New England Patriots#Patriots All-Decade teams

{{Main article|History of the New England Patriots}}

{{See also|Brady–Belichick era}}

File:Billy Sullivan (American football) 1985.jpg, 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.]]

File:Minuteman statue 2 - Old North Bridge.jpg 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).{{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}} The following winter, locals were allowed to submit ideas for the Boston football team's official name.{{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}} The most popular choice – and the one that Sullivan selected – was the "Boston Patriots",{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} 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.{{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=Los Angeles Times |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 }} 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{{nbsp}}million to Boston paper magnate Robert Kraft, who had bought the Patriots' then-home, Foxboro Stadium, out of bankruptcy in 1988.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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}}

File:Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.jpg and head coach 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. They are widely regarded as the greatest QB-HC tandem of all time.]]

File:Rob Gronkowski.JPG, nicknamed "Gronk", is widely regarded as one of the greatest TEs of all time. He was a staple of the 2010s offenses.]]

In 2000, the Patriots hired head coach Bill Belichick, who had served as defensive coordinator under Parcells including during Super Bowl XXXI.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/super-bowl/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2005 season, the Patriots went 10–6 and won the division.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2006 season, the Patriots went 12–4 and won the division.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} After defeating the Jets and the Chargers, the Patriots lost in the AFC Championship to the Colts.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=USA Today}} In the first game of the 2008 season, Brady suffered a torn ACL against the Chiefs.{{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}} Matt Cassell stepped in for the rest of the season and the team finished 11–5 but missed the postseason.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2009 season, Brady returned from his injury and led the team to a 10–6 record and a division title.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The team's season in the Wild Card Round with a 33–14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.{{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}} 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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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}}

The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl in 2011 but lost again to the Giants, 21–17.{{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}} In the 2012 season, the Patriots won the AFC East with a 12–4 record.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The team defeated the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round before falling to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2013 season, the Patriots went 12–4 and won the division.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 43–22 in the Divisional Round before falling to the Denver Broncos 26–16 in the AFC Championship.{{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}}{{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}} In 2014, the Patriots won the division with a 12–4 record.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} In the 2015 season, the Patriots won the division with a 12–4 record.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round before falling to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.{{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}}{{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}} File:Tom Brady with Vince Lombardi trophy.jpg is seen celebrating the team's dramatic comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI]]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.{{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}} Trailing 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.{{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=The New York Times|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}} 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.{{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=Sports Illustrated|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}} 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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |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 }}{{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=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}

Following a disappointing 2019 season, in which the team lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Tennessee Titans,{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} and in which the long-time Brady–Belichick partnership was strained due to Brady wanting to have more input in organizational decisions,{{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 }} Brady departed the Patriots after 20 seasons for free agency, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{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}} To replace him, the Patriots signed veteran quarterback Cam Newton.{{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}} In 2020, the team missed the playoffs with their first losing record, 7–9, in two decades.{{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}} 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.{{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 }} 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.{{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}} The Patriots finished with a 8–9 record and missed the postseason in the 2022 season.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

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.{{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}} 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 first-time head coach and first-time de facto general manager to each succeed Belichick's duties.{{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}} Mac Jones, after three seasons as the incumbent starter, was traded in the 2024 offseason due to his insufficient play.{{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}} The post-Belichick era was kickstarted during the 2024 NFL draft, with the franchise selecting Drake Maye third overall, the highest draft pick held by the Patriots in 31 years up to that point.{{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}} On the day of the final game of the 2024 season, the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo after repeating the prior year's 4–13 record in his debut campaign as a head coach, due to multiple factors, including limited experience, which was eventually described by Robert Kraft as being put in an "untenable situation".{{Cite web |date=2025-01-05 |title=Why the Patriots fired coach Jerod Mayo after one season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43300411/why-patriots-fired-coach-jerod-mayo-first-season |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=2025-01-05 |title=Patriots owner wants to move quickly to hire new head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43311838/patriots-owner-wants-move-quickly-hire-new-head-coach |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Mike Vrabel was named head coach following Mayo's dismissal.{{cite web | last=Hightower | first=Kyle | title=New England hires former Patriots Super Bowl champ Mike Vrabel as coach | website=AP News | date=2025-01-12 | url=https://apnews.com/article/patriots-mike-vrabel-hired-a83dcbd75e0c9ef41e222db1bbc06ca6 | access-date=2025-01-31}}

File:New England Patriots logo old.svg|{{center|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"}}

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}}

File:Pro Football Hall of Fame (38809410831).jpg)]]

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.{{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}}

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.{{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=ESPN|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}}

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.{{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=NESN|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}}

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.{{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}}

File:New England Patriots wordmark (1960 - 1992).png|{{center|The Patriots' wordmark used in the Sullivan era between 1960 and 1992}}

File:New England Patriots wordmark (c. 2000).png|{{center|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}}

File:New England Patriots wordmark.svg|{{center|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 Gillette Stadium

}}

File:AFC-1984-1987,1990-Uniform-NE.png

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.{{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}} 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.

File:AFC-1995-1999-Uniform-NE.png

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.{{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}}

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.

File:Patriots 12uniforms.png

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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

File:2022Patriotsuniforms.png

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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}} During a 2024 Week 7 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. Following their largest victory of the 2024 season in a Week 10 road game dressed again in the silver pants with the road white uniform, the Patriots quietly promoted the silver pants to full-time use with both the home and road uniform for the rest of the season.{{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}}

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.{{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}} However, after the NFL reinstated the use of alternate helmets in 2022, the Patriots brought back the throwback red uniforms.{{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}}

In 2016, the Patriots took part in the NFL's Color Rush program, wearing monochrome navy uniforms on September 22 against the Houston Texans.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Main|Gillette Stadium}}

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| caption1 = Aerial view of Foxboro Stadium, where the Patriots played for their first 31 seasons in Foxborough, Massachusetts after not being able to find a permanent home in Boston, from 1971 to 2001

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| caption2 = The field of Gillette Stadium, the current home stadium of the Patriots in Foxborough since 2002

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Since 2002, the Patriots' home stadium has been Gillette Stadium, a $350{{nbsp}}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.{{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}} The field, which was originally natural grass, was replaced with a FieldTurf surface during the 2006 season.{{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}} The Patriots installed a new video board, the largest in the United States, in 2023.{{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 }} 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.{{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}}{{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=The New York Times}} The area around the stadium was developed, beginning in 2007, into a $375{{nbsp}}million "lifestyle and entertainment center" called Patriot Place; among its largest structures is a multi-floor restaurant and bar called CBS Scene.{{cite web|url=http://www.patriot-place.com/|title=Patriot Place|publisher=Patriot Place|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}}

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.

File:Gillette Stadium entrance and lighthouse.jpg entrance and Lighthouse]]

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File:Randy Moss etc at Patriots training camp 2009.jpg

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.{{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 }}

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.

File:New England Patriots Boeing 763 arrives at Logan International Airport with medical supplies.jpg 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} Kraft has lent one of the planes to transport students to the March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington, D.C.{{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}}

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.{{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}} Since February 2024, both planes now operate with Omni Air International.{{cite web|url=https://www.oai.aero/about/news/year/2024/oai-partners-with-new-england-patriots|title=Omni Air International Partners With New England Patriots|publisher=Omni Air International, LLC|website=OAI.Aero|accessdate=January 17, 2025}}

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.

{{Main|Jets–Patriots rivalry}}

File:Bill Belichick 2019 (cropped).jpg, 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.{{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}}]]

The closest rivalry geographically has been that with the New York Jets.{{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}} The Patriots and Jets have been in the same division (what is now the AFC East) since both teams' founding's in 1960 and have played each other at least twice a year since then.{{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}} 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.{{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=Newsday}} Six years after that, Eric Mangini, an assistant under Belichick, became the head coach of the Jets.{{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=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}

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.{{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=The New York Times}} 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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{Main|Bills–Patriots rivalry}}

File:J.P. Losman tackled in the end zone by Ty Warren 2006-09-10.jpg 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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,{{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}} making for the NFL's first "perfect offensive game" in history and the worst playoff loss of Belichick's career.{{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}} As of 2023, the Patriots lead the all-time series 78–50–1.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{Main|Dolphins–Patriots rivalry}}

File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 35 - Craig James.jpg 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} Notable moments between the clubs include the Snowplow Game, three playoff matchups, the Dolphins revealing their Wildcat offense against the Patriots,{{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=The Seattle Times|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}} and the Miracle in Miami.{{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=WBZ-TV|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}} As of 2023, the Dolphins lead the all-time series 62–55.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{Main|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.{{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}}

File:Colts vs Patriots 2011 01.jpg

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271104011 |title=New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts – Recap – November 4, 2007 |publisher=ESPN |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}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=301121017|title=Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots – Recap – November 21, 2010|publisher=ESPN|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}}

In 2012, the Patriots faced the Colts, quarterbacked now by Andrew Luck, on November 18; the Patriots defeated the Colts 59–24.{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201211180nwe.htm |title=Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – November 18th, 2012 |website=Pro Football Reference |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 }} The Patriots also beat the Colts on January 12, 2014, 43–22.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=340111017|title=Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots – Recap – January 12, 2014|publisher=ESPN|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}} The Patriots played the Colts in the playoffs again on January 18, 2015, in the AFC title game, winning 45–7.{{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=NPR |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 }} As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 53–31.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{Main|Patriots–Ravens rivalry}}

The Ravens first met the New England Patriots in 1996,{{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=Boston.com|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}} but the rivalry truly started in 2007 when the Ravens suffered a bitter 27–24 loss in the Patriots' quest for perfection.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

The Ravens played the Patriots for the third consecutive season in the 2011 AFC Championship Game, which the Ravens lost 23–20.{{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=ESPN|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}} 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.{{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=USA Today|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}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209230rav.htm |title=New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens – September 23rd, 2012 |website=Pro Football Reference |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 }}{{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}}

The two teams met again on January 20, 2013, in the AFC Championship, where the Ravens won 28–13.{{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=The Huffington Post |date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=January 11, 2014}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 11–5.

{{Main|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.{{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}} Since {{nfly|1995}}, the two teams have met frequently during the regular season, including nine consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2003.{{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}} 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.{{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}} The teams' first playoff match on January 4, 1987, was John Elway's first career playoff win,{{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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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. }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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 }} 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 {{nfly|2001}}{{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 }} until Manning's retirement after the {{nfly|2015}} season.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} As of the 2023 season, the Broncos lead the all-time series 31–24.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{Main|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.{{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}} 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 Foxborough in {{nfly|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.{{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}} 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 Denver 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.{{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}} As of the 2023 season, the Patriots lead the all-time series 19–16.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

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.{{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=USA Today |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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{Main|Giants–Patriots rivalry}}

File:Patriotsgiants 031a.jpg, during the historic 16–0 regular 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.]]

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.{{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}} As of the 2023 season, the series is tied 7–7.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

{{Further|New England Patriots strategy}}

{{multiple image

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| footer = LB Willie McGinest (left), LB Tedy Bruschi (middle), and LB Mike Vrabel (right) are three Patriots credited for instilling and defining what was described the "Patriot Way" throughout the dynasty from 2001 to 2019..

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| 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 employed specific on-field and off-field strategies. On the field, the Patriots 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.{{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=The Boston Globe |first=Ron |last=Borges |date=September 1, 2000 |access-date=October 6, 2009}}

During Belichick's tenure, the philosophy in making personnel decisions and in game planning focused on the "team" concept,{{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=Boston Herald |first=Karen |last=Guregian |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=October 6, 2009 |title=Scott Pioli starts life as lone boss in Kansas City}} stressing preparation, strong work ethic, versatility,{{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=The San Diego Union-Tribune |first=Mark |last=Long |date=February 6, 2005 |access-date=October 6, 2009}} and lack of individual ego.{{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=USA Today|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}} This approach, which 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{{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=The Boston Globe|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}}
• Their emphasis on team,{{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=Boston Herald|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}} equality among players and lack of individual ego{{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 }}
• Their strong work ethic, intelligence and high level of focus and preparation for each individual game{{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=USA Today|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}}
• Their versatile players, able to play multiple positions{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20050206-1920-fbn-superbowl-vrabel.html |title=Versatile Vrabel vaults into Super Bowl lore |work=San Diego Union-Tribune |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 }}
• Their multiple schemes intended to take advantage of their opponent's weaknesses{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1423846&type=columnist|title=Patriots used game plan to stymie St. Louis|work=ESPN|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}}{{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=NESN|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}}

Image:Gillette Stadium04.jpg banners for the Patriots' first three league championships at Gillette Stadium.]]

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).{{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 }}

File:Malcolm Butler (American football).JPG 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.]]

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

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.

{{multiple image

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| footer = 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.

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| image1 = Deion Branch in 2011.jpg

| image2 = Julian Edelman 2014.JPG

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{{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.

{{as of|2024|January|7|df=US}}

{{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 }}

{{Start NFL RVO}}

|-

| Jacksonville Jaguars || 8 || 2 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|8|2}} || L 32–16 || October 20, 2024 || {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} London, England || 4–1 postseason

|-

| Baltimore Ravens || 9 || 3 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|3}} || L 37–26 || September 25, 2022 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–2 postseason

|-

| Chicago Bears || 11 || 4 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|11|4}} || W 19–3 || November 10, 2024 || Chicago, Illinois || 0–1 postseason

|-

| Tampa Bay Buccaneers || 7 || 3 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|3}} || L 19–17 || October 3, 2021 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||

|-

| Houston Texans || 9 || 4 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|4}} || L 41–21 || October 13, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–0 postseason

|-

| Cincinnati Bengals || 18 || 10 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|18|10}} || W 16–10 || September 8, 2024 || Cincinnati, Ohio ||

|-

| Minnesota Vikings || 9 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|5}} || L 33–26 || November 24, 2022 || Minneapolis, Minnesota ||

|-

| New Orleans Saints || 10 || 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|10|6}} || L 34–0 || October 8, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||

|-

| Detroit Lions || 8 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|8|5}} || W 29–0 || October 9, 2022 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||

|-

| Baltimore / Indianapolis Colts || 49 || 31 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|49|31}} || L 25–24 || December 1, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 4–1 postseason

|-

| Buffalo Bills || 78 || 50 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|78|50|1}} || W 23–16 || January 5, 2025 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 1–1 postseason

|-

| Atlanta Falcons || 9 || 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|6}} || W 25–0 || November 18, 2021 || Atlanta, Georgia || 1–0 postseason

|-

| San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers || 24 || 16 || 2 || {{Winning percentage|24|16|2}} || L 40–7 || December 28, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 3–1 postseason

|-

| New York Giants || 7 || 5 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|5}} || L 10–7 || November 26, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 0–2 postseason

|-

| Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans || 24 || 17 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|24|17|1}} || L 20–17 || November 3, 2024 || Nashville, Tennessee || 2–2 postseason

|-

| New York Jets || 73 || 55 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|73|55|1}} || W 25–22 || October 27, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–1 postseason

|-

| Cleveland Browns || 14 || 12 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|14|12}} || W 38–15 || October 16, 2022 || Cleveland, Ohio || 0–1 postseason

|-

| St. Louis / Phoenix / Arizona Cardinals || 9 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|9|8}} || L 30–17 || December 15, 2024 || Glendale, Arizona ||

|-

| Oakland / Los Angeles / Las Vegas Raiders || 18 || 16 || 1 || {{Winning percentage|18|16|1}} || L 21–17 || October 15, 2023 || Las Vegas, Nevada || 2–1 postseason

|-

| Green Bay Packers || 6|| 6 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|6}} || L 27–24 || October 2, 2022 || Green Bay, Wisconsin || 0–1 postseason

|-

| St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams || 7 || 7 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|7|7}} || L 28–22 || November 17, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–0 postseason

|-

| Pittsburgh Steelers || 15 || 15 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|15|15}} || W 21–18 || December 7, 2023 || Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania || 4–1 postseason

|-

| Denver Broncos || 23 || 27 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|23|27}} || W 26–23 || December 24, 2023 || Denver, Colorado || 1–4 postseason

|-

| Miami Dolphins || 53 || 63 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|53|63}} || L 34–15 || November 24, 2024 || Miami Gardens, Florida || 2–1 postseason

|-

| Carolina Panthers || 3 || 4 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|3|4}} || W 24–6 || November 7, 2021 || Charlotte, North Carolina || 1–0 postseason

|-

| Philadelphia Eagles || 6 || 8 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|8}} || L 25–20 || September 10, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 1–1 postseason

|-

| Seattle Seahawks || 8 || 11 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|8|11}} || L 23–20 || September 15, 2024 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 1–0 postseason

|-

| Washington Commanders || 5 || 7 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|5|7}} || L 20–17 || November 5, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts ||

|-

| Kansas City Chiefs || 14 || 21 || 3 || {{Winning percentage|14|21|3}} || L 27–17 || December 17, 2023 || Foxborough, Massachusetts || 2–0 postseason

|-

| Dallas Cowboys || 6 || 9 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|6|9}} || L 38–3 || October 1, 2023 || Arlington, Texas ||

|-

| San Francisco 49ers || 5 || 10 || 0 || {{Winning percentage|5|10}} || L 30–13 || September 29, 2024 || Santa Clara, California ||

|-

! Total !! 545 !! 446 !! 9 !! {{Winning percentage|545|446|9}} !! colspan="4"|

|-

! Total including playoffs !! 582 !! 468 !! 9 !! {{Winning percentage|582|468|9}} !! colspan="4"|

{{s-end}}

{{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 }}

{{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 }}

File:Tom Brady 2019.jpg is the longest tenured and most decorated player in franchise history. He holds nearly every record in career, single-season, and single-game passing statistics for the Patriots (regular season and playoffs).]]

• Games played: 285 Tom Brady (2000–2019)
• Passing yards: 74,571 Tom Brady (2000–2019) (NFL-record for most passing yards with a single team)
• Pass completions: 6,377 Tom Brady (2000–2019) (NFL-record for most pass completions with a single team)
• Passing touchdowns: 541 Tom Brady (2000–2019) (NFL-record for most passing touchdowns with a single team)
• Rushing yards: 5,453 Sam Cunningham (1973–1982)
• Rushing touchdowns: 45 Jim Nance (1965–1971)
• Receptions: 672 Wes Welker (2007–2012)
• Receiving yards: 10,352 Stanley Morgan (1977–1989)
• Receiving touchdowns: 79 Rob Gronkowski (2010–2018)
• All-purpose yards: 12,340 Kevin Faulk (1999–2011)
• Points scored: 1,775 Stephen Gostkowski (2006–2019)
• Field goals made: 374 Stephen Gostkowski (2006–2018)
• Total punt yardage: 19,922 Rich Camarillo (1981–1987)
• Punting average (min. 250 punts): 45.3 Ryan Allen (2013–2018)
• Kickoff return yards: 4,098 Kevin Faulk (1999–2011)
• Punt Return yards: 2,625 Troy Brown (1993–2007)
• Pass interceptions: 36 Raymond Clayborn (1977–1989)/Ty Law (1995–2004)
• Sacks: 100.0 Andre Tippett (1982–1993)
• Forced fumbles: 17 Tedy Bruschi (1996–2008)

• Passing yards: 5,235 Tom Brady (2011){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Passing touchdowns: 50 Tom Brady (2007)
• Rushing yards: 1,635 Corey Dillon (2004){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Rushing touchdowns: 18 LeGarrette Blount (2016)
• Receptions: 123 Wes Welker (2009){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Receiving yards: 1,569 Wes Welker (2011)
• Receiving touchdowns: 23 Randy Moss (2007) (NFL-record for most receiving touchdowns in a single-season){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Points: 158 Stephen Gostkowski (2013){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Field goals made: 38 Stephen Gostkowski (2013){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Total punt yardage: 4,227 Shawn McCarthy (1992){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Punting average: 48.7 Jake Bailey (2020)
• Kickoff return yards: 1,281 Ellis Hobbs (2008)
• Punt return yards: 608 Mike Haynes (1976){{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
• Pass interceptions: 11 Ron Hall (1964){{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}}
• Sacks: 18.5 Andre Tippett (1984){{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}}

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.{{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 }}

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

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{{Further|List of New England Patriots players|List of New England Patriots starting quarterbacks|List of New England Patriots first-round draft picks}}

{{New England Patriots roster}}

File:John Hannah New England Patriots press photo 1976-1980.jpg]]

File:Ty Law.JPG (pictured with Denver Broncos)]]

File:Richard Seymour water bottle.jpg]]

File:Tippett2008.jpg]]

File:Randy-Moss 8-28-09 Patriots-vs-Redskins.jpg]]

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).{{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 }}

Notes:

• Hall of Famers who made a 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.

{{main|List of New England Patriots retired numbers}}

File:Pro Football Hall of Fame (27033840159).jpg]]

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.

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.{{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 }}

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".{{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 }}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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=The Boston Globe |first=Chad |last=Finn |date=March 24, 2009 |access-date=March 24, 2009}}{{cite web |url=https://leaderpost.com/sports/pats-honour-the-past |title=Pats honour the past |website=Regina Leader-Post |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 }}

Notes:

• ^* = Inducted as a contributor
• ^~ = Inducted as a senior selection
• ^† = Posthumous induction

{{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 }}

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| footer = 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.

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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).{{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 }} 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.

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{{main|List of New England Patriots commemorative teams}}

The following Patriots players have been named to the Pro Bowl (or the AFL All-Star game prior to 1970):{{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=Pro-Football-Reference.com | 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 }}

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.

File:Matthew Slater 2019.jpg holds the record for the most Pro Bowl selections of any special teams player in NFL history with 10 selections.]]

• QB Tom Brady (14), Drew Bledsoe, Vito "Babe" Parilli (3) (AFL), Drake Maye, Mac Jones, Mike Taliaferro
• FB Larry Garron (4) (AFL), Jim Nance (2) (AFL), Sam Cunningham, James Develin
• HB Curtis Martin (2), Tony Collins, Corey Dillon, John Stephens, Craig James, Carl Garrett (AFL)
• LT Bruce Armstrong (6), Matt Light, Brian Holloway (3), Leon Gray (2), Don Oakes (AFL)
• LG John Hannah (9), Logan Mankins (6), Charley Long (2) (AFL), Charley Leo (AFL)
• C Jon Morris (7) (AFL), Damien Woody, Dan Koppen
• RG Billy Neighbors (AFL), Len St. Jean (AFL), Brian Waters
• RT Tom Neville (AFL), Dick Klein (AFL)
• TE Rob Gronkowski, Ben Coates (5), Russ Francis (3), Marv Cook (2)
• WR Wes Welker, Gino Cappelletti (5) (AFL), Stanley Morgan (4), Randy Moss, Troy Brown, Terry Glenn, Irving Fryar, Ron Sellers (AFL), Jim Colclough (AFL)
• DE Richard Seymour (5), Bob Dee (4) (AFL), Larry Eisenhauer (4) (AFL), Julius Adams, Andre Carter, Chandler Jones
• DT Houston Antwine (6) (AFL), Vince Wilfork (5), Jim Lee Hunt (4) (AFL)
• LB Andre Tippett, Nick Buoniconti (5) (AFL), Tom Addison (4) (AFL), Steve Nelson (3), Johnny Rembert, Willie McGinest, Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower, Matthew Judon (2), Chris Slade, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Jamie Collins
• CB Mike Haynes (6), Ty Law (4), Stephon Gilmore (3), Dick Felt (AFL), Chuck Shonta (AFL), Leroy Mitchell (AFL), Asante Samuel, Devin McCourty, Aqib Talib, Darrelle Revis, Malcolm Butler, J. C. Jackson
• SS Lawyer Milloy (4), Fred Bruney (2) (AFL), Ron Hall (AFL),
• FS Brandon Meriweather (2), Don Webb (AFL), Fred Marion, Devin McCourty
• PK Stephen Gostkowski (4), Adam Vinatieri (2), John Smith, Tony Franklin
• P Rich Camarillo, Jake Bailey
• ST Matthew Slater (10), Raymond Clayborn (3), Larry Izzo (2), Mosi Tatupu, Dave Meggett, Brenden Schooler

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

File:Stephon Gilmore 2019.jpg, a two-time First-team All-Pro and the franchise's first NFL DPOY recipient in 2019.]]

• QB Tom Brady (3), Vito "Babe" Parilli (AFL)
• FB Jim Nance (AFL) (2)
• LT Leon Gray (3), Matt Light
• LG John Hannah (7), Logan Mankins
• C Jon Morris (AFL)
• RG Billy Neighbors (AFL)
• TE Rob Gronkowski (4), Ben Coates (2), Marv Cook, Jim Whalen (AFL)
• WR Wes Welker (2), Randy Moss
• DE Richard Seymour, Larry Eisenhauer (AFL) (3)
• DT Houston Antwine (AFL), Vince Wilfork
• LB Nick Buoniconti (4) (AFL), Andre Tippett (2), Tom Addison (AFL), Mike Vrabel, Jerod Mayo
• CB Ty Law, Stephon Gilmore (2), Asante Samuel, Darrelle Revis
• SS Ron Hall (AFL), Lawyer Milloy, Rodney Harrison
• PK Adam Vinatieri, Stephen Gostkowski (2)
• P Jake Bailey
• ST Matthew Slater (2), Gunner Olszewski, Marcus Jones, Brenden Schooler

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

File:RobertKraftPatriots (cropped).jpg, a native Bostonian and a Patriots fanatic before purchasing the team, bought the franchise in 1994.]]

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.{{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}} 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.{{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=People|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}}

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.{{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}}

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.{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2019 |title=Career highlights of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft |url=https://www.wcvb.com/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}}{{Cite web |last=Golden |first=Mitchell |date=November 13, 2008 |title=Bob Kraft: The Patriots' Perfect Owner |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/81498-bob-kraft-the-patriots-perfect-owner |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}}

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

File:Bill Belichick 8-28-09 Patriots-vs-Redskins.jpg, 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 16 head coaches throughout their history as a franchise. On January 12, 2025, the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their 16th head coach in franchise history, he is the second coach in the club's history to have played for the team (2001–2008).{{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}}{{cite web |title=Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel returns to New England as our 16th head coach |website=Patriots.com |date=2025-01-12 | url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-hall-of-famer-mike-vrabel-returns-to-new-england-as-our-16th-head-coach}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

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.{{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 }} He is one of only three head coaches who have won six NFL titles.{{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 }} He was named the NFL Coach of the Year for the 2003, 2007, and 2010 seasons.{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/coaches.htm |title=New England Patriots Coaches |website=Pro Football Reference |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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Note:

• ^* = Interim coach

{{New England Patriots staff}}

Source:{{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}}

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{{Main|New England Patriots Cheerleaders}}

Image:New England Patriots Cheerleaders (USAF).jpg

The Patriots' professional cheerleading squad is the New England Patriots Cheerleaders which represents the team in the NFL.{{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}} Notable alumni of the cheerleading squad include wrestler Carmella{{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}} and model Camille Kostek.{{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}} 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.{{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}} She was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2021 as a contributor.{{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 }}

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.{{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}}

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).{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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{{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 }}{{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}}{{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 }} and much of Atlantic Canada.{{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 }}

{{Main list|List of New England Patriots broadcasters}}

File:New England Patriots radio affiliates.png

The Patriots' flagship radio station is WBZ-FM (98.5 FM, otherwise known as "The Sports Hub"),{{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}} owned by Beasley Broadcast Group.{{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 }} 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.{{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}} 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.

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

{{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 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.{{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}} 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."NFL Top 10: Bad Weather Games", produced by NFL Network Henderson, a convict on work release, jokingly remarked, "What are they gonna do, throw me in jail?"{{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=[https://archive.org/details/footballhallofsh0000nash/page/32 32] |url-access=registration}}{{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 }}

The following year, the NFL banned the use of snowplows on the field during a game.{{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}} 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.{{cite news|last=McCarthy|first=Michael|work=USA Today|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}}

{{Main|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.{{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=USA Today|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}}{{cite news|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22190391/|title=Jets play innocent, wonder 'What is 'Spygate?'|date=December 10, 2008|agency=Associated Press|publisher=MSNBC|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}} 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.{{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=The Boston Globe|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}}

{{Main|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.{{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}}{{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}} A lengthy investigation and heated debate commenced shortly afterwards, with a full report being published in May 2015.{{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=CNN|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}}{{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}} 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".{{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}}

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{{nbsp}}million, and forced them to forfeit their 2016 first round draft pick and 2017 fourth round draft pick.{{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}} 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.{{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=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}} Brady eventually agreed to serve the suspension in 2016, but led the Patriots to win Super Bowl LI in spite of it.{{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=Pro Football Reference |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 }}{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/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=CBS News|date=February 6, 2022|accessdate=November 15, 2024}}

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Explanatory notes

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Citations

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last=Benedict |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Benedict |title=The Dynasty |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2021 |isbn=9781982134112}}
• {{Cite book |last=Fox |first=Larry |title=The New England Patriots: Triumph & Tragedy |year=1979 |publisher=Macmillan Publishing Company |isbn=0-689-10992-X |url=https://archive.org/details/newenglandpatrio00foxl}}
• {{Cite book |last=Hyldburg |first=Bob |title=Total Patriots: The Definitive Encyclopedia of the World-Class Franchise |year=2009 |publisher=Triumph Books |isbn=978-1-60078-099-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781600780998_0}}
• {{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=William Morrow and Company |year=2004 |isbn=0-06-075794-9}}
• {{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=Thomas Dunne Books |isbn=978-0-312-36838-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/blueprinthownewe00chri}}
• {{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}}
• {{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=Triumph Books |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=Triumph Books |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}}

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• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.patriotshalloffame.com Patriots Hall of Fame] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424222528/https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/ |date=April 24, 2019 }}
• [https://www.nfl.com/teams/new-england-patriots/ NFL.com profile page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005194328/https://www.nfl.com/teams/new-england-patriots/ |date=October 5, 2020 }}
• [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/ Franchise Encyclopedia] at Pro Football Reference

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