The official mascot of the New England Patriots is Pat Patriot, an emblematic figure that represents the historical and cultural identity of the NFL team. Pat Patriot is a living version of the franchise’s old logo: an American Revolutionary War soldier dressed in a patriotic uniform and tricorn hat, symbolizing the independent and combative spirit associated with the Patriots since their founding.
Originally, Pat Patriot was created as a graphic symbol by cartoonist Phil Bissell in 1960, when the team was still known as the Boston Patriots. Over time, the character evolved into the live mascot seen today at games and official events.
Pat not only entertains at games, but also appears at community events, schools and hospitals, connecting younger fans and families with the team.
Fun facts about Pat Patriot
- Historical representation: Pat embodies a Revolutionary War minuteman, reflecting the early history of the American nation and the spirit of New England.
- Super Bowl appearances: He has accompanied the Patriots in virtually all of their Super Bowl appearances, becoming a visual symbol at key moments in the franchise’s history.
- Community Engagement: In addition to his role on the field, Pat visits schools, community events and hospitals, bringing joy and support outside of Gillette Stadium.
- Number change: On several occasions, Pat’s uniform has changed numbers to suit the needs of the team, including respecting the number 1 for contracted players, as was the case with Cam Newton.
Pat Patriot’s salary and how it compares in the NFL
Although NFL mascots do not usually publicly disclose their contracts, estimated reports place Pat Patriot among the highest paid mascots in the league. His annual salary is estimated at around $65,000 per year, climbing above the NFL average.
That income puts Pat at the top of the NFL mascot salary list, along with Rowdy, the Dallas Cowboys mascot. Most of the other mascots in the league earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, slightly less than Pat.
This salary may seem modest when compared to the millions earned by professional players, but it reflects the importance of the role: to generate fan engagement experience, encourage fans and represent the team’s brand both in the stadium and in the community.
Pat Patriot as team ambassador
As the visible figure of the team, Pat Patriot not only entertains during the game, but also acts as the club’s ambassador at promotional and community events. His job involves direct interaction with fans, presentations on match days and participation in social responsibility campaigns.
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