An original member of the AFL, the New England Patriots joined the NFL during the merger in 1970. The team was established in 1959, and since then, they have appeared in nine Super Bowls. While that is an incredible number, they really have not been a dominant franchise throughout their history, and have been to seven of those Super Bowls with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. During their run, the two have become arguably the best ever at their jobs, and Pats fans have really only known winning since 2000.
With their run of success over the last 17 seasons, the Patriots have become one of the more successful franchises in sports. They have won the Super Bowl five times, which is tied for first place all time with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. Brady will go down in history as the best quarterback to ever play in the NFL, which is a big honor for someone who grew up idolizing Joe Montana.
This team was not always called the New England Patriots, starting their existence as the Boston Patriots. They then became the Bay Street Patriots, before becoming the New England Patriots in 1971. They have been through some controversial times, including Spygate and Deflategate, but all the while they have kept their elite status in the National Football League.
The Patriots won the Super Bowl as recent as last season, and despite being 40-years old, Brady has not lost a step. They are once again one of the best teams in the NFL, and there is no doubt Brady is going to make another run at a sixth Super Bowl.