A dynasty is defined by Merriam-Webster as a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time. Based on this, many would consider the New England Patriots organization to be a dynasty in the National Football League for the past twenty years. Led by owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots have been at the top of the league since the year 2000. But with the Patriots getting knocked out of the playoffs in the first round this year and all the talk of Tom Brady retiring or joining another team, the team’s dynasty may be coming to an end. 

Since the arrival of Belichick and Brady in 2000, the Patriots have been one of the most successful teams in NFL history. They have won their division 16 times since then and have had 18 consecutive winning seasons since 2001. New England’s franchise has also set numerous NFL records during this time, including most wins in a ten year period (126 from 2003-2012), an undefeated regular season in 2007, the longest winning streak (21 games), and the most consecutive division titles won (11 from 2009-2019). During this time, the Patriots have appeared in nine Super Bowls, and they have won six of them. The most exciting Superbowl according to my dad and many other fans was “When the Pats came back from one of the largest deficits and took home the title against the Falcons.”

Throughout the Patriot’s dynasty, they have been led by head coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Both are arguably the greatest of all time in their respective positions. Belichick has the most playoff coaching wins with 31 and the third most regular-season coaching wins in the NFL with 261. He is also one of only three head coaches to have won six NFL championships. Tom Brady, the quarterback for the Patriots during their dynasty, is arguably the best quarterback in NFL history. Brady has the most wins in NFL history and has never had a losing season as a starting quarterback. When asked who he would compare Tom Brady to, my dad said, “Drew Brees because they both have a great ability to lead.” He has led his team to more division titles than any other quarterback ever, and he is first all-time in playoff wins and appearances. He is also first in postseason career completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. After interviewing my father he stated that “Brady was his favorite player because of his complete dedication to the game”.

It is pretty clear that the New England Patriots have been at the top of the NFL for the past twenty years, but that could be coming to an end shortly. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are both most likely at the end of their careers with Brady being 42 years old and Belichick being 67 years old. Even though the Patriots still had a 12-4 record this past season, the team was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, which is an unusual occurrence for them. Along with this, there have been many rumors going around that Tom Brady will either retire or he will join another team this year since he is a free agent. 

Even if the Patriots dynasty is coming to an end, their organization since 2000 will be known as one of the best ever. Led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots have dominated the league for years while breaking many records and winning six championships. The Patriots organization since 2000 will be known as one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports history.