New England Patriots: Difference between revisions
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NOTE: This is a basic summary of the Patriots' history. If you wish to add information, please visit the History of the New England Patriots page. |
NOTE: This is a basic summary of the Patriots' history. If you wish to add information, please visit the History of the New England Patriots page. |
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{{main|History of the New England Patriots}} |
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| ⚫ | On [[November 16]] [[1959]], Boston business executive [[Billy Sullivan (American football)|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, Phil Bissell developed the [[Logos and Uniforms of the New England Patriots|"Pat Patriot" logo]].<ref name=patshistory> {{cite web | title = Official New England Patriots History | url = http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History | accessdate = 2008-01-13 | work = Patriots.com | publisher= New England Patriots}}</ref> |
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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 [[American Football League playoffs|AFL championship game]], following the [[1963 AFL season|1963 season]]. They lost to the [[San Diego Chargers]] 51-10. They would not appear again in an AFL or NFL [[NFL playoffs|post-season]] game for another 13 years.<ref name=patshistory/> |
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===1959–1969=== |
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| ⚫ | On [[November 16]] [[1959]], Boston business executive [[Billy Sullivan (American football)|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 |
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When the NFL and AFL [[AFL-NFL merger|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 [[Foxboro Stadium|new stadium]] in [[Foxborough, Massachusetts]], which would serve as their home for 30 years. As a result of the move, they would change their name from the Boston Patriots to the New England Patriots. During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success, earning a berth to the playoffs in 1976—as a [[wild card (sports)|wild card]]-berth—and in 1978—as AFC East champions. The would lose both games. In 1985, the 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, the returned to the playoffs in 1986, but lost in the first round. The team would not make the playoffs again for eight more years. The 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. 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.<ref name=patshistory/> |
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Training camp started on [[July 4]], [[1960 Boston Patriots season|1960]], two months prior to the franchise's first game.<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History Patriots History] Accessed 26 January 2006.</ref> On [[September 9]], 1960, the Boston Patriots played the [[Denver Broncos]] in the first-ever AFL regular season game. The Patriots were defeated by a score of 13–10. The Patriots missed the AFL playoffs for their first three seasons. However, in [[1963 Boston Patriots season|1963]] the Patriots reached the [[AFL Championship]] for the first time; they lost to the [[San Diego Chargers]] 51–10. The Patriots failed to make it to the AFL playoffs for the rest of the decade. During this period, Patriots running back [[Jim Nance]] was named the American Football League's [[MVP]] in [[1966 Boston Patriots season|1966]].<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/NancJi00.htm/ Jim Nance statistics] Accessed 25 January 2006.</ref><ref>[http://football.about.com/od/nflhistory/l/bl_awardsmvp.htm NFL MVP player of the year] Accessed 25 January 2006.</ref> |
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===1970–1975=== |
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The Patriots' second decade began with significant changes. In [[1970 Boston Patriots season|1970]], the Patriots' franchise joined the NFL pursuant to the merger of the AFL and NFL that had been agreed to three years earlier. The Patriots were merged into the American Football Conference (AFC), where they remain to the present day. However, the Patriots' first season as part of the NFL resulted in a record of 2–12, giving them sole possession of the newly merged league's worst record. The team lacked stability and was forced to play at four different sites. Finally, the Patriots moved into a new stadium in [[Foxborough, Massachusetts|Foxborough]] (also known as Foxboro). The stadium, initially named [[Schaefer Stadium]], became Sullivan Stadium in [[1983 New England Patriots season|1983]] and ultimately [[Foxboro Stadium]] in [[1990 New England Patriots season|1990]]. |
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In February, [[1971 New England Patriots season|1971]], the team was renamed the Bay State Patriots.<ref>Boston Globe, "NFL '84 Preview / AFL - 25 Years Later - Patriots Historical Highlights", August 31, 1984.</ref> After press, fan, and public relations backlash against the prospect of the team becoming known as the "B.S. Patriots", the franchise renamed the team the New England Patriots in March, 1971 to reflect the relocation out of Boston and desire to gain regional following.<ref>New York Times, "Patriots Switch Again, Adding Regional Flavor", March 23, 1971.</ref> |
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By the early 1970s, several new players were added to the lineup, including [[Heisman Trophy]]<ref>[http://www.nationalchamps.net/NCAA/heisman/heisman_trophy_winners.htm Heisman trophy winners] Accessed 25 January 2006.</ref> winner [[Jim Plunkett]]<ref>[http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/draft/1971.jsp 1971 NFL draft] Accessed 25 January 2006.</ref>; [[University of Southern California|USC]] [[All-American]] and [[Rose Bowl (game)|Rose Bowl]] touchdown record holder<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/sfc/bowls/rose.htm USA Today</ref> [[Sam Cunningham|Sam "Bam" Cunningham]], and offensive lineman [[John Hannah (NFL player)|John Hannah]], who became the first career Patriot to be elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in [[1991 New England Patriots season|1991]].<ref>[http://www.collegefootballnews.com/Top_100_Players/Top_100_Players_13_John_Hannah.htm Top 100 Players: 13 - John Hannah]. Information on John Hannah's career, including a list of awards, which features the 1991 NFL Hall of Fame induction. Accessed 29 January 2006.</ref> Despite the addition of these popular players, the Patriots' series of losing seasons continued into the early 1970s, during which time the Patriots were often derisively called "The Patsies" by the local fans and press.<ref>http://jimsuldog.blogspot.com/2005/09/patsies.html The Patsies</ref><ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946720,00.html New England: Patsies No More</ref> |
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[[Chuck Fairbanks]] was hired as head coach and [[general manager]] in [[1973 New England Patriots season|1973]] after leading a top-ten program at the [[University of Oklahoma]]. Prior to the hiring of Fairbanks, New England had its sight set on [[Penn State]] head coach [[Joe Paterno]]. Paterno however, ultimately declined the move, and remained at Penn State. <ref> http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E1D61038F930A25752C0A964948260 Paterno Rejects Patriots ] The New York Times. Accessed 20 December 2007.</ref> Under Fairbanks, the Patriots finished 7–7 in [[1974 New England Patriots season|1974]] and 3–11 in [[1975 New England Patriots season|1975]], which resulted in changes to the offense. Plunkett was traded to the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and replaced by [[Steve Grogan]]. |
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===1976-1984=== |
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After the string of losing seasons, the Patriots finished the [[1976 New England Patriots season|1976 season]] with an 11–3 mark — the best record in team history to that point — and a playoff slot for the first time since 1963. In the first round of the [[NFL playoffs, 1976-77|1976 playoffs]], the Patriots lost to the [[Oakland Raiders]] 24–21. In [[1978 New England Patriots season|1978]], Fairbanks was fired as head coach when it was revealed that he had been secretly hired as the new head coach of the [[University of Colorado at Boulder|University of Colorado]]. Fairbanks was replaced by [[Ron Erhardt]], who coached the team to a playoff appearance later that year. The Patriots lost to the [[Houston Oilers]] in the [[NFL playoffs, 1978-79|first round]]. The following year under new coach [[Ron Meyer]], the Patriots were once again eliminated in the [[NFL playoffs, 1982-83|first game]] — this time by the [[Miami Dolphins]]. With the team unable to assemble playoff victories, the Sullivans replaced head coach Ron Meyer with former [[wide receiver]] [[Raymond Berry]] in [[1984 New England Patriots season|1984]]. |
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===1985-1992=== |
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In the [[1985 New England Patriots season|1985 regular season]], the team finished with an 11-5 record and obtained a [[wild card (sports)|wild-card]] playoff berth. The Patriots won three road [[NFL playoffs, 1985-86|playoff games]] on their way to [[Super Bowl XX]] — an NFL record.<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe1985.htm 1985 New England Patriots Statistics]. Features information on the Patriots' wins during the 1985 season and playoffs. Accessed 26 January 2006.</ref> At Super Bowl XX, the Patriots surrendered a 3-0 first quarter lead and lost to the [[Chicago Bears]] by a score of 46-10. The following season, New England won the [[AFC East]] with another 11–5 record, but fell to the Broncos in the first round of the playoffs. Local resident [[Doug Flutie]] was a member of the Patriots during the [[1987 New England Patriots season|1987]] and [[1988 New England Patriots season|1988]] seasons, in which they finished with records of 8–7 and 9–7, respectively. Berry remained head coach through both seasons. |
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During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Patriots' lack of playoff appearances was underscored by personnel changes and controversy within the Sullivan ownership.<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158261525X Book discussing various aspects of the Patriots sports franchise] Website accessed January 31, 2006.</ref> The Sullivan family lost millions of dollars on investments, including [[The Jacksons]]' 1984 Victory tour. These financial losses and demands forced the Sullivans to sell the team. In 1986, Francis W. Murray arranged financing to keep the team afloat, and in return was granted an option to purchase the team. When Murray tried to exercise his option, the Sullivans refused to acknowledge his rights and Murray sued and won in court. As a result, Murray agreed to partner with [[Victor Kiam]] to purchase the team in 1988. Kiam and Murray purchased the team for $84 million — $16 million less than Sullivan claimed to have invested in the team.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE0D6163FF93AA15753C1A96E948260 Patriots Change Hands]. Associated Press article, published on [[October 29]], [[1988]]. Website accessed February 1, 2006.</ref><ref>[http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/nengalnd/patriots.html Sports Encyclopedia]. Kiam owned 51% and Murray 49%. Information relating to Kiam's purchasing of the Patriots in the late 1980s. Accessed January 31, 2006.</ref> Although Kiam was now the majority owner, he decided to keep Billy Sullivan and his son, Pat Sullivan, as franchise president and general manager respectively.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE0D6163FF93AA15753C1A96E948260 Patriots Change Hands]. Associated Press article, published on [[October 29]], 1988. Website accessed February 1, 2006.</ref> Meanwhile, paper and packaging magnate [[Robert Kraft]], a Patriots season-ticket holder since 1972, moved strategically to gain ownership of decrepit Sullivan Stadium (formerly Schaefer Stadium) after a business analysis showed that he could not yet afford to bid on the team, but that the team could not be a financial success without the stadium revenues. He set in motion a long-term strategy to one day become the owner of the Patriots.<ref>{{citebook|title=Patriots Reign|ISBN=006757949|author=Michael Holley|copyright=2004|publisher=HarperCollins|edition=1st ed. HC}}</ref> Kraft closed on the stadium purchase on [[November 23]], 1988. Essentially, Kraft owned the stadium and Kiam owned the team.<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History Patriots History]. Information relating to Kraft purchasing Sullivan Stadium and renaming it Foxboro stadium. Accessed January 31, 2006.</ref> During this leadership change, head coach Berry was replaced by [[Rod Rust]] — a change that was short-lived. |
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The Patriots' worst season in franchise history — a 1-15 record — came under Rust in 1990. During the season, the Patriots were thrown into the middle of a sexual harassment scandal when ''[[Boston Herald]]'' reporter [[Lisa Olson]] was sexually and verbally assaulted by several Patriots players in the team's locker room and was later labeled a "classic bitch" by Kiam. Following an investigation into the scandal, NFL Commissioner [[Paul Tagliabue]] fined the team $50,000, and players [[Zeke Mowatt]], [[Michael Timpson]] and [[Robert Perryman]] $12,500, $5,000, and $5,000 respectively. Rust was fired and replaced by [[Dick MacPherson]] at the end of the season. The Olson scandal and the 1-15 record are cited as the two primary reasons why Rod Rust was told to leave.<ref>[http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/nengalnd/patriots.html Lisa Olsen sexual harassment scandal] Accessed 31 January 2006.</ref> |
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In [[1992 New England Patriots season|1992]], [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]] businessman [[James Orthwein]] became sole owner of the Patriots franchise, sparking rumors of a possible relocation of the team to St. Louis. However, no move was scheduled for the 1992 season, despite a 2-14 record.<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History Patriots History]. Orthwein takes over the franchise, which sparks controversy over a possible franchise relocation. Accessed 31 January 2006.</ref> |
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===1992-1997=== |
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During the 1992–1993 offseason, the Patriots shifted gears by replacing MacPherson with [[Bill Parcells]]. The team's draft selections during the offseason included top overall pick [[Drew Bledsoe]], who was [[quarterback]] of the team until [[2001 New England Patriots season|2001]], and wide receiver [[Troy Brown]] who holds the team record holder for most receptions. Troy Brown would also play as a defensive back in the Belichick era, scoring touchdowns both on interceptions and as a receiver. Despite these acquisitions, the [[1993 New England Patriots season|1993 season]] resulted in 5-11 record as Parcells began rebuilding, and rumors about relocating to St. Louis rekindled during the offseason. However, before he could move the team to St. Louis, Orthwein had to get out of the lease on Foxboro Stadium, owned by Robert Kraft. When Orthwein offered Kraft $75 million to buy out the remaining years on the lease, Kraft turned it down<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=mgersexecsbio&bio=547 Patriots.com Robert Kraft Biography]. Biographical info on Kraft including events leading up to the buyout. Accessed 3 April 2007</ref>, forcing Orthwein to put the franchise up for sale. |
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Using the stadium lease as leverage, Kraft was able to buy the Patriots in [[1994 New England Patriots season|January of 1994]], paying a record (at the time) $200 million for the team. More importantly, in the view of the region's media, he immediately announced that the team would stay in New England<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History Patriots History]. Kraft takes over in 1994, saving the team from a move. Accessed 31 January 2006.</ref>. |
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Kraft made a commitment to Patriots fans that he would bring a Super Bowl and a state of the art facility for the team to New England. On the day the NFL approved his purchase, the fans responded by buying almost 6,000 season tickets en route to selling out every game for the first time in the team's 34-year history. Every home game has been sold out since. |
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Despite the marketing successes, the relationship between Kraft and Parcells was strained. It got worse with time as new owners with their net worth on the line were unwilling to give carte blanche to Parcells' spending on the football side. The Krafts believed in giving management plenty of space, but not carte blanche without questions and answers. Parcells felt Kraft was interfering with his prerogatives and with what was needed to run a successful winning football franchise, especially in light of the new [[NFL salary cap]] which took effect in 1994. The result was a management stalemate with declining good will that eventually led to [[Bill Belichick]], the newly hired Assistant Head Coach, having to mediate between the two during the 1996 season. The management conflict also led to the distracting and disruptive rumors that Parcells was leaving the franchise; rumors that dominated the news prior to the team's participation in [[Super Bowl XXXI]] (as double-digit under dogs), despite the fact that Parcells was under contract through the 1997 season. At one point prior to the AFC title game against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], Boston Globe columnist [[Will McDonough]], who had excellent relationships with both the Krafts and Parcells, actually maneuvered the two into a meeting to settle their differences (January 12th, 1997—the morning of the AFC Championship game<ref>{{citebook|title=Patriot Reign|ISBN=006757949|author=Michael Holley|copyright=2004|publisher=HarperCollins|edition=1st ed. HC|page=26}}</ref>). Team president [[Jonathan Kraft]] is quoted by writer Michael Holley in ''[[Patriot Reign]]'' as saying ''"It was a very, very strange time, and when you are not an expert at this business—you know we were still very new to the business—it can be educational. Big Bill had kept us in the dark on a lot of things. He probably misled us on some things. And we didn't know how to go about questioning it."<ref>{{citebook|title=Patriots Reign|ISBN=006757949|author=Michael Holley|copyright=2004|publisher=HarperCollins|edition=1st ed. HC|page=30}}</ref> |
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New England entered the 1994 season after drafting defensive end [[Willie McGinest]], the first round and fourth overall pick, who would later play [[linebacker]] on all three Super Bowl-winning teams. The 1994 club struggled to 3-6 but rallied to defeat the [[Minnesota Vikings]] in overtime and finished the season with a record of 10-6. Although the team lost in the first round of the [[NFL playoffs, 1994-95|playoffs]] and finished the [[1995 New England Patriots season|1995 season]] with a 6–10 record, Kraft decided to keep Parcells; however, Parcells was forced to give up control of player personnel, creating a divided structure Belichick would later put an end to—but not until 2001. In 1996, the Patriots finished with an 11–5 record and won the AFC East division championship, advancing to [[Super Bowl XXXI]], where they were double-digit underdogs and lost to the [[Green Bay Packers]] 35–21. |
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===1997-1999=== |
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Due to rising tensions between Parcells and Kraft, Parcells resigned and was replaced by [[Pete Carroll]] in [[1997 New England Patriots season|1997]]. Meanwhile, the Patriots and the New York Jets began switching players and coaches, including Parcells and running back [[Curtis Martin]]. Nevertheless, New England finished with a 10–6 record and took first place in the AFC East. The Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 17–3 at home in the opening round of the playoffs before losing against the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 7–6. In the [[1998 New England Patriots season|1998 season]], the Patriots finished 9–7 and lost to the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] in the first round of the playoffs. A subpar [[1999 New England Patriots season|1999 season]] followed in which the Patriots jumped to a 6-2 record but collapsed after their [[bye week]] to finish 8-8. The second half of the season resulted in Carroll's firing. |
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===2000-present=== |
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After Carroll was fired, [[Bill Belichick]], hand-picked to be Parcells' successor with the Jets, quit after one day as Jets head coach to join New England. Belichick's first season in [[2000 New England Patriots season|2000]] resulted in a 5–11 record. In 2001, quarterback Drew Bledsoe was injured in the second game of the season and was replaced by [[Tom Brady]], a sixth-round draft pick, who then led the team into the playoffs with an 11–5 record. The Patriots defeated the Oakland Raiders in the so-called [[The Tuck (NFL game)|"The Tuck" game]] played in a driving snowstorm in Foxborough (it was also notable for being the final game in [[Foxboro Stadium]]), followed by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the [[NFL playoffs, 2004-05|AFC Championship Game]]. That set up the team's third trip to New Orleans and [[Super Bowl XXXVI]], where they defeated the [[St. Louis Rams]] on a last-second field goal by [[Adam Vinatieri]]. In New England's first Super Bowl victory, Brady drove his team 48 yards in 1:21 with no timeouts to set up the winning field goal, and was selected [[Super Bowl MVP]]. An estimated 1.5 million people turned out in Boston for the Patriots' first victory parade.<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/11/01/crowd_size_could_be_in_the_eye_of_beholder/ Boston.com] "Crowd size could be in the eye of the beholder." Accessed 5 June 2007.</ref> In the 2002 offseason, Bledsoe was traded, in an unusual move, within the division, to the [[Buffalo Bills]]. |
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[[Image:patriots n bush.jpg|thumb|left|250px|President George W. Bush poses with the New England Patriots during a ceremony honoring the 2004 Super Bowl Champions in the Rose Garden]] |
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In 2002, Robert Kraft opened the new [[Gillette Stadium]] after privately funding its construction. Initially getting no support from the [[Massachusetts|Commonwealth of Massachusetts]] to build a new stadium, Kraft made a deal to move the team to [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]], [[Connecticut]] in 1998.<ref>[http://www.ct.gov/governorrowland/cwp/view.asp?A=1331&Q=256172 CT.gov] Story on Kraft moving the team to Hartford. Accessed 18 April 2006.</ref> However, environmental cleanup problems with the Hartford site, combined with Massachusetts' eventual willingness to loan $57 million for infrastructure costs around Foxboro to be repaid through parking revenue, led to a reversal of the Hartford deal. As a result of threats of lawsuits by Connecticut Governor [[John Rowland]], Kraft paid $2.4 million to Connecticut to avoid any future litigation.<ref>[http://www.sportslawnews.com/archive/articles%201999/Patriots1.html Sportslawnews.com] Information on the reversal of the Hartford deal. Accessed 18 April 2006.</ref> The state-of-the-art stadium is widely considered to be one of the premier stadiums in the NFL.<ref>[http://www.sportsvenue-technology.com/projects/cmgi/ Information about Gillette Stadium] Accessed 31 January, 2006</ref><ref>[http://football.ballparks.com/NFL/NewEnglandPatriots/newindex.htm Additional information about Gillette Stadium] Accessed 31 January, 2006</ref> |
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The Patriots missed the [[NFL playoffs, 2002-03|2002 playoffs]]. The team finished with a record of 9–7 and lost the division title to the New York Jets via a tiebreaker. In [[2003 New England Patriots season|2003]], the Patriots started 2–2 but finished with a 14–2 record after fourteen straight wins on their way to [[Super Bowl XXXVIII]] against the [[Carolina Panthers]]. The Patriots won by a score of 32–29; the final three points came from another Adam Vinatieri field goal. Brady was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time in his career. |
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In [[2004 New England Patriots season|2004]], the Patriots broke the NFL all-time regular season consecutive winning streak record of 18 straight wins with a victory against the Miami Dolphins. Later in the season, the Patriots lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which halted their winning streak at 21 games. However, the NFL only counts regular-season wins in determining the consecutive wins record, so the Patriots' streak officially stands at 18 games. |
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[[Image:BostonCityhall.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Patriot fans rally in front of Boston City Hall following the 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII championship]] |
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After finishing the 2004 season with a 14-2 record, the Patriots defeated the [[Indianapolis Colts]] and Pittsburgh Steelers en route to [[Super Bowl XXXIX]]. The Patriots went on to defeat the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] by a score of 24–21. The victory made the Patriots the first team in six years to repeat as NFL Super Bowl champions, and the second team ever to win three Super Bowls in four years. After the 2004 season, Belichick's top two coordinators, [[Charlie Weis]] and [[Romeo Crennel]], left the team to pursue head coaching positions. Significant players moved on as well, including longtime Patriot [[cornerback]] [[Ty Law]]. Linebacker [[Tedy Bruschi]] missed half of the [[2005 New England Patriots season|2005 season]] while recovering from a mild stroke. During the 2005 season, the team lost several starters to injuries. The Patriots won the AFC East with a 10–6 record, then defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 28–3 in the first round of the [[NFL playoffs, 2005-06|playoffs]] before losing to the Denver Broncos 27–13. |
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The [[2006 New England Patriots season|2006 off-season]] saw the departure and arrival of several personnel. The team finished the 2006 regular season with a 12-4 record and won the AFC East for the fourth consecutive time. The Patriots went on to defeat their rival the Jets 37-16 in the [[National Football League playoffs, 2006-07|wild card round]]. In the following game, Brady, despite throwing 3 INTs, engineered a 4th quarter comeback to defeat the San Diego Chargers by the score of 24-21. They faced the Colts in the AFC Championship but lost 38-34 after leading 21-3 midway through the second quarter. |
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During the 2007 [[Season (sports)#Off-season|offseason]], the Patriots traded for wide receiver [[Randy Moss]] of the [[Oakland Raiders]] and signed linebacker [[Adalius Thomas]] of the [[Baltimore Ravens]]. |
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The [[2007 New England Patriots season]] kicked off against the Jets. During the game, NFL security confiscated a video camera and its tape from a New England Patriots video assistant, Matt Estrella, who was filming the Jets coaching staff's play signals on the team's sideline, a violation of league rules.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070912 Camera doesn't lie: Pats have their Watergate] ESPN.com. Accessed 13 September 2007.</ref> On [[September 13]], Belichick was fined $500,000, and the Patriots fined $250,000. Additionally, the Patriots will forfeit their first-round selection in the [[2008 NFL Draft]] because they reached the [[NFL playoffs, 2007-08|playoffs]] (had the Patriots not made the playoffs, they would have forfeited their second- and third-round selections).<ref>[http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/09/final_ruling.html Final ruling] Boston.com Reiss' Pieces. Accessed 13 September 2007.</ref> |
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{{Wikinews|New England Patriots go undefeated in NFL regular season}} |
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The Patriots finished the 2007 season with a 38-35 win over the New York Giants on December 29, making their record 16-0. With the win, they joined the 1934 and 1942 Chicago Bears and the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only teams to go undefeated in the regular season, and the 1st team to go 16-0 in the regular season (the other teams played 13, 11, and 14 games, respectively). |
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The team's on-field performance and attendance has drastically improved since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994. In the 34 years prior to the arrival of Kraft, the Patriots had won the AFC East three times, made the playoffs six times (including their AFL Championship berth in 1963), and went to the Super Bowl once. Since Kraft, the Patriots have won the AFC East eight times, made the playoffs nine times and have been to the Super Bowl on four occasions, winning three. From the 1996 season onward, every Patriots home game has sold out, both at Foxboro and Gillette stadiums, including preseason games.<ref>[http://www.kenn.com/sports/football/nfl/nfl_nep_attendance.html Attendance information from 1980-] Accessed 1 February 2006</ref><ref>[http://slam.canoe.ca/StatsFBP/BC-FBP-STAT-NEWENGLANDATTCOMP-R.html Specific information on 2003- Sell-out streak] Accessed 1 February 2006</ref> |
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===Logo and uniforms=== |
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{{main|Logos and uniforms of the New England Patriots}} |
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The original Patriot logo was developed in 1960 by artist Phil Bissell.<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History Patriots History]. Logo design information. Accessed 26 January 2006.</ref> The logo featured a New England Revolutionary War [[minuteman]] wearing a traditional uniform snapping a football. The first Patriots owner [[Billy Sullivan (American football)|Billy Sullivan]] coined the logo's nickname: "Pat Patriot".<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History Patriots History]. Logo naming information. Accessed 26 January 2006.</ref> The team's original uniforms were red with white and blue stripes on their sleeves, and white pants and helmets. Initially, the helmets featured a Revolutionary War-era tricorn hat; however, this design was replaced with the Pat Patriot logo in 1961.<ref>[http://www.i-nflhelmet.com/newenglandpatriots.html i-NFL Helmet] Information relating to the evolution of the Patriots' helmets. Accessed 28 January 2006.</ref> |
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In 1993 changes to the Patriots' uniforms and logo were rolled out by brief Patriots owner James B. Orthwein.<ref>[http://www.patriots.com/history/index.cfm?ac=History Patriots History]. Changes. Accessed 26 January 2006.</ref> The old "Pat Patriot" logo was retired and replaced with a stylized Patriot head in silhouette wearing a red-white-and-blue tricorn hat, designed in tandem with [[NFL Properties]]. Fans and sports officials would eventually nickname the logo the "Flying [[Elvis Presley|Elvis]]".<ref> [http://nflhistory.net/shared/owners.asp?Team=3 NFLHistory.net] Information on the Patriots' ownership, including the start of the "Flying Elvis" logo. Accessed 26 January 2006.</ref> The team's uniforms were changed from red to "Patriot" (dark) blue, and both the helmets and pants from white to silver.<ref>[http://nflhistory.net/shared/owners.asp?Team=3 NFLHistory.net] Color changes; one of the colors is called "Patriot" blue by this source. Accessed 28 January 2006.</ref> |
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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. Parcells would bring the Patriots to two playoff appearences, 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.<ref name=patshistory/> |
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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 went to three Super Bowls in four years, and finished the [[2007 NFL season|2007 regular season]] with a perfect 16-0 record, becoming only the fourth team in league history to go undefeated, and the only one since the league expanded its [[regular season (NFL)|regular season]] schedule to 16 games.<ref name=patshistory/> |
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In 2000 the team made additional changes to their logo and uniform. Although the "Flying Elvis" logo remained, a darker blue color was introduced.<ref>[http://www.i-nflhelmet.com/newenglandpatriots.html i-NFL Helmet]. Mention of helmet and uniform changes in 2000. Accessed 30 January 2006.</ref> |
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==Season-by-season records== |
==Season-by-season records== |
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Revision as of 04:16, 14 January 2008
 | For current information on this topic, see 2007 New England Patriots season. |
| New England Patriots | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Established 1960 Play in Foxborough, Massachusetts | |||
| |||
| League/conference affiliations | |||
American Football League (1960–69)
National Football League (1970–present)
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Current uniform | |||
| Team colors | Nautical Blue, New Century Silver, Red, and White | ||
| Mascot | Pat Patriot | ||
| Personnel | |||
| Owner(s) | Robert Kraft | ||
| General manager | none | ||
| Head coach | Bill Belichick | ||
| Team history | |||
| |||
| Team nicknames | |||
| The Pats | |||
| Championships | |||
| League championships (3) | |||
| Conference championships (5) | |||
| Division championships (11) | |||
| Home fields | |||
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The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats" by sports writers and fans,[1] are a professional American football team based in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The owners changed the name from the original Boston Patriots after relocating the team to Foxborough in 1971.
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 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. As Boston Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy wrote after the Super Bowl XXXIX win: "And the New England Patriots of the 21st century are established as an NFL dynasty on a par with the Packers of the 1960s, the Steelers of the '70s, the 49ers of the '80s, and the Cowboys of the '90s." [2] In 2007, the Patriots became only the second team in the modern era of the NFL to complete a perfect regular season with a record of 16-0, and the first team to do so since the introduction of the 16-game season.
Franchise history
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, Phil Bissell developed the "Pat Patriot" logo.[3]
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.[3]
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 would change their name from the Boston Patriots to the New England Patriots. During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success, earning a berth to the playoffs in 1976—as a wild card-berth—and in 1978—as AFC East champions. The would lose both games. In 1985, the 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, the returned to the playoffs in 1986, but lost in the first round. The team would not make the playoffs again for eight more years. The 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. 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.[3]
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. Parcells would bring the Patriots to two playoff appearences, 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.[3]
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 went to three Super Bowls in four years, and finished the 2007 regular season with a perfect 16-0 record, becoming only the fourth team in league history to go undefeated, and the only one since the league expanded its regular season schedule to 16 games.[3]
Season-by-season records
Strategy
Players of note
Current roster
Pro Football Hall of Famers
- 85 Nick Buoniconti, LB, 1962–68, elected 2001
- 73 John Hannah, G, 1973–85, elected 1991
- 40 Mike Haynes, CB, 1976–82, elected 1997
Retired numbers
- 20 Gino Cappelletti, K/WR, 1960–70
- 40 Mike Haynes, CB, 1976–82
- 57 Steve Nelson, LB, 1974–87
- 73 John Hannah, G, 1973–85
- 78 Bruce Armstrong, T, 1987–2000
- 79 Jim Lee Hunt, DL, 1960–70
- 89 Bob Dee, DL, 1960–67
In addition to the seven players above, QB Steve Grogan (14), QB Babe Parilli (15), LB Andre Tippett (56), and WR Stanley Morgan (86) were inducted into the Patriots' Hall of Fame.[4]
Other notable alumni
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All-time first-round draft picks
Coaches of note
Head coaches
- Lou Saban (1960–61)
- Mike Holovak (1961–68)
- Clive Rush (1969–70)
- John Mazur (1970–72)
- Phil Bengtson (interim) (1972)
- Chuck Fairbanks (1973–78)
- Ron Erhardt (1979–81)
- Ron Meyer (1982–84)
- Raymond Berry (1984–89)
- Rod Rust (1990)
- Dick MacPherson (1991–92)
- Bill Parcells (1993–96)
- Pete Carroll (1997–99)
- Bill Belichick (2000–present)
Current staff
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Cheerleaders
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The Patriots NFL Cheerleaders are simply known as the The Patriots Cheerleaders. In 2005, cheerleader Kristin Gauvin won Miss Massachusetts, in part from her local commitment with the Patriots.
End-zone militia
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 to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. ESPN named this one of the top ten celebrations in the league in 2007[5].
Radio and television
As of 2007, the Patriots' flagship radio station is WBCN 104.1FM, owned by CBS Radio. The larger radio network is called the "Patriots Rock Radio Network," whose 35 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 ABC affiliate WCVB. 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.
Patriots radio announcers
| Years | Flagship station | Play-by-Play | Color Commentator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960-64 | 590 WEEI | Bob Gallagher | Fred Cusick |
| 1965 | 590 WEEI | Ned Martin | Fred Cusick |
| 1966-71 | 1030 WBZ | Bob Starr | Gil Santos |
| 1972-77 | 1030 WBZ | Gil Santos | Gino Cappelletti |
| 1978-79 | 1030 WBZ | Gil Santos | Jon Morris |
| 1980-86 | 850 WHDH | John Carlson | Jon Morris |
| 1987 | 850 WHDH | Curt Gowdy | Jon Morris |
| 1988-90 | 590 WEEI | Dale Arnold | Gino Cappelletti |
| 1991-1995 | 1030 WBZ | Gil Santos | Gino Cappelletti |
| 1995-present | 104.1 WBCN | Gil Santos | Gino Cappelletti |
Notes and references
- ^ ESPN.com An example of the "Pats" nickname being used within sports reports. Accessed 26 January 2006.
- ^ Shaughnessy, Dan. "DYNASTY". Retrieved 2007-12-21.
- ^ a b c d e "Official New England Patriots History". Patriots.com. New England Patriots. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
- ^ Hall of Fame Information on the Patriots' retired numbers and Hall of Famers. Accessed 26 January 2006.
- ^ ESPN.com It's a Celebration: Best NFL Touchdown Celebrations, Josh Pahigian, 12/3/07
See also
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to New England Patriots.
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