Patriots to wear throwbacks four times in 2009

I'm not a big fan of this. Once would have been fun for the novelty, but four times is clearly a ploy to sell jerseys. Kraft rebranded the team with silver and blue, and turned the franchise into a power house. I fondly remember Grogan, Hannah, Francis, Tippett, and many others, but I don't remember Pat the Patriot winning much. I admit it - I was glad to see him go, and I don't want to see the new franchise mixed up with the old karma.

A couple of points here:

1. I'm assuming that we'll be wearing red vs. BUF, vs. TEN, and @ MIA, with the only white jersey @DEN. Any word on this?

2. What will TEN be wearing? Assuming HOU, but the blue or white helmet?

Bring Pat the Patriot back for good!!! I love it.

I always liked the Pat Patriot logo FAR better than this flying elvis schmuck...but unfortunately, those old uniforms only bring back memories of horrible production....if we end up 12-4, I wouldn't be surprised if these are the 4 loses...although I don't see Buffalo coming close to getting a win in Week 1

Is it a coincidence none of these are 1:00 PM games & 2 are prime time?

Might be interesting to see how many of these 16 total games are on during prime-time...is it 4 games each from teams celebrating the 50th year of AFL?

How about Pat Patriot on the silver helmets? Blue or Blue and Red stripe across the middle?

Are we being punished for something? I hate those uni's. always have.

I wish they would go back to the old logo

AWESOME!!!! pat patriot is back

Will The Titans be wearing Oilers uniforms?

love it. reminds me of my youth. i still can't believe this is the same team. i used to get made fun of for rooting for the old Pat Patriot. yes, apparently i'm still scarred even after 3 superbowls.

Bring back Pat Patriot

Unless the Titans are wearing the old Houston Oilers unifrm, that one does not make sense! I would have liked to have seen the Jets on this list too.

Let's just keep those old unis, or at least the Pat Patriot logo.

Who cares? They still have no running game.

I know a lot of people are all gung ho about going back to the old Pat Patriot helmet and uniform but I'm not. Even Kraft's picture here looks like the old memories of some horrible players, plays and misfortune are coming flooding back. The new uniforms represent winning to me and I've been a fan for over 35 years. I just hope that Brady doesn't hurt his other leg when he is playing with these uniforms on. Bad karma.

love it. maybe they can wear the single bar face mask as well

I think they should bring them back full time. Still one of best logos of all time for professional sports team anywhere

It would seem to me that in at least one game , the 1st original logo
should be used. I see that logo on mini helmets on sale at the pro shop. I think
fans would like to see it in a game at least once.

Sweet!

They are incredibly Ugly, if they really wanted to wear great throwbacks, circa 1985 would have been perfect, but this? Marketing? that is all it is....they want us to go out and buy their new products like a bunch of dumbasses....Well, I hope parents and young adults realize that this is the ONLY year that they will wear these. I have a top source that tell me, in 2010-2011, they will be wearing a throwback from a different year.....Another money scheme.....Just like raising ticket prices last year....to push long time season ticket holders to the brink. It is all about money, look at Patriot Place, please.....and parking, still $40.00 even for preseason games.....PUH LEEZ.....

Having been associated with the Patriots organization in one way or another for the first dozen years (1960-1971) and five home stadiums of the team's overall existence, it will be especially enjoyable to see such an important era of pro football history for this area brought back to the fans in this way. Without those first twelve years, even with all of the "war stories" that can best be told by those who were there, chances are that without that era and all of its challenges there would likely be no NFL franchise in New England today. Jack Nicholson

Great news. Even though these throwbacks can be associated with some very mediocre times, I have always loved them. It seems like the apparel that is sold at Gillette/Olympia/Sports Authority, etc. has been close to 50/50, compaing Pat and Elvis. IMO, the Pats current uniforms are in the 5 worst in the NFL.

I like Pat Patriot, bring him back!

Viva la Pat!

And as for "bad karma" and "lousy teams", I prefer to think of teams like the 1976 squad and players like Hannah (the very incarnation of Pat), Grogan, Nelson, Tippett, Morgan, Stingley (RIP), Francis, Cunningham, Buoniconti, Belongs-in-the HOF-Gino, .

Really, some people would benefit from a history lesson.

Just win...if its in redk white or blue or silver...just win. But, I am an old AFL person, having been with the Pats from day 1 in 1960 and am really looking forward to the olkd unis this season. I hope the NFL lets the officials wear the orange striped shirts, too.

And, somewhere during thecelebration, I hope that the late Curt Gowdy is given some recognition. He was the TV voice for the AFL i the early days.

Also, Bob Gallagher, the early voice of the Pats on radio.

MIKE..DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING IF GOWDY WILL BE RECOGNIZED....

I'm with Charlie. That original "hat" logo would be cool to see for one game.

Yes they had some great players and a few great teams, but overall they sucked. I remember sitting with 22,000 people on those cold aluminum seats in Schaeffer/Sullivan/Foxboro stadium. And I remember the horrible call by Mr. Grieve in Oakland. And blowing late leads and blowing games when it was only the 1st quarter and the smelly portable washrooms in that hole. They were a joke. Now they are a winner. Why revert back to mostly unpleasant years of futlity?

50 years I have been a fan. I have some horrible memories of those old uniforms with Pat Patriot. We finally discovered that the "red coats' were the British, not the Americans, this the bad karma I would guess. No, I love the new uniforms and the dark blue says Champions to me. Sure, we had a few good players back in the 70s, but the key word there is "few," as in "not many." Anyone who went through those years -- like Ned in NC -- would not advocate this throwback business even for one game. The past is buried and it should not be brought back, no matter how "cute" you think that little cartoon figure is.

I think it's cool that they will wear the old uniforms 4 times this season for the 50th anniversary.

That said, the Pat Patriot fans should move on. The Flying Elvis represents the new era 3-time Super Bowl champion Patriots.

Great Idea! Love those old uniforms particularly the helmet. They looked mean!

i would have loved 16 games instead 4: i love throwbacks and Pat Patriot !

Pat Patriot = "bad karma"?
Dude - we have the Dalai Lama on our side!
(the fact he's wearing a Flying Elvis is besides the point - don't go there)

awesome. love those uniforms.

What?! The Patriots are a professional sports team trying to make money? Oh my god, what outrage! Is it actually a business? Who knew! Bunch of morons on this blog. Go Pats! Love the old logo.

i hope the Patriots will return permanently to Pat Patriot on the helmet: i never understood why they changed it.

i like too the old unis, they are much more better then today's ones: i would like to see also the white jerseys and red paints in the future (i think was 1985 period) years / but: good decision: 4 games...wow...good ! Pat Patriot is n.1

Actually, Jim Orthwein rebranded the team in silver and blue. The Flying Elvis was adopted in 1993 when Parcells became head coach under Orthwein's ownership.

Another vote for Pat the Patriot, bring him back!

I never understood the old unies being Red. Hell, the enemy in the Revolutionalry war wore red... the British.... The Red Coats.... HELLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Also, Pat Patriot wasn't concieved as a logo, he was a cartoon, used as a logo. How bush league is that? It's human nature to cleave to original designs, original song versions, etc. no matter how bad they are many improvements are made. It's nostalgia. Fortunately, Red shirts, white shoes, Pat Patriot, it's all forever seared into our conscience as symbols of perpetual losing. The Blue Unies -that color of the Continental Army- the Americans BTW- is now associated with excellence. But does anyone remember when we first went to flying Elvis and Silver helmets with blue shirts? The look was that of an expansion team and initially was also associated with failure. After 2 years under Tuna it all changed for good. As weird as the flying Elvis looks -and I think it is pretty weird- it is forever associated with excellence.

PS To those complaining about ticket pricess and parking I just want to say that I prefer to watch my Pats at home. But I still get to Gillette about 18 times a year at 20 bucks a game with free parking.... Helllooooo It's called the REVS!!!! Before you react in disgust, you may want to consider it. It's warm, cheap and a great time. I tried it some years ago and along the way I learned how to love it. I think I have more fun a Revs game. There, I said it.

will Gino Cappelletti be kicking PATs?

They're going this for the Anniversary of the old ALF. Yes, they will sell more merch because o fit. If that's a big concern of yours, guess what? You don't have to buy any!

The uniforms have nothing to do with a team winning or losing. The right people weren't around then. They are now. Quit the whining, they're going to wear it whether you like it or not (and the overwhelming majority of us do).

Since the NFL is not making enough money.......lets suck more money out of the fan with throwback jerseys!!!!!!!!!! I mean, it's not like the economy is in the toilet, unemployment is at an insane level and all of that. Sure I understand that it is the choice of the consumer, but these grabs at $$$ are so transparent it's just insane. The only way a throwback will work is if you take those four games and throw back prices to the way they were in the 60's.........but my guess is that won't happen now will it? There is no throwback........all it is is money grabbing by the gluttonous pig known as the National Football League.

Great. Bring on the red and blue and white. Pat Patriot, yahoo. By the way, would it be possible to play a game or more at Fenway and Nickerson and Harvard too? And does anyone want to buy my Ed Denk, Ger Schwedes and Bob Fee Fleer cards? :)

I hate Pat Patriot.. Brings back memories of all the years of losing. The uniform is horrible. I am so glad that they changed it.

yes brent, and others...the patriots will start to play horribly just because of their uniforms.

that is UTTERLY ridiculous....

The old uniforms represent suffering and disappointment for any fan who has followed The Patriots since their inception. I never want to witness another fiasco like the '86 ('85 season) Super Bowl.

The current uniforms are winners. Stick with 'em.

Actually the new helmet, uniforms and colors were introduced the year before Kraft bought the team, 2003....although Kraft has made some adjustments over the years. I prefer the new colors but it's cool to see the throwbacks every once in a while

Why not have the retro home uni be BLUE vs RED?

First home game they wear em lets carry the goal posts down route one for olde tyme's sake.

It's all about marketing dollars! NED in NC has it right.

A better idea. A Throw Forward Uniform. Let's move on! Let's get to the next era. I mean, maybe Elvis has lost his lustre. And the old "growling guy snapping the ball" logo never won anything. Sure the Flying Elvis was there for three titles, but what's to say a new logo won't bring us three more. Perhaps we can blame Elvis for the loss of the Perfect Season...Oh no, that's right, it was McDaniels lousy game plan. I almost forgot!

Honestly...who really cares? Anyone who thinks a uniform effects performance needs to go back to school. It is the intellectual equivalent of blaming cars for car accidents.

I'll take these things over the new Red Sox uni's - yucko.

These throwbacks are awesome! I don't understand why they don't bring it back for good. Some feel its a reminder of past poor performance, but NO ONE is saying that the jerseys aren't better than the current design. Bring back Pat!

When will they bring back the 1994 uniforms? Those royal blues were the best. Keep pat patriot in the archives where he belongs...

Why not ditch the Elvis and make a new uni based on Pat Patriot?
Red Helmet
Blue Shirt
Red Socks
White pants?

I bet no one knows that the Indianapolis Colts can trace their roots to the Boston Yanks football team. Let Peyton wear a throw back jersey with Boston on it. That I would pay to see.

Also, the Boston Yanks played in the Manning Bowl in Lynn, MA.

Notice- They actually got the helmet design right. The version you see up there with only TWO RED STRIPES , WITHOUT the blue one in between them, which was worn between 1961- 64. The third stripe, in blue, was not added until 1965, and is the design most people are familiar with from the late 60's, entire 70's & 80's. Also, note that Pat The Patriot logo was also enlarged on the helmet in 1982. The version above still conforms to the slightly smaller logo, from pre-'82. So, there's your Patriot history lesson for the day.

In response to Rich Ellis # 54-
Hey Rich, how about bringing back the 1993 uniform?!! Remember those? They only lasted one year. Man, I'd love to track down one of those.
My favorite are the late 70's road uniforms, after they switched to the red pants, when the jersey stripes were still down on the sleeves, where they belonged, before they moved them back up above the shoulders, where the Colts are.

I was a Patriots fan since I was 12 (1963), so I definitely remember these throwback unis and our first AFC East (AFL, actually, back in the 1960s) -- and couldn't be more thrilled the team will be wearing the '63 unis this season to commemorate the 50th year of the old AFL -- those early AFL seasons were awesome, and even if the Pats had some losing seasons, they were, are and always will be my team!

Yes, the Titans WILL be wearing the Houston Oilers throwback unis (blue helmet) this year -- and I'm so excited that Robert Kraft chose the Pats1963 throwback unis this season to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the old AFL. Hope the Pats wear the white jerseys in the season opener against Buffalo. Go Pats!

I think they should wear hot pants and bikini tops so they could experience the pride, dignity and practicality of their own cheerleaders. Talk about a throwback mentality...

"Why not ditch the Elvis and make a new uni based on Pat Patriot?
Red Helmet
Blue Shirt
Red Socks
White pants?"

Sure, Then we can also change the name to the New England Bills.

"Why not ditch the Elvis and make a new uni based on Pat Patriot?
Red Helmet
Blue Shirt
Red Socks
White pants?"

Sure, Then we can also change the name to the New England Bills.

"Why not ditch the Elvis and make a new uni based on Pat Patriot?
Red Helmet
Blue Shirt
Red Socks
White pants?"

Sure, Then we can also change the name to the New England Bills.

They have the actual dark blue color correct from the war history, so Mr. Kraft has said. It was a very dark blue, not bright blue, and not red. Personally, I don't like or understand EITHER the old Pat Patriot or the Flying Elvis (where did it get the name "Elvis" anyway?).

pewsterbaby,

That shirt is no replica of the shirt worn by any previous Pats team. The old white jerseys had blue outlines around the red lettered numbers and the stripes are not even close.

I think this is a little too much. We have a new brand as a powerhouse with our current modern styled logo. It is crisp and clean and very professional looking. While I love Pat the jerseys just look out of place. The new Uniforms are so much more and have a lot more backing them.

there is no game between Pat Patriot and Flying Elvis: Pat is the winner

it was the best to bring him back; i would have done for all season

old uniforms are also much more better then the today's ones; looking forward to see this autumn them/i would like to see soon the white jersey and red paints too (next season ?)

I remember Belichick being quoted as not liking the throwback jerseys because it was a subtle change from what players get used to seeing on teammates, particularly in reaction time situations. I wonder if it would be better just to switch to the throwbacks entirely this season instead of constantly changing jerseys...

LOL. I'm glad we get to play the Broncos while they wear their throwbacks. Wait until you see what they'll be wearing. Ugliest uniforms ever.

I'd like to hear more from the guy who thinks the Patriots (2300 yards last season, 6th best in the league) "have no running game".

The team needs a new uniform and a new logo. The history lesson logo just doesn't work in today's society. Half of all high school kids today think New York is a part of New England. And 1/3 of high school kids think Central America is the middle of the United States. I would change the team name to the New England Casinos.

The team can have gold helmets with green dollar signs on each side of the helmet. And every season ticket holder will receive a $200 coupon to vist any New England casino

It will be at least once more in the playoffs but I guess that is technically 2010.

It is about time that the Patriots wore their old uniforms. Most teams do this on occassion, and the red colors are a reflection of the team's history. Yes, we endured some sour years, but the sweet is not sweet without the sour. Having our 2009 team sport the old colors as respect for the franchise's history and the League.

If a poll were commissioned to assess the Pats' fan base on colors of choice, there is no doubt that the colors of old would win hands down.

Wow! I love the 1963 throwbacks the Pats will be wearing this season! I hope they wear the white jerseys on Monday night (vs Buffalo) -- all white under the lights would look awesome! Go Pats!

Pat Patriot t is not about losing; he's about history and nostalgia.
That's why the stars and bars still sell in the South.

I love the old uniform and believe they should wear the old uniform at least two-four games every year going forward!!

It's all about Tom Brady for me. Will he be comfortable in the throwback? I don't think he gives a crap. If he wears the jersey and they win, maybe we can bridge the gap between the old and the current. I'm a fatihful Pats fan since 1975. I earned my stripes being at every game during the worst of times. When the attendance was down to 23,000 fans, I was there. Make that several times too. I can't wait for Tom's comeback and I don't care what he's wearing.

This is the 50th anniversary of the franchise ,hence the throwback uniforms.

What's with Pat Patriot on the helmet? As an oldtimer (I remember Bob Dee getting their first touchdown ever at an exhibition game in Buffalo), I remember that the helmet design the first year had an unattractive tricornered hat on it. It was later changed to Pat Patriot, who was the mascot from day 1. But, nevertheless, I want to see Pat on the helmet!

Awesome!!! I love the old uni's.... They should keep them full time... The current uni's are ugly.. I liked the uni's that were the first years of the newer design but the recent current version is ugly... Here is one for you all old AFL Boston Patriot Fans.. Bring back the Coke Caps with the players pictures on the inside... Now that was Cool!!!! Anyone remember????

Bring back Pat Patriot helmet and keep the Elvis logo on the sleve. this is similar to what the Eagle have.

Only 4 games?? As an original 1960 Boston Patriots' fan and former season ticket holder, I would prefer wearing the 'BIG RED" uniforms for all 16 games, ad infinitum!! Dump the ridiculous "Flyin' Elvis" logo and yuppie blue and silver threads, and get back to The Red, White, & Blue with Pat Patriot!!