The New England Patriots are one of the most famous football teams in the NFL. They are known for winning multiple Super Bowls and holding the record for most Super Bowl appearances in the league.
When the Patriots joined the NFL in 1970, they were known as the Boston Patriots. After the team moved to Foxborough in 1971, the name was changed to the New England Patriots.
The Patriots were known as a regional team, and most of the fans in Foxborough supported the NFL’s New York Giants. As a result, they often lost in crucial games in the closing minutes. This was especially true during their first season as a part of the NFL.
During their first year as a part of the NFL, the Patriots finished with the worst record in the league. However, they went on to make four straight playoff appearances before advancing to the Super Bowl. In fact, they tied for the most Super Bowl appearances in NFL history.
In addition, the Patriots are known for their offensive line, led by guard John Hannah. Their all-time leading rusher is Sam Cunningham. Also, quarterback Tom Brady has led the Patriots to a record nine Super Bowl appearances.
By 1973, the Patriots were coached by Chuck Fairbanks. He also drafted Jim Plunkett, the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Although the Patriots started the season with a 6-1 record, the team suffered a loss in each of the following five games.
The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are one of the most recognized NFL teams. The team is known for its unique history, and for emphasizing high-paid superstars and teamwork.
The name of the team is also a reflection of the team’s relocation. Originally called the Boston Patriots, the franchise changed its name to the New England Patriots in 1971.
The Patriots are currently a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). They are located in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Their stadium is Gillette Stadium. Since their founding, the Patriots have played at four different venues in the Boston area.
In their first season, the Patriots posted a 2-12 record. But they advanced to the AFL championship game in their fourth season.
It was during this time that the team’s logo was redesigned. Instead of the stylized depiction of a Revolutionary War tricorne hat, it was replaced with a silhouette of a Patriot head holding a football. This symbol is often nicknamed the “Flying Elvis” by fans.
The Patriots have won multiple championships and have achieved numerous accolades. They have played in six Super Bowls. Of these, the Patriots have won three in a row.
In the past, the Patriots have been considered as one of the best NFL teams in history. After Bill Belichick was hired as the head coach, the team began to achieve superlative status. While they lost their first two Super Bowls, they have made six more.
New England Patriots Super Bowl Wins
When it comes to the New England Patriots, it’s hard to overstate their ability to make an impact. The franchise has been successful throughout its history, accumulating 12 victories in twelve seasons and two conference championships. Despite a rough start in the 2014 season, the Patriots made their presence felt on the NFL stage, advancing to the AFC championship game.
In the early part of the decade, the Patriots were a dominant force in the NFL. They finished with a 14-2 record in 2002, the best in the league. By the time of Super Bowl III, the team was anchored by a 66-year-old coach, a 41-year-old quarterback and a few young, inexperienced receivers.
During the next four years, the Patriots won three Super Bowls and tied for the most wins in franchise history. In fact, the Patriots are in the midst of their own dynasty.
Despite the dynasty, the Patriots are still far from perfect. They’ve had two rough AFC championship games in the past two years and a nine-win season. That said, there is no denying that the Patriots are the kings of the hill in the division.
To give you an idea of how impressive the Patriots’ achievements are, consider that their last victory over the Rams was seventeen years ago. Their only other Super Bowl win was over the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. However, the Patriots did make it to the playoffs in two of those years, and qualified for the fourth time in five.
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
The New England Patriots play their home games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This stadium is located within the Patriot Place complex, which also includes a 30,000 square foot Hall of Fame, a themed restaurant, an entertainment venue, a nightclub, and several other retail shops and restaurants.
The Patriots’ Hall of Fame honors the team’s past six Super Bowl championships and their accomplishments. Outside the gate of the Patriot Place complex, a 10-story lighthouse greets fans.
A replica arched bridge traverses right next to the seating bowl. In addition, the gates spill into a large public plaza. The plaza features a granite sculpture of the New England region.
The entrance of the Patriots’ new stadium was designed by Populous. At the request of Kraft, the entry gate was designed to resemble a Disneyland-like gate.
When the stadium is complete, approximately 80% of the seats will be on the sidelines. Each sideline will feature a video board that is 45′ X 100′ in size. These boards will be updated with replays of key plays and game stats.
The stadium is also expected to include 125 suites. These suites are priced from $75,000 to $325,000 a year.
The stadium is also expected to host top Boston summer concerts. It is also the home of the New England Revolution soccer team.
The first phase of the Patriot Place project opened in 2007. Phase 2 will include a four-star Renaissance hotel and a themed restaurant. Other retail stores and restaurants are planned for the project.
Patriots History Facts
The New England Patriots have a rich football history. They’ve won more Super Bowls than any other team in the NFL in the past two decades. In addition, they’ve had more playoff wins than any other team in the league.
After playing under the name Boston Patriots from 1960 to 1970, the Patriots moved to Foxborough in 1971. The new stadium was largely financed by businessmen in Hartford, Connecticut.
Tom Brady has led the Patriots to four Super Bowl victories and two losses. He is also the only quarterback to have played on six Super Bowl-winning teams.
The Patriots have won seven AFC titles and eight division championships. As a result, they’ve had more postseason wins than any other team in the NFL in the last two decades.
During the early years of the Patriots, finding a suitable home was a challenge. Several cities were interested in the team’s name. One of the owners, James Orthwein, suggested moving the Patriots to St. Louis. However, Robert Kraft rejected this idea.
The Patriots became the first team in league history to win three playoff games on the road. That led to a record-setting 14-2 season in 2002.
Since 2001, the Patriots have dominated the NFL. Their quarterback, Tom Brady, has led the team to four Super Bowl victories and seven Super Bowl appearances. This year, the Pats are looking to break their own record.
The Patriots’ comeback against Atlanta in the Super Bowl was the largest in Super Bowl history. Not only did they overcome a 25-point third-quarter deficit, but they scored 31 points on five of their last six offensive drives.
