People often dislike the New England Patriots due to their prolonged dominance in the NFL, which has fueled widespread resentment among rival fans.

This sentiment traces back to the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era, where the team racked up six Super Bowl wins from 2001 to 2018, appearing in nine Super Bowls and making the playoffs nearly every year. Their consistent success—often turning average players into winners through a precise system—created a "winning factor" that grated on others, as fans grew tired of the same team hogging the spotlight. Imagine rooting for your squad only to see the Pats loom large in yet another championship run; it's like the Yankees in baseball or Warriors in basketball, where dominance breeds envy.

Cheating Scandals

Two major controversies have cemented the "cheaters" label for many.

  • Spygate (2007): The Patriots were caught filming opposing teams' defensive signals from the sidelines, leading to fines and Bill Belichick's public apology. Fans point to this as evidence of rule-bending to gain an edge, with rivals like Steelers supporters recalling how it felt like the Pats knew their plays in key games.
  • Deflategate (2015): Accusations that Tom Brady used under-inflated footballs in the AFC Championship win over the Colts resulted in a four-game suspension (later overturned). Critics saw it as more manipulation, amplifying cries of "they hate us 'cause they ain't us" bravado from players like LeGarrette Blount.

These incidents, combined with denials and a perceived victim mentality ("everyone's out to get us"), turned frustration into outright disdain.

Personalities Involved

Belichick's hoodie-clad gruffness and Brady's polished persona rub people the wrong way.

Belichick's serious demeanor and sideline antics—like yelling at refs or players—contrast with more "likable" legends, yet his genius is undeniable. Brady, the ultimate draft steal turned supermodel-dating millionaire, gets flak for complaining about calls, fewer commercials than Peyton Manning, and an air of entitlement. Rival fans on Reddit echo this: "Brady bitching and moaning" or obnoxious bandwagon supporters who act superior.

"They manipulate the rules, deny any wrongdoing, and then act like everyone is out to get them." – Steelers fan on Reddit

Fan Base Gripes

Patriots fans are often called entitled bandwagoners.

Many hate how supporters jumped on during the dynasty (2001–2018), then bailed post-Brady's 2020 exit, leaving a "front-runner" stigma. Obnoxious behavior—like taunting at bars or online—fuels it: one Packers fan couldn't wear his jersey without Pats jabs like "wrong number 12 lol." Forums light up with "Tuck Rule" rants (the 2001 Raiders playoff call that saved Brady), seen as rigged.

Multiple Viewpoints

Not everyone hates them—some respect the excellence.

Patriots fans argue it's pure jealousy: "They hate us because we win." Neutrals note it's cyclical; post-dynasty struggles (4–13 in 2024) softened some hate, though scars linger. Rival takes vary: Steelers/Ravens fans cite personal playoff burns, Giants fans relish their two Super Bowl upsets, while others just want variety.

Reason| Fan Examples| Counterpoint
---|---|---
Dominance| Tired of 20-year run 7| Deserved success from system 1
Cheating| Spygate/Deflategate 3| Overblown, everyone bends rules 1
Personalities| Brady whining, Belichick hoodie 5| Greatest coach/QB duo ever 1
Fans| Bandwagon, obnoxious 5| Passionate due to wins 7

Recent Context (Post-Dynasty)

As of early 2026, with Brady retired and Belichick gone (fired 2023, now with UNC), the Pats are rebuilding under Jerod Mayo amid a 4–13 skid last season—no playoffs since 2022. Hate has cooled with irrelevance, but classics like "they ruin everything" persist in viral clips. Trending forum chatter still mixes nostalgia for the dynasty with relief it's over.

TL;DR: Dominance, scandals, personalities, and fans explain the hate, but it's mostly envy of historic success.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.