From Ben Affleck to Conan O’Brien, a closer look at the famous faces proudly cheering for the New England Patriots over the years

The New England Patriots are known worldwide for their dominance on the football field, but their influence has grown beyond the NFL. Over the years, the franchise has grown into a cultural symbol, attracting fans who are just as famous as the players themselves. Thanks to two decades of winning seasons, legendary Super Bowl runs, and iconic figures like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the Patriots became a team people wanted to be associated with. That success created loyal and outspoken celebrities who have expressed their support and love for the team. Actors including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Chris Evans, and many more have marveled over the team’s achievements over the years, and their passion for the game is palpable in interviews where they talk about trends and news about the NFL. Few celebrity fans represent the Patriots as clearly as Ben Affleck, who’s a massive fan of the team. Although he was born in California, Affleck grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His connection to the team has never wavered, and he regularly attends games, supports the franchise publicly, and was one of Tom Brady’s most vocal defenders during the Deflategate controversy.Comedian Conan O’Brien followed a different path, as for years, the Boston native joked about keeping his distance from the Patriots, largely because of how often they won. Eventually, success became impossible to ignore, and O’Brien, who attended Harvard and built his career, fully embraced the team. His Patriots fandom now shows up in NFL promotions and Super Bowl-themed comedy segments.The Departed star Mark Wahlberg is impossible to separate from Boston sports culture, and the Patriots sit at the center of it. Whether appearing on the sidelines, celebrating championships with owner Robert Kraft, or speaking in interviews, Wahlberg’s constant support has been known, and his close friendship with Brady only strengthened that bond.Wahlberg’s co-star, Matt Damon, has attended games, worn Super Bowl rings, and spoken fondly about the championship years. His loyalty mirrors that of everyday fans who grew up watching the team rise. Chris Evans, another Boston-born actor, proudly backed the Patriots during their peak years. His friendly Super Bowl wager with Chris Pratt ahead of Super Bowl XLIX brought that rivalry into the spotlight and ended with Evans celebrating a Patriots win. Beyond those names, the Patriots also have Elton John, Elizabeth Banks, Steven Tyler, Jon Bon Jovi, John Krasinski, Mindy Kaling, and John Cena among their supporters.