The New England Patriots have been one of the most successful and polarizing teams in NFL history. With a remarkable run of six Super Bowl titles, numerous playoff appearances, and a dynasty that dominated for two decades, it’s no surprise that the Patriots are one of the most hated NFL teams.
However, their unparalleled success has also fuelled one of the most enduring rivalries in professional sports. But why are the Patriots so hated? We explore five key reasons that contribute to the Patriots’ reputation as one of the most disliked teams in the NFL.
5. A Nationwide Fanbase that Feels Untouchable
Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects of being a rival to the Patriots is the sheer size and reach of their fanbase. As a team with enormous national exposure and support, the Patriots have cultivated a loyal following that extends far beyond New England.
Whether it’s due to Tom Brady’s star power, the team’s dynastic success, or just the Patriots’ cultural significance, they’ve gained fans from coast to coast.
For why the Patriots are so hated, their fanbase plays a major role. Many rival fans are frustrated by how “untouchable” the Patriots seem to be, not just on the field, but in their support and influence. Their fans often come off as smug, particularly after wins, which can feel alienating to those who have to endure losing seasons year after year.
Add to that the bandwagon effect that has only grown during the Patriots’ era of dominance, and it’s easy to see why rival teams’ supporters find it grating.
4. The ‘Patriots Way’ and a Sense of Entitlement
The “Patriots Way” refers to the team’s culture of discipline, selflessness, and a strict focus on team over individual glory. However, for many NFL fans, this culture comes off as an air of superiority, reinforcing the idea that the Patriots believe they are above the competition.
New England’s success often feels like it’s been handed to them on a silver platter, given the team’s consistent ability to stay competitive in a league of parity. For fans of teams who struggle to maintain success, the Patriots’ seemingly unshakable dominance can feel unfair.
Moreover, their focus on business-like efficiency, combined with the regularity of their playoff appearances, makes the team seem entitled to success, rather than earning it in the traditional sense. This sense of entitlement only fuels the animosity, making the Patriots a team that many fans love to hate.
3. Bill Belichick’s Cold and Calculating Persona
Former head coach Bill Belichick is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, but his no-nonsense, sometimes abrasive approach to the game made him a figure of disdain for many fans. Belichick’s stoic demeanor and refusal to engage with the media made him one of the most enigmatic figures in the NFL.
For many, why the Patriots are so hated lies in Belichick’s ruthless nature both on and off the field. His willingness to cut beloved players for the sake of team success, as well as his cold, calculated decision-making, often come across as overly harsh. Belichick crafted a dynasty built on a “next man up” mentality, where personal sentiment is secondary to achieving victory.
For fans of other teams, this clinical approach can feel heartless and unsympathetic, especially when it leads to success year after year. While his approach undeniably worked—leading to six Super Bowl titles—it’s also created a perception that the Patriots value winning above all else, making them seem like the “bad guys” in the eyes of rival fans.
Oh, and how about the fact Belichick is dating someone 48 years his junior?
2. The Spygate and Deflategate Scandals
If there’s one thing that has solidified the Patriots’ reputation as a team willing to push the boundaries of fair play, it’s the team’s involvement in two of the most infamous scandals in NFL history: Spygate and Deflategate. These scandals are critical to why the Patriots are so hated by fans of rival teams.
In 2007, the Patriots were caught filming opposing teams’ defensive signals, a violation of NFL rules, which led to a hefty fine and the loss of draft picks. The Spygate scandal left a sour taste for many, as it painted the Patriots as a team willing to break the rules to gain an advantage. While some defended the Patriots, claiming that other teams were doing similar things, the incident tarnished the team’s reputation for fair play.
Then came Deflategate in 2015, when Tom Brady and the Patriots were accused of intentionally deflating footballs during the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite Brady’s denial and an eventual four-game suspension, the scandal further fueled the perception that the Patriots were playing a different game than everyone else—one where bending (or breaking) the rules was acceptable. These incidents made many NFL fans view the Patriots as a team that couldn’t be trusted, deepening the animosity toward them.
1. Tom Brady’s Dominance and the ‘Patriots Way’
At the heart of the Patriots’ success is the legendary quarterback Tom Brady, led the team for 20 seasons, racking up an unprecedented six Super Bowl championships and an array of individual accolades. While Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time, his success is one of the primary reasons why the Patriots are so hated.
Brady’s incredible ability to lead the Patriots to victory year after year, often with less-than-stellar talent around him, built an aura of invincibility. For many NFL fans, especially those who supported teams with long stretches of mediocrity, Brady’s constant success felt like a never-ending reminder of their team’s shortcomings.
The “Patriots Way”—the phrase often used to describe their disciplined, business-like approach to football—became synonymous with perfectionism and domination, something other fanbases couldn’t help but resent.
Brady’s departure in 2020 didn’t end the hatred; in fact, it only shifted the focus onto the team’s continued success under Bill Belichick’s leadership. Even without Brady, the Patriots are still perceived as a force to be reckoned with, keeping their legacy intact and fueling further resentment.
Conclusion: The Patriots’ Polarizing Legacy
The New England Patriots may be one of the most successful teams in NFL history, but their dominance has come at a cost. From the team’s historic run under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to the controversies surrounding Spygate and Deflategate, there are plenty of reasons why the Patriots are so hated.
Their “Patriots Way” culture, Belichick’s calculating persona, and the sheer size of their fanbase have all contributed to making the team a symbol of both excellence and resentment. Whether you love them or loathe them, the Patriots have left an indelible mark on the NFL—and that’s exactly why they remain one of the most polarizing teams in the league.
