When Was the Last Time New England Patriots Made It to the Super Bowl?
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The New England Patriots’ legacy in the Super Bowl is one of the most storied in NFL history. With their recent AFC Championship victory and appearance in Super Bowl 60 (LX) set for February 8, 2026, many fans are asking: When was the last time the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl before 2026?
Patriots Return to Super Bowl Stage
After a roller-coaster few seasons, including a 4-13 finish in 2024 and 2023, the Patriots dramatically rebounded in 2025 and clinched the AFC title with a 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the snowy AFC Championship Game, booking their ticket to Super Bowl 60.
AFC CHAMPIONS‼️ pic.twitter.com/vmEjdBAKwA
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 25, 2026
Patriots’ Last Super Bowl Appearance Before 2026
The New England Patriots last reached the Super Bowl after the 2018 season. They defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII, played on February 3, 2019, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This victory was notable for its defensive dominance, as neither team scored a touchdown until the fourth quarter.
That appearance and win in Super Bowl LIII was the Patriots’ sixth Super Bowl victory, tying them with the Steelers for the most Super Bowl titles in NFL history. It capped one of the most successful eras in league history under the leadership of quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.
Why Super Bowl LIII Matters in Patriots History
Super Bowl LIII holds special significance in Patriots lore:
- End of a Dynasty Peak: It was the final Super Bowl of the legendary Brady-Belichick era.
- Defensive Mastery: The team held a high-powered Rams offense in check, resulting in one of the lowest-scoring Super Bowls ever.
Patriots Super Bowl History Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at Patriots Super Bowl appearances before 2026 (titles in bold):
- Super Bowl XXXVI (2001 season) – Win
- Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003) – Win
- Super Bowl XXXIX (2004) – Win
- Super Bowl XLIX (2014) – Win
- Super Bowl LI (2016) – Win
- Super Bowl LIII (2018) – Win
- (Plus appearances they lost: XLII, XLVI, LII)
The franchise’s run from 2001–2018 included nine Super Bowl appearances and six championships, a dominant stretch in the modern NFL.
Conclusion
Before their return to the big game in Super Bowl 60, the New England Patriots last reached the Super Bowl following the 2018 season, when they won Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams. That victory marked the final championship of the Patriots’ historic Brady-Belichick era, and it wasn’t until 2026, seven years later, that the franchise returned to football’s biggest stage.
FAQs: Patriots’ Last Super Bowl Before 2026
Q: When did the Patriots last make the Super Bowl before 2026?
A: They last appeared in the Super Bowl after the 2018 season, winning Super Bowl LIII versus the Los Angeles Rams on February 3, 2019.
Q: How many Super Bowls have the Patriots won?
A: Before the 2026 season, the Patriots had won six Super Bowls, tied with the Steelers for most in NFL history.
Q: Did Tom Brady play in that Super Bowl?
A: Yes, Tom Brady was the quarterback for the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.
Q: Why was there a gap before 2026?
A: After Brady’s departure and several rebuilding seasons, the Patriots did not make another Super Bowl until their 2025 AFC Championship win.
Q: What is significant about the 2026 Super Bowl for the Patriots?
A: It’s their first Super Bowl appearance since the Brady-Belichick era and marks a major resurgence under coach Mike Vrabel.
