New England Patriots facts and stats ahead of tonight's Super Bowl clash against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana (23:25 GMT / 18:25 EST kick-off).
- Founded in 1959, the Pats, as they are commonly known, joined the American Football League in 1959 as the Boston Patriots.
- In 1971, the Pats moved to their current home in Foxborough, Massachusetts and changed their name to the New England Patriots.
- Head coach Bill Belichick has won three Super Bowls and five AFC championships with the Patriots.
- The Patriots have won a total of seven AFC titles (1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2011). The only team with more titles in the AFC is the Pittsburgh Steelers with eight.
- New England have won the Super Bowl three times, going all the way in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Only four teams have won more titles, those being Pittsburgh (6), Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers (both 5) and Green Bay Packers (4).
- Starting quarterback Tom Brady has, like his coach, won three Super Bowls and five AFC titles. He has also won two Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards and been selected for seven Pro Bowls.
Notes:
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
2011 regular season record: 13-3, won AFC East division
AFC playoff seeding: 1
Route to the Super Bowl: Bye in first round of playoffs; beat Denver Broncos 45-10 in divisional round; beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in the AFC Championship.