Have Patriots somehow rebooted a dynasty -- and become likable? - ESPN

After every game, win or lose, the head coach hugs his players. News conferences begin with a friendly greeting and then, as a sign of respect, the granting of the first question to a veteran female reporter.

The quarterback is often described as «humble» and «respectful» and has attended local high school football games for fun. «I got literally no swag,» he said recently. His wife has become a successful social-media influencer… for her recipes. (What, you haven't tried the apple cinnamon oat crumble bar?)

The team has 13 victories but almost no big-name stars, an overachieving collection of mostly up-and-comers and aging vets. They keep shocking the NFL and perhaps even themselves.

America is used to the New England Patriots being great.

How about them being… likable?

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For nearly two decades (2001-19), this franchise lorded over football. There were 17 division titles in 19 years, nine Super Bowl appearances and six Vince Lombardi Trophies. They married supermodels and dated Miss Universes.

Bill Belichick. Tom Brady. Such an immovable force that spoiled fans claimed the season didn't start until the AFC Championship Game. It could be annoying. They also weren't wrong.

Along with that came a reputation, a persona, a greed-is-good ethos that left the rest of football with a wonderful villain to root against. Scowling answers to reporters. Frayed hoodies. Feuds with the league office. Allegations of spying and deflating.

The quarterback took the NFL to federal court. The owner testified at a tight end's murder trial. There were fines, suspensions and stripped