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→Team History
In 1993, the Patriots drafted with the first pick of the [[1993 NFL Draft]], [[University of Washington]] star quarterback, [[Drew Bledsoe]]. With Bledsoe now leading the team, the Patriots improved significantly and in 1996 the Patriots returned to the Super Bowl ([[Super Bowl XXXI]] vs the [[Green Bay Packers]]). Once again the Patriots lost but they didn't fall apart as a team and they continued to be a playoff contender throughout the late 1990s.
In 1993, the Patriots drafted with the first pick of the [[1993 NFL Draft]], [[University of Washington]] star quarterback, [[Drew Bledsoe]]. With Bledsoe now leading the team, the Patriots improved significantly and in 1996 the Patriots returned to the Super Bowl ([[Super Bowl XXXI]] vs the [[Green Bay Packers]]). Once again the Patriots lost but they didn't fall apart as a team and they continued to be a playoff contender throughout the late 1990s.
Plagued by inconsistent ownership, the team's fortunes changed when Robert Kraft, a long time season ticket owner, was able to buy the team. Kraft was able to do so by a series of events ultimately leading to his ownership:
*First, Kraft purchased an option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse-racing track; his ownership prevented the Patriots from operating non-team events when races where being held.
*Second, Kraft purchased Schaefer Stadium for $22 million out of bankruptcy court when the Patriots owner experienced financial trouble (notable sponsorship of the Jackson Five 1984 Victory tour, a financial disaster which also led to the Jacksons having family quarrels which were never resolved).
*Though Kraft attempted to purchase the Patriots at the same time he bought the stadium, by holding the lease he held leverage, preventing two attempted franchise relocations; after the second one he offered a then-record $172 million for outright ownership of the team which was accepted.
In 2000, the history of the Patriots quietly changed forever when [[Bill Belichick]] was appointed as the head coach and the Patriots drafted [[University of Michigan]] quarterback [[Tom Brady]] in the 6th round of the NFL Draft. The following year, 2001, Tom Brady became the Patriots starting quarterback and led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory. Since 2001, the Patriots have been in the playoffs all but one year (2002, 9-7 record) and have won two more Super Bowls. The 2004-2005 Patriots teams also set a NFL record for most consecutive game won with 26 in a row.
In 2000, the history of the Patriots quietly changed forever when [[Bill Belichick]] was appointed as the head coach and the Patriots drafted [[University of Michigan]] quarterback [[Tom Brady]] in the 6th round of the NFL Draft. The following year, 2001, Tom Brady became the Patriots starting quarterback and led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory. Since 2001, the Patriots have been in the playoffs all but one year (2002, 9-7 record) and have won two more Super Bowls. The 2004-2005 Patriots teams also set a NFL record for most consecutive game won with 26 in a row.