1960 1970 Boston Patriots Team Formation Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was awarded the eighth and final franchise of the developing American Football League (AFL) on November 16, 1959. The following winter, locals submitted thousands of ideas for the Boston football team’s official name. Sullivan chose “Boston Patriots,” which was suggested by 74 fans, among them Larry Kepnes. Immediately thereafter, …
New England Patriots Team History
1971 1971 1994 2001 2002 2003 – 2004 2014 2016 2018 New Name New England 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 team changed their name to the New England Patriots to reflect the location change, as well as its following …