Overview of Patriots Super Bowl History
The New England Patriots have appeared in nine Super Bowls, the most of any franchise in the 21st century. Across these appearances, the franchise won six championships and established sustained excellence under multiple head coaches, most notably Bill Belichick. Below is a verified, chronological breakdown of each Super Bowl appearance, including opponents, venues, dates, and results to serve as a durable reference.
Complete List of Patriots Super Bowl Appearances
Each entry includes the opponent, final score, venue, date, and whether the Patriots won or lost, reflecting the franchise’s full Super Bowl record through the most recent appearance.
| Season | Super Bowl | Date | Opponent | Result (Pts-Pats) | Venue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | XX | Jan 26, 1986 | Chicago Bears | 46–10 | Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans | Loss |
| 1996 | XXXI | Jan 26, 1997 | Green Bay Packers | 35–21 | Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans | Win |
| 2001 | XXXVI | Feb 3, 2002 | St. Louis Rams | 20–17 | Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans | Win |
| 2003 | XXXVIII | Feb 1, 2004 | Carolina Panthers | 32–29 | Reliant Stadium, Houston | Win |
| 2004 | XXXIX | Feb 7, 2005 | Philadelphia Eagles | 24–21 | Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville | Win |
| 2011 | XLIX | Feb 1, 2015 | Seattle Seahawks | 28–24 | University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale | Win |
| 2014 | XLIX | Feb 1, 2015 | Seattle Seahawks | 28–24 | University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale | Win |
| 2017 | LI | Feb 5, 2017 | Atlanta Falcons | 34–28 OT | NRG Stadium, Houston | Win |
| 2018 | LIII | Feb 3, 2pany | Los Angeles Rams | 13–3 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | Win |
Key Takeaways from the List
- The Patriots’ first Super Bowl appearance (XX) resulted in a loss; all subsequent appearances through LIII were wins.
- They won six of nine Super Bowls, producing a .667 winning rate across appearances.
- Four of their six wins came in the 2000s, marking the dynasty under Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.
- Two appearances (XLIX and LIII) were at the same venue—XLIX was also played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, while LIII was in Atlanta.
Chronological Context and Dynasty Timeline
Understanding the sequence of appearances clarifies the franchise’s sustained competitiveness. Early in the modern era, the Patriots transformed into a perennial contender, reaching at least one Super Bowl in four separate decades.
The 1980s and First Modern Era Trip
Before the Belichick era, the Patriots’ lone prior Super Bowl appearance was an impactful loss to the Bears. The 1985 season remains their only pre-2000s Super Bowl appearance and framed the franchise’s long-term trajectory toward sustained success.
The 2000s and 2010s Dynasty
Between 2002 and 2019, the Patriots reached nine Super Bowls across calendar years, winning six. This sustained excellence under a consistent front office and coaching staff represents one of the most dominant stretches in modern professional sports.
Notable Patterns and Records
The Patriots’ Super Bowl record includes multiple distinctions, such as most appearances by a franchise in the 21st century and most wins by any franchise in the AFC Championship era. Their ability to reach the championship game across different rosters and coaching regimes underscores organizational stability.
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total Super Bowl Appearances | 9 | Most by any NFL franchise in the 21st century |
| Super Bowl Wins | 6 | Championship victories spanning 2002–2019 |
| Super Bowl Losses | 3 | Losses in 1986, 2012, and 2015 losses spelled out as seasons |
| Winning Percentage | .667 | 6 wins out of 9 appearances |
| Head Coach During Most Wins | Bill Belichick | Guided the franchise to 6 Super Bowl wins across 9 appearances |
Comparative Snapshot: Patriots vs. Other Modern Franchises
When compared with other enduring dynasties, the Patriots’ Super Bowl frequency and success rate remain among the league’s highest. Their combination of longevity and winning distinguishes them in the modern NFL landscape.
| Franchise | Super Bowl Appearances | Super Bowl Wins | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 9 | 6 | .667 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 8 | 6 | .750 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 5 | 5 | 1.000 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 8 | 5 | .625 |
Verifying the Record
All data presented here reflects publicly available, official NFL records and is accurate as of the last completed season. For ongoing updates, consult the official NFL and Patriots team archives.
Looking Forward
While past performance does not guarantee future results, the Patriots’ deep roster history and sustained front-office continuity provide a foundation for remaining competitive in upcoming seasons and Super Bowl matchups.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Super Bowl was the Patriots’ first appearance?
The Patriots’ first Super Bowl appearance was Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season, played on January 26, 1986, against the Chicago Bears.
How many Super Bowls have the Patriots won? The Patriots have won six Super Bowls: XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, and LIII. Their only losses in Super Bowls were XX and their two appearances in the 2010s that fell outside the listed wins. Did the Patriots ever win a Super Bowl before 2002?
No. Prior to their victory in Super Bowl XXXVI (2002 season), the Patriots had appeared in Super Bowl XX (1985) and lost. All championship wins have occurred in the 21st century.
Which Super Bowl had the closest final score?
Super Bowl LI stands out for its dramatic comeback and one-possession finish: Patriots 34, Falcons 28 in overtime. Super Bowl XXXVI was also close (20–17).
How many different quarterbacks started Patriots Super Bowl games?
Across nine appearances, the Patriots have started Super Bowl games primarily with Tom Brady. In later years, other quarterbacks have seen limited action, but Brady remains the defining signal-caller for these appearances.