Changes

During its AFL years the team made only one playoff appearance (1963) and after the merger only had four playoff appearances prior to 2001 when the team's dynasty began; though they made the [[Super Bowl]] in two of those four appearances (1985 and 1993), they lost both times.

During its AFL years the team made only one playoff appearance (1963) and after the merger only had four playoff appearances prior to 2001 when the team's dynasty began; though they made the [[Super Bowl]] in two of those four appearances (1985 and 1993), they lost both times.

Because of the lack of on-field success the team was rumored to be a candidate for relocation, and may well have moved were it not for the actions of Robert Kraft, a local businessman and long-time season ticket owner.  Through a series of moves, Kraft was ultimately able to buy the team outright:

Because of the lack of on-field success the team was rumored to be a candidate for relocation, and may well have moved were it not for the actions of [[Robert Kraft]], a local businessman and long-time season ticket owner.  Through a series of moves, Kraft was ultimately able to buy the team outright:

*First, Kraft purchased an option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse-racing track; his ownership prevented the Patriots from operating non-team events at Schafer Stadium (located adjacent to the track) when races where being held (the team owned the stadium, but not the land).

*First, Kraft purchased an option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse-racing track; his ownership prevented the Patriots from operating non-team events at Schafer Stadium (located adjacent to the track) when races where being held (the team owned the stadium, but not the land).

*Second, Kraft purchased Schaefer Stadium for $22 million out of bankruptcy court when the Patriots owner experienced financial trouble (the prior owner was a major sponsor 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, he was unsuccessful (and again would be unsuccessful in a second attempt); but by holding the lease he was able to stop two attempted relocations of the franchise.

*Second, Kraft purchased Schaefer Stadium for $22 million out of bankruptcy court when the Patriots owner experienced financial trouble (the prior owner was a major sponsor 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, he was unsuccessful (and again would be unsuccessful in a second attempt); but by holding the lease he was able to stop two attempted relocations of the franchise.