Newton surpassed it.
New England Patriots All-1980s team (2009)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Coach Coach

1990s

In March 2009, as part of the Patriots' 50th anniversary, a group of local media and other team figures selected all-decade teams for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

K Adam Vinatieri began his long and storied career with the Patriots, completing multiple franchise-altering kicks to help the team reach and win three Super Bowls. Vinatieri kicked two famous field goals in the Tuck Rule Game in blizzard-like conditions, as well as the game-winning field goals in the Patriots' first two Super Bowl victories.
New England Patriots All-1990s team (2009)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Coach Coach

2000s

On March 16, 2010, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected an all-decade team for the 2000s:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

WR Wes Welker, despite being undrafted and undersized, broke barriers and re-defined the slot receiver position in the NFL. He holds the franchise's career receptions record (672), single-season receptions record (123 in 2009), and single-season receiving yards record (1,569 yards in 2011).
New England Patriots All-2000s team (2010)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Coach Coach

2010s

On April 29, 2020, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected an all-decade team for the 2010s:

A Rutgers product, FS Devin McCourty was one of the defensive stalwarts of the 2010s teams. A career Patriot, McCourty is considered one of the greatest leaders to ever don a Patriots uniform, he was named a team captain every year after his rookie season for the rest of his 13-year career. His level of play led to his role in three Super Bowl championships.
New England Patriots All-2010s team (2020)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Coach Coach

Patriots Anniversary teams

Periodically, the Patriots Hall of Fame committee will release an anniversary team to celebrate the greatest members of the team at every position up to the year of publication.

35th Anniversary team (1994)

In 1994, a group of local media selected a 35th anniversary team:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

LB Steve Nelson was a defensive anchor for the Patriots for 14 seasons. He led the Patriots in tackles in eight of his 14 seasons, including an unofficial team record of 207 in 1984.
New England Patriots 35th Anniversary team (1994)
Unit Position Players
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Coverage

50th Anniversary team (2009)

In 2009, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected a 50th anniversary team:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

S Rodney Harrison joined the Patriots after the team failed to repeat as champions in the 2002 season. His physicality, mental toughness and work ethic was a perfect fit and led to Harrison having a big role in the Patriots winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 2003 and 2004.
New England Patriots 50th Anniversary team (2009)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Captains Captains
Coach Coach

All-Dynasty team (2001–2019)

On October 22, 2020, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected an "All-Dynasty Team" to celebrate the greatest members of the team at every position throughout the Patriots dynasty from 2001 to 2019:

Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

DT Vince Wilfork was drafted in the 2004 NFL draft and contributed immediately. Wilfork is known as one of the greatest pure nose tackles in NFL history, and was a favorite amongst teammates and fans alike. A member of two Super Bowl winning teams, Wilfork was the only Patriots player besides Tom Brady to have won in both decades of the dynasty (2004 and 2014).
New England Patriots All-Dynasty team (2001–2019)
Unit Position Players & coach
Offense Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive line
Defense Defensive line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Special teams Kicker/punter
Returner
Coverage
Long snapper
Coach Coach

Pro Bowl selections

The following Patriots players have been named to the Pro Bowl (or the AFL All-Star game prior to 1970):

Two Patriots has been named Pro Bowl MVP, Vito "Babe" Parilli in 1966 (AFL), and Ty Law as co-MVP in 1998.

In addition to the players, three Patriots coaches have participated in the Pro Bowl as conference coaches. Mike Holovak in 1963 and 1966 (AFL), Chuck Fairbanks in 1978, and Bill Belichick in 2006 and 2010.

Special teams gunner Matthew Slater, widely regarded as one of the greatest special teams players ever, holds the record for the most Pro Bowl selections of any special teams player in NFL history with 10 selections.

First-team All-Pro selections

The following Patriots players have been named AP First-team All-Pro (or All-AFL prior to 1970):

CB Stephon Gilmore was an integral member of the Patriots' late 2010s defenses, achieving two-time First-team All-Pro honors and the franchise's first NFL DPOY recipient in 2019. His fourth-quarter interception during the final minutes of Super Bowl LIII helped seal the Patriots' eventual victory.

All-time first-round draft picks

Main article: List of New England Patriots first-round draft picks

Administration and personnel

Robert Kraft, a native Bostonian and a Patriots fanatic before purchasing the team, bought the franchise in 1994.

Ownership

The Patriots have had four owners since becoming a franchise, the first being Massachusetts native Billy Sullivan from 1959 to 1988. During Sullivan's 28 seasons of owning the club, the Patriots tallied 14 winning records, made six playoff appearances, played in the 1963 AFL Championship Game and represented the AFC in Super Bowl XX. However, he was also notoriously cheap, and would cause friction with some his high-profile players who were seeking to be respected and paid what they were worth, causing someone such as future Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Haynes to seek an owner who was team first.

Following his bankruptcy, Sullivan sold the team to Remington Products owner Victor Kiam in 1988. The sale did not include Foxboro Stadium, which Sullivan lost in a bankruptcy sale to paper magnate Robert Kraft, and Kiam lost money on the deal. In 1990, Lisa Olson, a Boston Herald reporter, sued Kiam and the Patriots when Zeke Mowatt allegedly exposed himself and made lewd comments to her in the team change room. The incident stirred debate over female reporters in the locker room. Kiam became the center of the controversy when he came to the defense of the players' actions.

In his later career, Kiam's business interests moved on from the Patriots, so he sold them in 1992 to St. Louis businessman James Orthwein. During his ownership, Orthwein hired Bill Parcells as head coach and oversaw the drafting of first-overall draft pick quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who helped to return the moribund franchise to respectability. He planned to relocate the Patriots franchise to St. Louis, renaming the team the St. Louis Stallions. However, those plans were derailed when Boston paper magnate Robert Kraft, owner of Foxboro Stadium, refused to accept a buyout of the lease. Kraft used his ownership of the stadium to stage a hostile takeover, offering to pay $175 million for the Patriots franchise knowing that Orthwein no longer wanted the team if he could not move it to St. Louis. Although future St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke offered to buy the team for $200 million and move it to St. Louis, Orthwein would have been saddled with all moving expenses. He also would have been responsible for any legal expenses as well, and Kraft had already made it clear that he would go to court to enforce the lease. With no other choice, Orthwein accepted Kraft's bid on January 21, 1994.

Kraft had been a life-long fan (he was a season ticket holder since 1971) before he purchased the team and intended to support them much more than all of the previous owners did, making multiple moves that have turned New England into an admirable franchise since. The Patriots under Kraft have been the NFL's most successful franchise since 1994. Since then, the Patriots have appeared in ten Super Bowls, have won six, and had numerous league records established by the franchise.

Name Tenure Record Titles
W L T
Billy Sullivan 1960–1987 193 202 9
Victor Kiam 1988–1991 21 43 0
James Orthwein 1992–1993 7 25 0
Robert Kraft 1994–present 320 163 0 6

Head coaches

Main article: List of New England Patriots head coaches
Bill Belichick, head coach from 2000 to 2023, led the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time.

The Patriots have had 15 head coaches throughout their history as a franchise. Jerod Mayo was the most recent head coach as of the end of the 2024 season. The role is currently vacant.

Bill Belichick had the longest tenure as head coach (23 seasons) with the Patriots, and coached the team from 2000 to 2023. He has been widely considered one of the greatest coaches of all time, and was named a member of the NFL 100th All-Time Anniversary Team, due to his numerous accomplishments with the Patriots. He specifically led the Patriots to 17 AFC East division titles, 13 appearances in the AFC Championship Game, and nine Super Bowl appearances, with a record six wins.

Belichick was the NFL's longest-tenured head coach at the time of his departure, as well as the first all-time in playoff coaching wins with 31 and third in regular season coaching wins in the NFL with 297. He is one of only three head coaches who have won six NFL titles. He was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the 2003, 2007, and 2010 seasons. Belichick led the team for more regular season games (336), post-season games (42) and more complete seasons (23) than any other head coach. His 266 wins with the Patriots are far and away the most in franchise history, more than quadruple times those of runner-up Mike Holovak.

Belichick was acquired in a "trade" with the rival New York Jets. Belichick did not want to be under Bill Parcells' authority there in 2000, with uncertainty of his role once their owner, Leon Hess, died. The initial promise was that Belichick would've been granted extreme authority over all of the Jets executive decisions, but when Hess died Parcells overruled the stipulation with loopholes, so he would remain in control as general manager, leading to Belichick's infamous resignation in 2000. Parcells, a two winning Super Bowl champion coach with the New York Giants (also was an assistant with the Patriots in the early 1980s), had joined New England's staff for the 1993 season to help resurrect the franchise from its dark early 1990s days but had conflicted interests with owner Robert Kraft. In his last year with the Patriots in 1996, Parcells brought in his assistant head coach from his Giants days, Belichick, after being dismissed from coaching five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Here, Kraft would plant the seeds of a bond between him and Belichick, as Belichick would often mediate issues between Kraft and Parcells. Although Belichick left in 1997 to once again be Parcells assistant in their Jets regime, cold feet about his long-term role there brought him back after negotiating with Kraft, even though he was still under contract with the Jets. The Patriots had technically "tampered" in communicating with Belichick. For compensation, the Patriots gave the Jets their first round pick in the 2000 NFL draft, where even without their first round pick, the Patriots would coincidentally draft Tom Brady in the sixth round, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time and the NFL's greatest draft steal.

While Belichick led the team to nine of their eleven Super Bowl appearances, winning six of them, before him the Patriots saw some championship game appearances. Holovak, Raymond Berry and Parcells all led the Patriots to league championship games, with only one coach failing to reach the Super Bowl. Five Patriots head coaches, Holovak, Chuck Fairbanks, Berry, Parcells, and Belichick, have been named coach of the year by at least one major news organization. The first head coach in franchise history was Lou Saban, who coached them to a 7–12–0 record in the 1960 season.

Name Tenure Record Titles
W L T
Lou Saban 1960–1961 7 12 0
Mike Holovak 1961–1968 52 49 9
Clive Rush 1969–1970 5 16 0
John Mazur 1971–1972 9 21 0
Phil Bengtson* 1972 1 4 0
Chuck Fairbanks 1973–1978 46 39 0
Ron Erhardt 1979–1981 21 28 0
Ron Meyer 1982–1984 18 15 0
Raymond Berry 1984–1989 48 39 0
Rod Rust 1990 1 15 0
Dick MacPherson 1991–1992 8 24 0
Bill Parcells 1993–1996 32 32 0
Pete Carroll 1997–1999 27 21 0
Bill Belichick 2000–2023 266 121 0 6
Jerod Mayo 2024 4 13 0

Note:

  • = Interim coach
New England Patriots staff
Front office
  • Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
  • President – Jonathan Kraft
  • Executive vice president of player personnel – Eliot Wolf
  • Executive vice president of football business – Robyn Glaser
  • Director of player personnel – Matt Groh
  • Director of pro personnel – Patrick Stewart
  • Assistant director of pro personnel – Sam Fioroni
  • Director of college scouting – Camren Williams
  • Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier
  • Director of football strategy – Marshall Oium
  • Personnel coordinator – Brian Smith
  • Senior personnel executive – Alonzo Highsmith
Head coach
  • Head coach – Vacant
Offensive coaches
  • Offensive coordinator – Vacant
  • Senior offensive assistant – Ben McAdoo
  • Quarterbacks – T. C. McCartney
  • Assistant quarterbacks / Director of game management – Evan Rothstein
  • Running backs – Taylor Embree
  • Wide receivers – Tyler Hughes
  • Assistant wide receivers – Tiquan Underwood
  • Tight ends – Bob Bicknell
  • Offensive line – Scott Peters
  • Assistant offensive line – Robert Kugler
  • Offensive coaching assistant – Michael McCarthy
  • Offensive coaching assistant – Omar Young
  
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Skill development
  • Director of skill development – Joe Kim
  • Skill development / Kick & punt returners – Troy Brown
  • Special assistant to the head coach – Matthew Slater
Strength and conditioning
  • Head strength and conditioning – Deron Mayo
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Brian McDonough
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Brandon Martuccio
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Dexter Taylor


→ Coaching staff
→ Front office
→ More NFL staffs

Offensive coordinator history

Source:

Years Name
2024 Alex Van Pelt
2023 Bill O'Brien
2012–2021 Josh McDaniels
2011 Bill O'Brien
2006–2008 Josh McDaniels
2000–2004 Charlie Weis
1998–1999 Ernie Zampese
1997 Larry Kennan
1993–1996 Ray Perkins
1991–1992 Dick Coury
1990 Jimmy Raye II
1982–1984 Lew Erber
1977–1978 Ron Erhardt
1973–1976 Red Miller

Defensive coordinator history

Source:

Years Name
2024–present DeMarcus Covington
2012–2017 Matt Patricia
2006–2009 Dean Pees
2005 Eric Mangini
2001–2004 Romeo Crennel
1997–1999 Steve Sidwell
1993–1996 Al Groh
1991–1992 Joe Collier
1990 Charlie Sumner
1983–1987 Rod Rust
1982 Jim E. Mora
1980–1981 Fritz Shurmur
1973–1978 Hank Bullough

Culture

Patriots fans rallying in celebration of the team's Super Bowl XXXVIII championship in front of Boston City Hall in 2003 (left). Patriots fans in attendance for the victory parade of Super Bowl LI on Boylston St., Boston in 2017 (right).

Cheerleaders

Main article: New England Patriots Cheerleaders
The team's cheerleading squad performing a routine in 2007

The Patriots' professional cheerleading squad is the New England Patriots Cheerleaders which represents the team in the NFL. Notable alumni of the cheerleading squad include wrestler Carmella and model Camille Kostek. Long-time cheerleading director Tracy Sormanti, who was the cheer director since 1994 and had been involved with the organization since 1983, died after a three-year battle with multiple myeloma in 2020. She was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2021 as a contributor.

Mascots

Pat Patriot in 2009

The Patriots' official mascot since 1995 has been Pat Patriot, a revolutionary minuteman wearing a Patriots home jersey based on the original logo of the same name.

The Patriots also employ a corps known as the End Zone Militia, a group of American Revolutionary War reenactors founded in 1996 by Geoff Campbell, a reenactor for the 9th Massachusetts Regiment (26th Continental Regiment). Consisting of about 30 men and women, they dress 20 for each home game and split themselves into two groups of 10 lining the back of either end zone. When the Patriots score – whether it be a touchdown, field goal, point-after-touchdown or safety – the militia behind the opposite end zone fire a volley of blanks from flintlock muskets. Per an interview with the Loren & Wally Show on WROR 105.7 FM in and around the time of Super Bowl XLIX, said shots use double the load of black powder than a regular historical reenactor does, specifically 200 grains, in order to be heard throughout the stadium. ESPN writer Josh Pahigian named this one of the top ten celebrations in the league in 2007.

Fans

The team draws much of its fanbase from the New England region of the United States, as well as from the Canadian province of Quebec and much of Atlantic Canada.

Radio and television

For a more comprehensive list, see List of New England Patriots broadcasters.
Map of New England Patriots radio affiliates

The Patriots' flagship radio station is WBZ-FM (98.5 FM, otherwise known as "The Sports Hub"), owned by Beasley Broadcast Group. The larger radio network is called the New England Patriots Radio Network, whose 37 affiliate stations span seven states. Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti were the longtime announcing team until their retirement following the conclusion of the 2012 NFL season. Santos was replaced by Bob Socci. Former Patriots QB Scott Zolak joined the radio team in the 2011 season as a sideline analyst, and in 2013, he replaced Cappelletti as color commentator.

Any preseason games not on national television are shown on CBS's O&O WBZ-TV, who also airs the bulk of Patriots regular-season games by virtue of CBS having the rights to most AFC games; CBS also has a presence at the nearby Patriot Place with the "CBS Scene" bar and restaurant. During the regular season whenever the Patriots host an NFC team, the games are aired on Fox affiliate WFXT-TV, and NBC Sunday Night Football games are carried by Boston NBC station WBTS-CD. Preseason games were broadcast on ABC affiliate WCVB-TV from 1995 until the change to WBZ in 2009 (WCVB continues to simulcast ESPN's Monday Night Football games featuring the Patriots). Don Criqui was play-by-play announcer for the 1995–2012 seasons, with Randy Cross as a color commentator and Mike Lynch as a sideline reporter. Lynch was replaced by WBZ reporter Steve Burton in 2009.

Controversies

See also: List of conspiracy theories § New England Patriots

Snowplow Game

Main article: Snowplow Game

During a December 12, 1982, home game against the Miami Dolphins under icy conditions, the game remained scoreless until the fourth quarter when Patriots head coach Ron Meyer motioned to snowplow operator Mark Henderson to specifically clear a spot on the field for New England kicker John Smith so he could kick what proved to be the game-winning 33-yard field goal to give the Patriots a 3–0 win. At the time, an emergency ground rule was put into play where the officials could call time-out and allow the ground crew to use a snowplow to clear the yard markers, but not plow often enough to keep the field clear. Dolphins head coach Don Shula, believing it to be against the league rules, pointed out that the league's unfair act clause allowed the league to overturn it, and met with NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle several days later to formally protest the game result. Although Rozelle agreed with Shula that the use of the plow gave the Patriots an unfair advantage, he said that he had never reversed the result of a game and was not going to start doing so for any reason, including cheating. Henderson, a convict on work release, jokingly remarked, "What are they gonna do, throw me in jail?"

The following year, the NFL banned the use of snowplows on the field during a game. The Patriots organization has commemorated the game with an exhibit at the Hall at Patriot Place within Gillette Stadium, where the plow itself hangs from the ceiling.

Spygate

Main article: Spygate (NFL)

During the 2007 season, the New England Patriots were disciplined by the league for videotaping New York Jets' defensive coaches' signals from an unauthorized location during a September 9, 2007, game. Videotaping opposing coaches is not illegal in the NFL de jure, but there are designated areas allowed by the league to do such taping. After an investigation, the NFL fined Patriots head coach Bill Belichick $500,000 for his role in the incident, fined the Patriots $250,000, and docked the team their original first-round selection in the 2008 NFL draft, which would have been the 31st pick of the draft.

Deflategate

Main article: Deflategate

During the 2015 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, allegations arose that the Patriots were using under-inflated footballs. It was even suggested that the Patriots' staff themselves deliberately deflated the footballs to give their team an unfair advantage during the playoffs. A lengthy investigation and heated debate commenced shortly afterwards, with a full report being published in May 2015. The Wells Report found that balls provided by the Patriots, who were the home team, indeed had less pressure on average than the balls provided by the Colts. Also notable was the findings of some suggestions of communication between Tom Brady and two Patriots locker room attendants, indicating Brady was likely "generally aware" of the situation and that the Patriots staff intentionally deflated the footballs. A later study by the American Enterprise Institute called the evidence and methodology of the Wells report "deeply flawed" and "unreliable".

In the aftermath of the incident, the NFL suspended Brady without pay for the first four games of the 2015 season, fined the Patriots $1 million, and forced them to forfeit their 2016 first round draft pick and 2017 fourth round draft pick. Brady appealed his suspension, which was eventually vacated by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, only for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to reinstate it a year later for the 2016 NFL season. Brady eventually agreed to serve the suspension in 2016, but led the Patriots to win Super Bowl LI in spite of it.

Accusations of falsified data

However, in February 2022, sportswriter Mike Florio revealed that the NFL falsified data about the Deflategate scandal and hid information that would have cleared the Patriots of wrongdoing. In his book Playmakers: How the NFL Really Works (And Doesn't), Florio revealed that NFL executives, specifically vice president Troy Vincent, jumped to conclusions about the air pressure inside the Patriots' footballs at halftime of the AFC Championship game. He also noted that 11 of the 12 Patriot footballs used in the game were not outside the predicted range of Ideal Gas Law, and the other was only slightly below.

Florio also revealed that NFL general counsel Jeff Pash ordered that the records of all PSI data gathered from the 2015 season be deleted. Leaked transcripts revealed that the NFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations, Dave Gardi, used false numbers in his letter to the Patriots which stated that the team was to be investigated. It was also revealed that Vincent did not instruct anyone to record the timing of the measurements taken, the temperature in the room during testing, if the footballs tested were wet or dry, and that he did not know which of the two air pressure gauges was used to make the pregame measurements. Vincent also admitted that he and other NFL executives never heard of the Ideal Gas Law and were unaware that PSI in a football can change in certain environments.

See also

Notes and references

Explanatory notes

  1. Despite not technically being eligible until 2027 under the current rules, the traditional four-year waiting process was waived exclusively for Brady, directly by owner Robert Kraft, in addition to being inducted without the conventional ballot.
  2. Seymour was voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2020, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic his induction did not take place until 2021.
  3. Sormanti, inducted as a contributor, was the only member of the class of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the ballot for the traditional inductee was cancelled for that year.
  4. Seau was also a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team for his time outside of New England.
  5. As a part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Jones was listed as a linebacker (LB) due to his time with the Arizona Cardinals, in New England however he was specifically listed as a defensive end (DE).
  6. The 35th Anniversary team in 1994 was selected exclusively by local media with no additions from the Patriots Hall of Fame committee.

Citations

  1. ^ "The History of the New England Patriots". Patriots.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  2. "New uniforms unveiled". Patriots.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. May 25, 2000. Archived from the original on February 2, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021. Exactly what do colors Nautical Blue and New Century Silver look like? Find out Saturday evening, May 27, right here on Patriots.com. We'll show you exactly what the new uniforms look like after they are unveiled at the WBCN River Rave concert at Foxboro stadium.
  3. "New England Patriots Team History–NFL Football Operations". Operations.NFL.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  4. "New England Patriots Team Capsule" (PDF). 2022 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book (PDF). NFL Enterprises, LLC. July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  5. "New England Patriots Team Facts". ProFootballHOF.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  6. Patra, Kevin (September 28, 2021). "Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots: Who needs win most in Brady-Belichick reunion?". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023. Poor Boston fans. After years of being the Evil Empire, they watched their Golden Boy move to Tampa and bring all that success with him.
  7. O'Malley, Nick (April 20, 2021). "Patriots now have official 'Star Wars' Evil Empire shirts: How to buy NFL's new Marvel, Disney gear". MassLive.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  8. "NFL: Why the New England Patriots' 'evil empire' is back". BBC. November 21, 2021. Archived from the original on February 10, 2022.
  9. "Boston TE party: Gronkowski unstoppable for Patriots". NFL.com. January 19, 2012. Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  10. Dodge, Aaron (January 25, 2012). "Boston's TE Party: Patriots' Gronkowski & Hernandez Key to Offensive Juggernaut". BleacherReport.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  11. Smith, Deyscha (October 26, 2019). "Why Patriots defensive players nicknamed themselves 'The Boogeymen'". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on August 27, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  12. Scalavino, Erik (October 29, 2019). "Scary-good Patriots 'Boogeymen' lead NFL's top D". Patriots.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Archived from the original on August 13, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  13. "Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO". New England Patriots. Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  14. Perillo, Paul (July 12, 2023). "The Case for Robert Kraft". Paul Perillo. New England Patriots. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  15. Ozanian, Mike (September 8, 2023). "The World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams 2023". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  16. Ozanian, Mike; Teitelbaum, Justin (September 8, 2022). "The World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams 2022". Forbes. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  17. ^ "HISTORY: 1990 – 1999". Patriots.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Archived from the original on August 16, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  18. "New England Patriots Team History". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  19. Stephenson, Eric (January 23, 2017). "Why the New England Patriots Dynasty Stands Alone". US Represented. Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
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