The history of the New England Patriots logo, uniforms, and jerseys

The New England Patriots have a history of changing the look of their team right after a franchise-altering move has been made.

Throughout the history of the team, the New England Patriots have used a series of multiple different uniforms and logos that were originally created by the fans of the team.

Specifically, the appearance of the team — from the name “Patriots” to the actual logo — came about from original fan submissions that took place in the 1960s.

The eventual “Pat Patriot” logo and team mascot originated from the longtime Boston Globe cartoonist Phil Bissel. Bissel drew authentic cartoons on game-day programs for the Patriots that often featured Revolutionary War figures in relation to the team. Over time, the primary image became nicknamed “Pat Patriot.”

Billy Sullivan — the owner of the Patriots at the time — was so passionate about the drawings that he connected with Bissel to have him recreate the image of Pat ready to snap the football.

The new and improved “Pat Patriot” became the new logo of the team for the next 33 years and was featured on the team’s helmets regardless of what jersey was being worn below.

But then in 1992, the Patriots experienced a new owner — James Orthwein — who thought a change was necessary considering the new head coach, quarterback, and ownership of the team.

Orthwein gave just enough time for NFL Properties to come up with a new design for the start of the 1993 season. He also changed the color of the number to white and added the red outline around it, in addition to putting the new team logo on the sleeve above the players number.

That is how the “Flying Elvis” started — and it has remained the team logo for the last 27 years.

The overall look of the Patriots forever changed when Robert Kraft took over ownership in 1994.

Kraft made small changes to his team’s look in 1995 by keeping the royal blue color scheme while altering the numbers and lettering to be italicized, as well as stitching the team logo and the player’s number on the arm of the sleeve.

In 2000, Kraft gave the Patriots a new and improved appearance that has stayed with the franchise for the last 20 years. He changed from royal blue jerseys to navy blue jerseys, and decided to pair them with stylish silver pants of the modern era.

The home jerseys have since primarily been navy blue, keeping the white number with a red outline and a silver stripe along the sleeve, as well as including the team logo underneath. While wearing navy pants, the away jerseys have been white with a blue number that is outlined in red, along with a navy stripe on the sleeve and the team logo underneath.

After years of greatness with Tom Brady at quarterback, the Patriots just recently decided to change their uniforms for the first time in two decades. And while the official reason for the move wasn’t given, it’s largely assumed that the transition is meant to coincide with the departure of Brady.

The Patriots have essentially altered their NFL Color Rush jersey into their new and improved primary home and away uniform sets.

The home uniform will feature navy jerseys with matching navy pants that both have red and white stripes — on the sleeves of the jerseys and going down the sides of the pants — that also include matching tri-color red, white, and blue socks.

The away uniform will feature a white jersey that has the same look as the home jersey — with the exception of the stripe being red and blue — while wearing the same navy blue pants and tri-colored socks.

It’s fair to say that the New England Patriots gave their team an overall new look due to the start of a new era for their franchise. It’s also part of their history at this point to do so when there is a bold, fresh start to the team or new direction.