NFL Team History: The New England Patriots

The New England Patriots, originally identified as the Boston Patriots, was founded by William H. Sullivan, and became a charter member of the American Football League in 1960.

The city of Boston, Massachusetts had previously lost two National Football League teams over the past two decades, the Boston Braves/Redskins and Boston Yanks.

The Patriots played the Denver Broncos in the first AFL game. Despite playing on their home turf, the Patriots marginally lost to the Broncos 13-10. A week later, they would score their first franchise victory over the New York Titans, now Jets.

The introductory season for the Patriots resulted in a sub-par record of 5-9.

In 1961 and 1962, the Patriots improved to 9-4-1 in each of the two seasons; however, they had yet to compete in the AFL post-season.

In 1963, an 8-6-1 record led to their first AFL Championship advent. Consequently, they were pounded by the San Diego Chargers by a score of 51-10

For the remainder of the decade, the Patriots failed to reach the post-season and only achieved two winning seasons.

In 1970, the NFL absorbed the AFL and the Patriots were placed in the AFC East Division along with the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Colts, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins. In their first year in the NFL, they posted a dreadful record of 2-12, worst of all teams among the NFL.

In 1971, the Patriots relocated from Boston to Foxboro, Massachusetts. In direct correlation with the move, the team name was changed to the New England Patriots, as now they represented the entire New England region as opposed to just the Boston community. Their home games were now played in Shaffer Stadium.

However, their first season with the new identity only resulted in an unexceptional 6-8 regular season record.

It was not until 1976 when the Patriots would produce their first winning record since 1966 and their first post-season appearance since 1963. Their 11-3 regular season record was enough to clinch a Wild Card berth.

They faced the Oakland Raiders in their Wild Card match-up, and led for the majority of the game; however, the Raiders secured the 24-21 victory with a late touchdown pass.