The New England Patriots team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL).

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.

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.

The Patriots, however, were defeated by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, after winning the first 18 games of their 2007 season.

On November 16, 1959, Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was awarded the eighth and final franchise of the developing American Football League (AFL).

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.

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.

In 1985, they returned to the playoffs, and made it all the way to Super Bowl XX, which they lost to the Chicago Bears 46--10.

Super Bowl banners hang proudly at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots current coach, Bill Belichick, was hired in 2000, and a new home field, Gillette Stadium was opened in 2002.

NFL Films: New England Patriots "Team of the Decade"