<P> An original member of the American Football League ( AFL ) , the Patriots joined the NFL in the 1970 merger of the two leagues . The team changed its name from the original Boston Patriots after relocating to Foxborough in 1971 . The Patriots played their home games at Foxboro Stadium from 1971 to 2001 , then moved to Gillette Stadium at the start of the 2002 season . The Patriots ' rivalry with the New York Jets is considered one of the most bitter rivalries in the NFL . </P>
<P> An original member of the American Football League ( AFL ) , the Patriots joined the NFL in the 1970 merger of the two leagues . The team changed its name from the original Boston Patriots after relocating to Foxborough in 1971 . The Patriots played their home games at Foxboro Stadium from 1971 to 2001 , then moved to Gillette Stadium at the start of the 2002 season . The Patriots ' rivalry with the New York Jets is considered one of the most bitter rivalries in the NFL . </P>
when did the boston patriots became new england
when did the boston patriots became new england
in 1971
in 1971