The New England Patriots, an NFL team, were named in 1959 as a tribute to the original American patriots from Boston, the birthplace of the American Revolution. The name was chosen through a public submission process initiated by team founder Billy Sullivan Jr. and selected by Boston sportswriters. Other considered names included Beantowners, Braves, Colonials, Minutemen, and Bulls, reflecting Boston's rich historical significance in American history.
The New England Patriots stand out as a symbol of American heritage, especially during the Fourth of July celebrations. But the story behind how the Patriots got their name taps into the deep roots of American history and the city of Boston's pivotal role in the country's founding. This article explores the origin of the Patriots' name, the process of selecting it, and other potential names that were considered.
The name 'Patriots' directly honors the original American patriots who led the rebellion against British rule during the 1770s in Boston, which is often celebrated as the birthplace of the United States. The franchise was established in Boston in 1959, making the name a fitting tribute to the city's historical significance in the nation's founding.
The process to name the team involved public submissions, which were then reviewed by a panel of Boston sportswriters. Billy Sullivan Jr., who was awarded the AFL expansion franchise in 1959, initiated this process to engage the community and ensure the team's name resonated with the local populace. 'Patriots' was ultimately selected, reflecting the community's pride and historical context.
Before settling on 'Patriots,' the selection panel considered several other names including Beantowners, Braves, Colonials, Minutemen, and Bulls. Each of these names also carried historical significance, particularly reflecting Boston's role in American history. The Braves, for instance, was a nod to the Major League Baseball team that had two stints in Boston before the Patriots were formed.
The New England Patriots' name is more than just a label for the team; it is a reflection of the historical and cultural heritage of Boston. The careful selection process and the consideration of various historically significant names underscore the deep connections between the team, the city, and American history.