Overview
The New England Patriots won six Super Bowls across two distinct dynasties. Their victories span three different decades and reflect sustained excellence under Bill Belichick and later new leadership. In a league known for parity, these wins represent the most sustained championship run in modern NFL history. Read on for year-by-year winners, scores, opponents, and key contributors for each title.
2002 Season: Super Bowl XXXVI
In the Patriots’ first Super Bowl under Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, New England faced the St. Louis Rams. The game was a historic comeback, as the Patriots erased a 17–3 deficit in the fourth quarter. Adam Vinatieri’s walk-off field goal capped a 20–17 victory, marking the franchise’s first Super Bowl title and Brady’s iconic debut on the biggest stage.
Super Bowl XXXVI Snapshot
| Metric | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 3, 2002 | Event |
| Winner | New England Patriots (20–17) | Verified |
| Losing Team | St. Louis Rams | Verified |
| MVP | Tom Brady | Official NFL |
| Score | Patriots 20, Rams 17 | Verified |
2004 Season: Super Bowl XXXIX
The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl in 2005, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24–21. The game was a battle of defenses, with New England’s secondary and running game proving decisive. Corey Dillon’s late touchdown and crucial red-zone stands helped secure the win, giving the Patriots their second title in three years.
Super Bowl XXXIX Snapshot
| Metric | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 6, 2005 | Event |
| Winner | New England Patriots (24–21) | Verified |
| Losing Team | Philadelphia Eagles | Verified |
| MVP | Deion Branch | Official NFL |
| Score | Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | Verified |
2014 Season: Super Bowl XLIX
After a brief title drought, the Patriots rebounded with a thrilling win over the Seattle Seahawks. The game is remembered for its final plays, including Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception. The Patriots rallied from a 10–0 deficit early and clawed back to win 28–24, securing their fourth title in two decades.
Super Bowl XLIX Snapshot
| Metric | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 1, 2015 | Event |
| Winner | New England Patriots (28–24) | Verified |
| Losing Team | Seattle Seahawks | Verified |
| MVP | Tom Brady | Official NFL |
| Score | Patriots 28, Seahawks 24 | Verified |
2016 Season: Super Bowl LI
Super Bowl LI remains one of the greatest games in NFL history. Down 28–3 midway through the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons, the Patriots mounted the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game went to overtime, where James White scored the winning touchdown and Brady was named MVP. The 34–28 victory gave New England its fifth title.
Super Bowl LI Snapshot
| Metric | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 5, 2017 | Event |
| Winner | New England Patriots (34–28, OT) | Verified |
| Losing Team | Atlanta Falcons | Verified |
| MVP | Tom Brady | Official NFL |
| Score | Patriots 34, Falcons 28 | Verified |
2018 Season: Super Bowl LIII
The Patriots’ sixth title came against the Los Angeles Rams in a low-scoring, methodical contest. A disciplined defensive performance and efficient offense led to a 13–3 victory. It was the franchise’s first championship in the Brady–Belichick era to feature a different Super Bowl opponent, and it underscored the team’s ability to win in varied styles across two decades.
Super Bowl LIII Snapshot
| Metric | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 3, 2019 | Event |
| Winner | New England Patriots (13–3) | Verified |
| Losing Team | Los Angeles Rams | Verified |
| MVP | Julian Edelman | Official NFL |
| Score | Patriots 13, Rams 3 | Verified |
Key Takeaways
- Six Super Bowl titles: 2002 (XXXVI), 2005 (XXXIX), 2015 (XLIX), 2017 (LI), and 2019 (LIII).
- Three different Super Bowl MVPs from the Patriots: Tom Brady (2), Deion Branch, Julian Edelman.
- Two distinct dynasties: early 2000s and the 2010s–early 2020s under Belichick, plus a continuation under new leadership.
- Each title came in different styles: comeback wins, defensive struggles, and overtime thrillers.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did the Patriots ever lose a Super Bowl they led in the fourth quarter?
Yes. Notably, Super Bowl XLII and XLVI were losses after leads, underscoring the difficulty of sustaining late-game advantages in championship games.
Which quarterback has the most Super Bowl wins with one team?
Tom Brady holds the record for most Super Bowl wins by a starting quarterback with the same franchise, with six titles spanning 2002–2020.
Are the Patriots’ six titles the most among all NFL franchises?
Yes. The Patriots’ six Super Bowl victories represent the most by any franchise in the Super Bowl era, surpassing the Steelers’ six total but with fewer pre-Super Bowl championships.