New England Patriots

New England Patriots
Current season
Established 1959
Play in and headquartered in Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
New England Patriots helmet
New England Patriots logo
Helmet Logo
League/conference affiliations

American Football League (1960–69)

  • Eastern Division (1960–69)

National Football League (1970–present)
Current uniform
AFCE-Uniform-NE.PNG
Team colors Nautical Blue, New Century Silver, Red, White

                   
Mascot Pat Patriot
Personnel
Owner(s) Robert Kraft
Chairman Robert Kraft
CEO Robert Kraft
President Jonathan Kraft
Head coach Bill Belichick
Team history
  • Boston Patriots (1960–70)
  • Bay State Patriots (February 1971–March 1971)
  • New England Patriots (1971–present)
Team nicknames
"The Pats"
Championships
League championships (3)
  • Super Bowl Championships (3)
    2001 (XXXVI), 2003 (XXXVIII), 2004 (XXXIX)
Conference championships (6)
  • AFC: 1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007
Division championships (11)
  • AFL East: 1963
  • AFC East: 1978, 1986, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Playoff appearances (16)
  • AFL: 1963, NFL: 1976, 1978, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Home fields
  • Nickerson Field (1960–62)
  • Fenway Park (1963–68)
  • Alumni Stadium (1969)
  • Harvard Stadium (1970)
  • Foxboro Stadium (1971–2001)
    • a.k.a. Schaefer Stadium (1971–82)
    • a.k.a. Sullivan Stadium (1983–89)
  • Gillette Stadium (2002–present)

The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The team changed its name from the original Boston Patriots after relocating to Foxborough in 1971, although Foxborough is a suburb of Boston, 22 miles (35 km) away.

An original member of the American Football League (AFL), the Patriots joined the NFL in the 1970 merger of those leagues. The team advanced to the playoffs four times before appearing in Super Bowl XX in January 1986, losing to the Chicago Bears. The team also appeared in Super Bowl XXXI in January 1997, losing to the Green Bay Packers.

Between 2001 and 2005, the Patriots became the second team in NFL history (after the Dallas Cowboys) to win three Super Bowls in four years (Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX), and the eighth to win consecutive Super Bowls. The Patriots, however, were defeated by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, after winning the first 18 games of their 2007 season. Under quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have also compiled the longest winning streak consisting of regular season and playoff games in NFL history, a 21-game streak from October 2003–October 2004.

Contents

Franchise history

"Pat Patriot" logo, used through 1992

On November 16, 1959, Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was awarded the eighth and final franchise of the developing American Football League (AFL). The following winter, locals were allowed to submit ideas for the Boston football team's official name. The most popular choice—and the one that Sullivan selected—was "Boston Patriots". Immediately thereafter, Boston Globe artist Phil Bissell developed the "Pat Patriot" logo.[1]

The Patriots' time in the AFL saw them struggle most years as they never had a regular home stadium. Nickerson Field, Harvard Stadium, Fenway Park, and Alumni Stadium all served as home fields during their time in the American Football League. They did play in one AFL championship game, following the 1963 season. They lost to the San Diego Chargers 51–10. They would not appear again in an AFL or NFL post-season game for another 13 years.[1]

When the NFL and AFL merged in 1970, the Patriots were placed in the AFC East division, where they still play today. The following year, the Patriots moved to a new stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which would serve as their home for 30 years. As a result of the move, they announced they would change their name from the Boston Patriots to the Bay State Patriots. They quickly renamed the team the New England Patriots. During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success, 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. In 1985, they returned to the playoffs, and made it all the way to 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. The team would not make the playoffs again for eight more years. They changed ownership three times, being purchased from the Sullivan family first by Victor Kiam in 1988, who sold the team to James Orthwein in 1992. Orthwein intended to move the team to his native St. Louis, Missouri, but sold the team two years later to current owner Robert Kraft in 1994.[1]

Though Orthwein's period as owner was short and controversial, he did oversee major changes to the team. Former New York Giants coach Bill Parcells was hired in 1993, and the drastic changes were made the same year to the Patriots uniforms, changing their primary colors from their traditional red and white to blue and silver, and introducing a new logo.[2] Parcells would bring the Patriots to two playoff appearances, including Super Bowl XXXI, which they lost to the Green Bay Packers by a score of 35–21. Pete Carroll, Parcells's successor, would also take the team to the playoffs twice.[1]

Super Bowl banners at Gillette Stadium

The Patriots' current coach Bill Belichick was hired in 2000, and a new home field, Gillette Stadium was opened in 2002. Under Belichick, the team won three Super Bowls in four years, and finished the 2007 regular season with a perfect 16–0 record, becoming only the fifth 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.[1] After advancing to Super Bowl XLII, the team's fourth Super Bowl in seven years, the Patriots were defeated by the Giants to end their bid for a 19–0 season. With the loss, the Patriots ended the year at 18–1, becoming only one of three teams to go 18–1 along with the 1984 San Francisco 49ers and the 1985 Chicago Bears. Those teams, however, won the Super Bowl.

Season-by-season records

Rivalries

The 2001-02, 2003-04, and 2004-05-issued Vince Lombardi trophies to the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have maintained a rivalry with the New York Jets, who have also been members of the AFC East since its inception in 1970. Prior to that, both teams competed in the American Football League since both teams' foundings in 1960. 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. Four years later, Parcells' assistant, Bill Belichick, resigned the day he was named the Jets' head coach to become the head coach of the Patriots. Six years after that, Eric Mangini, an assistant under Belichick, became the head coach of the Jets.

Meanwhile, the rise of quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the early 2000s led to an increased rivalry between Manning's Indianapolis Colts and Brady's 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.

Strategy

Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have employed specific on-field and off-field strategies. On the field, the Patriots have typically utilized an "Erhardt-Perkins" offense and a "Fairbanks-Bullough" 3-4 defense, referred to commonly as a 2-gap 3-4 defensive system.[3] Their philosophy in making personnel decisions and in game planning has focused on the "team" concept,[4] stressing preparation, strong work ethic, versatility,[5] and lack of individual ego.[6] This approach, which led to three Super Bowl victories under Belichick, was analyzed in the 2004 book Patriot Reign.

When owner Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994, he did so for $175 million. Since then, the Patriots have sold out every home game in both Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium. By 2009, the value of the franchise had increased by over $1 billion, to a Forbes Magazine estimated value of $1.361 billion, third highest in the NFL.[7]

Gillette Stadium in 2008.

Stadium

Since 2002, the Patriots' home stadium has been Gillette Stadium, a $350 million facility privately financed by Kraft. It houses all administrative offices for the team and its owning entity, The Kraft Group, as well as the Kraft-owned Major League Soccer team, the New England Revolution. The field, which was originally natural grass, was replaced with a FieldTurf surface during the 2006 season. The area around the stadium was developed, beginning in 2007, into a $375 million "lifestyle and entertainment center" called Patriot Place.

Prior to 2002, the Patriots played in Foxboro Stadium dating back to 1971, the team's first year in the NFL. During the team's days in the American Football League, the Boston Patriots were hosted by a number of fields in or around Boston.

Notable players

Current roster

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

  • 22 Thomas Clayton
  • 42 BenJarvus Green-Ellis
  • 34 Sammy Morris FB
  • 21 Fred Taylor
  • 39 Danny Woodhead

Wide Receivers

  • 84 Deion Branch
  • 11 Julian Edelman PR
  • 17 Taylor Price
  • 18 Matthew Slater
  • 19 Brandon Tate KR
  • 83 Wes Welker

Tight Ends

  • 82 Alge Crumpler
  • 87 Rob Gronkowski
  • 85 Aaron Hernandez
 Offensive Linemen
  • 63 Dan Connolly G/C
  • 67 Dan Koppen C
  • 64 Mark LeVoir T
  • 72 Matt Light T
  • 70 Logan Mankins G
  • 60 Rich Ohrnberger G/C
  • 69 Quinn Ojinnaka T/G
  • 76 Sebastian Vollmer T
  • 62 Ryan Wendell C/G

Defensive Linemen

  • 97 Ron Brace DE/NT
  • 71 Brandon Deaderick DE
  • 74 Kyle Love NT
  • 91 Myron Pryor NT
  • 92 Gerard Warren DE/NT
  • 75 Vince Wilfork NT/DE
  • 99 Mike Wright DE/NT
 Linebackers
  • 95 Tully Banta-Cain OLB/DE
  • 96 Jermaine Cunningham OLB/DE
  • 52 Dane Fletcher ILB
  • 59 Gary Guyton ILB
  • 51 Jerod Mayo ILB
  • 98 Eric Moore OLB/DE
  • 50 Rob Ninkovich OLB
  • 58 Tracy White ILB

Defensive Backs

  • 27 Kyle Arrington CB
  • 38 Sergio Brown SS
  • 28 Darius Butler CB
  • 25 Patrick Chung SS
  • 41 Chevis Jackson CB
  • 32 Devin McCourty CB
  • 31 Brandon Meriweather FS
  • 44 Jarrad Page SS
  • 36 James Sanders FS
  • 24 Jonathan Wilhite CB

Special Teams

  •  5 Shayne Graham K
  • 48 Matt Katula LS
  • 14 Zoltan Mesko P
 Reserve Lists
  • 45 Josh Barrett SS (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 23 Leigh Bodden CB (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 33 Kevin Faulk RB (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  •  3 Stephen Gostkowski K (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 77 Nick Kaczur T/G (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 26 Bret Lockett FS (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 30 Brandon McGowan FS (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 61 Stephen Neal G (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 90 Darryl Richard DE (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 55 Brandon Spikes ILB (Susp.)
  • 94 Ty Warren DE (IR) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 66 Kade Weston DE (IR) Injury icon 2.svg

Practice Squad

  • 68 Thomas Austin G/C
  • 86 Carson Butler TE
  • 29 Tony Carter CB
  •  7 Jonathan Crompton QB
  • 10 Darnell Jenkins WR (Injured) Injury icon 2.svg
  • 65 Steve Maneri OT
  • 43 Thad Turner CB
  • 35 Ross Ventrone FS
  • 93 Lorenzo Washington DE

Rookies in italics
Roster updated December 10, 2010
Depth Chart • Transactions
53 Active, 12 Inactive, 9 Practice Squad

→ More rosters

Hall of Famers and retired numbers

The New England Patriots feature 15 former players and one contributor in their team hall of fame, established in 1991. 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 2008 opening of the Hall at Patriot Place, the Patriots introduced a new nomination committee to select three candidates, with the winner of an internet fan vote being enshrined in the hall of fame.[8] In order to be eligible, players and coaches must be retired for at least four years.[9]

Former owner Billy Sullivan was inducted by owner Robert Kraft in March 2009, the Patriots' 50th season, as a contributor.[10]

Additionally, four former Patriots players have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Patriots have officially retired seven uniform numbers.

New England Patriots Hall of Fame
Players
Number Name Positions Seasons Year elected Number Name Positions Seasons Year elected
73 John Hannah G 1973–1985 1991 (Pro: 1991) 14 Steve Grogan QB 1975–1990 1995
85 Nick Buoniconti LB 1962–1968 1992 (Pro: 2001) 56 Andre Tippett LB 1982–1993 1999 (Pro: 2008)
20 Gino Cappelletti WR-K 1960–1970 1992 78 Bruce Armstrong T 1987–2000 2001
89 Bob Dee DL 1960–1967 1993 86 Stanley Morgan WR 1977–1989 2007
79 Jim Lee Hunt DL 1960–1971 1993 87 Ben Coates TE 1991–1999 2008
57 Steve Nelson LB 1974–1987 1993 35 Jim Nance FB 1965–1971 2009
15 Babe Parilli QB 1961–1967 1993 39 Sam Cunningham RB 1973–1982 2010
40 Mike Haynes CB 1976–1982 1994 (Pro: 1997)
Contributors
Number Name Positions Seasons Year elected Number Name Positions Seasons Year elected
-- Billy Sullivan Owner & founder 1960–1988 2009
Also enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame
Uniform number officially retired by team

All-decade teams

1960s (AFL)

In November 1971, fans voted on a 10-year Patriots anniversary team, which coincided with the team's 10 years in the then-defunct American Football League:[11] Additional selections for returner, special teamer, and coach were added in 2009:[12]

Boston Patriots All-1960s Team
Offense: Parilli (QB) • Nance (RB) • Garron (RB) • Colclough (WR) • Graham (WR) • Whalen (TE) • Long (T) • Neville (T) • Neighbors (G) • St. Jean (G) • Morris (C)
Defense: Dee (DE) • Eisenhauer (DE) • Antwine (DT) • Hunt (DT) • Addison (OLB) • Philpott (OLB) • Buoniconti (MLB) • Shonta (CB) • Johnson (CB) • Webb (S) • Hall (S)
Special Teams: Garron (Ret.) • Cappelletti (PK) • Yewcic (P) • Webb (ST)
Coach: Holovak

1970s, 1980s, 1990s

In March 2009, as part of the Patriots' 50th anniversary, a group of local media and other team figures selected all-decade teams for the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s:[12]

New England Patriots All-1970s Team
Offense: Grogan (QB) • Cunningham (RB) • Johnson (RB) • Morgan (WR) • Vataha (WR) • Francis (TE) • Gray (T) • Neville (T) • Hannah (G) • S. Adams (G) • Lenkaitis (C)
Defense: J. Adams (DE) • McGee (DE) • Hamilton (NT) • Zabel (OLB) • King (OLB) • Nelson (ILB) • Hunt (ILB) • Clayborn (CB) • Haynes (CB) • Fox (S) • McCray (S)
Special Teams: Herron (Ret.) • Smith (PK) • Patrick (P) • Tatupu (ST)
Coach: Fairbanks
New England Patriots All-1980s Team
Offense: Grogan (QB) • Collins (RB) • C. James (RB) • Fryar (WR) • Morgan (WR) • Dawson (TE) • Armstrong (T) • Holloway (T) • Hannah (G) • Wooten (G) • Brock (C)
Defense: Adams (DE) • Veris (DE) • Bishop (NT) • Tippett (OLB) • Blackmon (OLB) • Nelson (ILB) • Rembert (ILB) • Clayborn (CB) • Lippett (CB) • R. James (S) • Marion (S)
Special Teams: Fryar (Ret.) • Franklin (PK) • Camarillo (P) • Tatupu (ST)
Coach: Berry
New England Patriots All-1990s Team
Offense: Bledsoe (QB) • Martin (RB) • Russell (RB) • Glenn (WR) • Jefferson (WR) • Coates (TE) • Armstrong (T) • Harlow (T) • Rucci (G) • Lane (G) • Wohlabaugh (C)
Defense: McGinest (DE) • Williams (DE) • Goad (NT) • Tippett (OLB) • Slade (OLB) • Brown (ILB) • Johnson (ILB) • Hurst (CB) • Law (CB) • Clay (S) • Milloy (S)
Special Teams: Meggett (Ret.) • Vinatieri (PK) • Tupa (P) • Whigham (ST)
Coach: Parcells

2000s

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

New England Patriots All-2000s Team
Offense: Brady (QB) • Dillon (RB) • Moss (WR) • Welker (WR) • Brown (WR) • Graham (TE) • Light (T) • Kaczur (T) • Andruzzi (G) • Mankins (G) • Koppen (C)
Defense: Seymour (DE) • Warren (DE) • Wilfork (NT) • McGinest (OLB) • Vrabel (OLB) • Bruschi (ILB) • Phifer (ILB) • Law (CB) • Samuel (CB) • Harrison (S) • Milloy (S)
Special Teams: Faulk (Ret.) • Vinatieri (PK) • Miller (P) • Izzo (ST)
Coach: Belichick

Anniversary teams

35th anniversary (1994)

In 1994, a group of local media selected a 35th anniversary team:[11]

New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team (1994)
Offense: Grogan (QB) • Nance (RB) • Cunningham (RB) • Morgan (WR) • Cappelletti (WR) • Francis (TE) • Armstrong (T) • Neville (T) • Hannah (G) • S. Adams (G) • Morris (C)
Defense: J. Adams (DE) • Eisenhauer (DE) • Antwine (DT) • J. Hunt (DT) • Tippett (LB) • Buoniconti (LB) • Nelson (LB) • S. Hunt (LB) • Haynes (CB) • Clayborn (CB) • Marion (S) • Hall (S)
Special Teams: Cappelletti (PK) • Camarillo (P) • Tatupu (ST)

50th anniversary (2009)

In 2009, the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee selected a 50th anniversary team:[11]

New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team (2009)
Offense: Brady (QB) • Nance (RB) • Cunningham (RB) • Morgan (WR) • Brown (WR) • Fryar (WR) • Coates (TE) • Armstrong (T) • Light (T) • Hannah (G) • Mankins (G) • Morris (C)
Defense: Adams (DE) • Seymour (DE) • Antwine (DT) • Wilfork (DT) • Tippett (OLB) • Vrabel (OLB) • Nelson (ILB) • Buoniconti (ILB) • Haynes (CB) • Law (CB) • Marion (S) • Harrison (S)
Special Teams: Faulk (Ret.) • Vinatieri (PK) • Camarillo (P) • Tatupu (ST)
Captains: Cappelletti (Offense) • Bruschi (Defense)
Coach: Belichick

All-time first-round draft picks

Coaches

Head coaches

Current staff

Front Office
  • Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
  • President – Jonathan Kraft
  • Senior Football Advisor – Floyd Reese
  • Director of Player Personnel – Nick Caserio
  • Director of College Scouting – Jon Robinson
  • Director of Pro Personnel – Jason Licht
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel – Bob Quinn
  • Assistant Director of College Scouting – Brian Smith
  • Football Research Director – Ernie Adams

Head Coaches

  • Head Coach – Bill Belichick
  • Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line – Dante Scarnecchia

Offensive Coaches

  • Quarterbacks – Bill O'Brien
  • Running Backs – Ivan Fears
  • Wide Receivers – Chad O'Shea
  • Offensive Assistant Coach – Brian Ferentz
  • Assistant Coach Offense/Special Teams – Brian Flores
  

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Line – Pepper Johnson
  • Linebackers – Matt Patricia
  • Defensive Backs – Josh Boyer
  • Defensive Backs – Corwin Brown
  • Defensive Assistant Coach – Patrick Graham

Special Teams Coaches

  • Special Teams – Scott O'Brien

Strength and Conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Mike Woicik
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Harold Nash

→ Coaching Staff
→ Management
→ More NFL staffs

Cheerleaders and mascot

The Patriots Cheerleaders performing a routine in 2007

The Patriots NFL Cheerleaders are simply known as The Patriots Cheerleaders. In 2005, cheerleader Kristin Gauvin won Miss Massachusetts, in part from her local commitment with the Patriots.

The Patriots' mascot is Pat Patriot, a revolutionary minuteman wearing a Patriots home jersey.

During each game, about 10 men dressed as minutemen line the back of each end zone. When the Patriots score a touchdown or field goal, the militia behind the opposite end zone fire a round of blanks from flintlock muskets. After the point-after-touchdown (PAT) attempt, the men fire their guns. ESPN named this one of the top ten celebrations in the league in 2007.[13]

Radio and television

The Patriots' flagship radio station is WBZ-FM 98.5 FM, owned by CBS Radio. The larger radio network is called the New England Patriots Radio Network, whose 37 affiliate stations span 7 states. Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti are the longtime announcing team.

Any preseason games not on national television are shown on CBS affiliate WBZ-TV. These games were broadcast on ABC affiliate WCVB-TV from 1995 until the change to WBZ in 2009. Don Criqui has been the play-by-play announcer the last several years, 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

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Official New England Patriots History". Patriots.com. New England Patriots. http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History. Retrieved 2008-01-13. 
  2. ↑ Article by Bill Plaschke on Kevin Loh's design of the new Patriots' logo. LATIMES.COM. Accessed January 20, 2008.
  3. ↑ Borges, Ron (2000-09-01). "Coming to terms with the system". The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/sports/packages/nfl2000/plays.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-06. 
  4. ↑ Guregian, Karen (2009-01-15). "Scott Pioli starts life as lone boss in Kansas City". Boston Herald. 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/srvc=home&position=also. Retrieved 2009-10-06. 
  5. ↑ Long, Mark (2005-02-06). "Versatile Vrabel vaults into Super Bowl lore". San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/nfl/20050206-1920-fbn-superbowl-vrabel.html. Retrieved 2009-10-06. 
  6. ↑ Bell, Jarrett (2005-01-24). "Patriots all about the rings". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2005-01-24-team-concept_x.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-06. 
  7. ↑ "Forbes: Patriots 3rd Most Valuable NFL Franchise". Associated Press. WBZ-TV. 2009-09-02. http://wbztv.com/sports/most.valuable.franchise.2.1160694.html. Retrieved 2009-10-09. 
  8. ↑ "Ben Coates elected to Patriots Hall of Fame". Patriots.com. 2008-07-07. http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=32516&pcid=41. Retrieved 2008-07-08. 
  9. ↑ "The Hall at Patriot Place Presented by Raytheon Hall of Fame!". Patriots.com. http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=halloffame. Retrieved 2010-06-14. 
  10. ↑ Finn, Chad (2009-03-24). "Sullivan inducted into team's Hall". Boston.com Reiss' Pieces. http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/sullivan_induct.html. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Patriots Anniversary Teams". Patriots.com. http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=anniversaryteams. Retrieved 2009-03-30. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Barboza, Scott (2009-03-31). "Patriots All-Decade teams announced". Patriots.com. http://www.patriots.com/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=36746&pcid=41&rss=1. Retrieved 2009-03-31. 
  13. ↑ ESPN.com It's a Celebration: Best NFL Touchdown Celebrations, Josh Pahigian, 12/3/07

Further reading

External links

Achievements
Preceded by
Baltimore Ravens
2000		 Super Bowl Champions
New England Patriots
2001		 Succeeded by
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2002
Preceded by
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2002		 Super Bowl Champions
New England Patriots
2003 and 2004		 Succeeded by
Pittsburgh Steelers
2005
New England Patriots
Formerly the Boston Patriots and briefly the Bay State Patriots • Founded in 1959 • Based in Foxborough, Massachusetts
The Franchise
Franchise • History • Players • Coaches • Seasons • First-round draft picks • Starting Quarterbacks • Strategy • Broadcasters
Stadiums
Nickerson Field • Fenway Park • Alumni Stadium • Harvard Stadium • Foxboro Stadium • Gillette Stadium
Culture
Billy Sullivan • Robert Kraft • Jonathan Kraft • Gil Santos • Gino Cappelletti • Pat Patriot
Lore
Snowplow Game • Tuck rule game • Spygate • 16-0
Rivalries
New York Jets • Indianapolis Colts
Head Coaches
Saban • Holovak • Rush • Mazur • Bengtson • Fairbanks • Erhardt • Meyer • Berry • Rust • MacPherson • Parcells • Carroll • Belichick
Division Championships (11)
1963 • 1978 • 1986 • 1996 • 1997 • 2001 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2009
Super Bowl Appearances (6)
XX • XXXI • XXXVI • XXXVIII • XXXIX • XLII
League Championships (3)
2001 • 2003 • 2004
Retired Numbers
20, 40, 57, 73, 78, 79, 89
Seasons
1960 • 1961 • 1962 • 1963 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1967 • 1968 • 1969 • 1970 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010
Current League Affiliations
League: National Football League • Conference: American Football Conference • Division: East Division • Radio: WBZ-FM
Boston / New England Patriots seasons
1960 • 1961 • 1962 • 1963 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1967 • 1968 • 1969 • 1970 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010
Bold indicates Super Bowl victory
New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI Champions

4 Adam Vinatieri | 11 Drew Bledsoe | 12 Tom Brady (MVP) | 13 Ken Walter | 14 Walter Williams | 15 Jimmy Farris | 16 Scott McCready | 19 Damon Huard | 21 J. R. Redmond | 22 Terrance Shaw | 23 Antwan Harris | 24 Ty Law | 25 Leonard Myers | 26 Matt Stevens | 27 Terrell Buckley | 28 Brock Williams | 29 Hakim Akbar | 30 Je'Rod Cherry | 31 Ben Kelly | 32 Antowain Smith | 33 Kevin Faulk | 34 Tebucky Jones | 35 Patrick Pass | 36 Lawyer Milloy | 38 Ray Hill | 44 Marc Edwards | 45 Otis Smith | 48 Arther Love | 49 Jabari Holloway | 50 Mike Vrabel | 51 Bryan Cox | 52 Ted Johnson | 53 Larry Izzo | 54 Tedy Bruschi | 55 Willie McGinest | 58 Matt Chatham | 59 Andy Katzenmoyer | 60 Drew Inzer | 61 Stephen Neal | 62 Setema Gali | 63 Joe Andruzzi | 64 Greg Randall | 65 Damien Woody | 66 Lonie Paxton | 67 Grey Ruegamer | 68 Tom Ashworth | 70 Adrian Klemm | 71 Chris Sullivan | 72 Matt Light | 74 Kenyatta Jones | 75 Maurice Anderson | 76 Grant Williams | 77 Mike Compton | 80 Troy Brown | 81 Charles Johnson | 82 Curtis Jackson | 83 Rod Rutledge | 84 Fred Coleman | 85 Jermaine Wiggins | 86 David Patten | 88 Terry Glenn | 90 Marty Moore | 91 Bobby Hamilton | 92 David Nugent | 93 Richard Seymour | 94 Jace Sayler | 95 Roman Phifer | 96 Brandon Mitchell | 97 Riddick Parker | 98 Anthony Pleasant | 99 Kole Ayi
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
Coaches: Ned Burke | Romeo Crennel | Brian Daboll | Jeff Davidson | Ivan Fears | Pepper Johnson | Eric Mangini | Randy Melvin | Markus Paul | Rob Ryan | Dante Scarnecchia | Brad Seely | Charlie Weis | Mike Woicik
New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVIII Champions

4 Adam Vinatieri | 6 Rohan Davey | 10 Jamin Elliott | 12 Tom Brady (MVP) | 13 Ken Walter | 16 Kliff Kingsbury | 17 Dedric Ward | 18 Chas Gessner | 19 Damon Huard | 21 Mike Cloud | 22 Asante Samuel | 23 Antwan Harris | 24 Ty Law | 26 Eugene Wilson | 30 Je'Rod Cherry | 31 Larry Centers | 32 Antowain Smith | 33 Kevin Faulk | 34 Chris Akins | 35 Patrick Pass | 37 Rodney Harrison | 38 Tyrone Poole | 39 Shawn Mayer | 44 Fred McCrary | 46 Brian Kinchen | 48 Tully Banta-Cain | 49 Sean McDermott | 50 Mike Vrabel | 51 Don Davis | 52 Ted Johnson | 53 Larry Izzo | 54 Tedy Bruschi | 55 Willie McGinest | 58 Matt Chatham | 59 Rosevelt Colvin | 60 Wilbert Brown | 61 Stephen Neal | 62 Tim Provost | 63 Joe Andruzzi | 64 Gene Mruczkowski | 65 Damien Woody | 66 Lonie Paxton | 67 Dan Koppen | 68 Tom Ashworth | 70 Adrian Klemm | 71 Russ Hochstein | 72 Matt Light | 75 Jamil Soriano | 76 Brandon Gorin | 77 Mike Compton | 80 Troy Brown | 81 Bethel Johnson | 82 Daniel Graham | 83 Deion Branch | 84 Fred Baxter | 85 J. J. Stokes | 86 David Patten | 87 David Givens | 88 Christian Fauria | 90 Dan Klecko | 91 Bobby Hamilton | 92 Ted Washington | 93 Richard Seymour | 94 Ty Warren | 95 Roman Phifer | 96 Rick Lyle | 97 Jarvis Green | 98 Anthony Pleasant | 99 Ethan Kelley
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
Coaches: Romeo Crennel | Brian Daboll | Jeff Davidson | Ivan Fears | Sean Gustus | John Hufnagel | Pepper Johnson | Eric Mangini | Josh McDaniels | Markus Paul | Rob Ryan | Dante Scarnecchia | Brad Seely | Charlie Weis | Mike Woicik
New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXIX Champions

4 Adam Vinatieri | 6 Rohan Davey | 8 Josh Miller | 10 Kevin Kasper | 12 Tom Brady | 13 Jim Miller | 14 P. K. Sam | 18 Cedric James | 19 Ricky Bryant | 21 Randall Gay | 22 Asante Samuel | 23 Omare Lowe | 24 Ty Law | 26 Eugene Wilson | 27 Rabih Abdullah | 28 Corey Dillon | 29 Earthwind Moreland | 30 Je'Rod Cherry | 31 Hank Poteat | 32 Kory Chapman | 33 Kevin Faulk | 34 Cedric Cobbs | 35 Patrick Pass | 37 Rodney Harrison | 38 Tyrone Poole | 39 Guss Scott | 42 Dexter Reid | 46 Zeron Flemister | 47 Justin Kurpeikis | 48 Tully Banta-Cain | 49 Eric Alexander | 50 Mike Vrabel | 51 Don Davis | 52 Ted Johnson | 53 Larry Izzo | 54 Tedy Bruschi | 55 Willie McGinest | 58 Matt Chatham | 59 Rosevelt Colvin | 61 Stephen Neal | 63 Joe Andruzzi | 64 Gene Mruczkowski | 65 Lance Nimmo | 66 Lonie Paxton | 67 Dan Koppen | 68 Tom Ashworth | 69 Buck Rasmussen | 70 Adrian Klemm | 71 Russ Hochstein | 72 Matt Light | 74 Billy Yates | 75 Vince Wilfork | 76 Brandon Gorin | 80 Troy Brown | 81 Bethel Johnson | 82 Daniel Graham | 83 Deion Branch (MVP) | 84 Benjamin Watson | 85 Jed Weaver | 86 David Patten | 87 David Givens | 88 Christian Fauria | 90 Dan Klecko | 91 Marquise Hill | 93 Richard Seymour | 94 Ty Warren | 95 Roman Phifer | 96 Rodney Bailey | 97 Jarvis Green | 98 Keith Traylor | 99 Ethan Kelley
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
Coaches: Romeo Crennel | Brian Daboll | Jeff Davidson | Ivan Fears | Pepper Johnson | Eric Mangini | Josh McDaniels | Matt Patricia | Markus Paul | Dean Pees | Dante Scarnecchia | Brad Seely | Cory Undlin | Charlie Weis | Mike Woicik
AFC East North South West
Buffalo Bills Baltimore Ravens Houston Texans Denver Broncos
Miami Dolphins Cincinnati Bengals Indianapolis Colts Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots Cleveland Browns Jacksonville Jaguars Oakland Raiders
New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Tennessee Titans San Diego Chargers
NFC East North South West
Dallas Cowboys Chicago Bears Atlanta Falcons Arizona Cardinals
New York Giants Detroit Lions Carolina Panthers St. Louis Rams
Philadelphia Eagles Green Bay Packers New Orleans Saints San Francisco 49ers
Washington Redskins Minnesota Vikings Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seattle Seahawks
Seasons (by team) · Regular season · Playoffs · AFC Championship · NFC Championship · Super Bowl (champions) · Pro Bowl
League Championship History: AFL Championship (1960–1969) · NFL Championship (1920–1969) · One-game playoff · Playoff Bowl
Defunct franchises · Owners · Officials · Stadiums (chronology) · Records (individual, team, Super Bowl) · All-Pro · Hall of Fame · Lore · Nicknames · AFL · Merger · History in Los Angeles, Toronto (Bills Series) · International Series · Europa (World Bowl) · TV · Radio · Management Council · NFLPA · Player conduct · Draft · Training camp · Preseason (Hall of Fame Game, American Bowl) · Kickoff · Monday Night Football · Thanksgiving Classic · Christmas games · Playoff droughts
American Football League
Eastern Division
Western Division
General
Seasons • Playoffs • All-League Teams • All-Star game • AFL Draft • All-Time Team • AFL–NFL merger • NFL
Broadcasters
ABC • AFL All-Star Game • AFL Championship Game • Boston Patriots • Buffalo Bills • Cincinnati Bengals • Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs • Denver Broncos • Houston Oilers • NBC • Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers • Miami Dolphins • New York Titans/Jets • Oakland Raiders • Thanksgiving Classic • Super Bowl
Sports teams based in Massachusetts
Baseball
MLB: Boston Red Sox – NYPL: Lowell Spinners – Can-Am: Brockton Rox • Pittsfield Colonials • Worcester Tornadoes – NECBL: Holyoke Blue Sox • New Bedford Bay Sox • North Adams SteepleCats • North Shore Navigators
 Flag of Massachusetts.svg

P9051102.jpg

Gillette Stadium.jpg
Basketball
NBA: Boston Celtics • D-League: Springfield Armor
Football
NFL: New England Patriots – WFA: Boston Militia – IWFL: New England Intensity
Hockey
NHL: Boston Bruins – AHL: Springfield Falcons • Worcester Sharks
Soccer
MLS: New England Revolution – WPS: Boston Breakers – PDL: Western Mass Pioneers – NPSL: Boston Tea Men – WPSL: Boston 23 • Boston Aztec Women • New England Mutiny
Lacrosse
MLL: Boston Cannons – NLL: Boston Blazers
Softball
NPF: New England Riptide
Rugby union
NERFU: Harvard Business School RFC RSL: Boston Irish Wolfhounds RFC • Boston RFC
Tennis
WTT: Boston Lobsters
Australian rules football
USAFL: Boston Demons
College athletics
(NCAA Div. I)
AIC Yellow Jackets (ice hockey) • Bentley Falcons (ice hockey) • Boston College Eagles • Boston University Terriers • Harvard Crimson • Holy Cross Crusaders • UMass Minutemen • UMass Lowell River Hawks (ice hockey) • Merrimack Warriors (ice hockey) • Northeastern Huskies
Gaelic games
Boston GAA: Hurling • Gaelic football