The Patriots have come a long way from where the team was half a century ago. The current Super Bowl champions were in a very different place in early 1969.
Nothing epitomized that more than a bizarre press conference on Feb. 12 of that year, when newly installed coach Clive Rush had to receive medical attention after gripping an electrified microphone.
It was supposed to be a moment for welcoming another new hire: General manager George Sauer. But very quickly, it was clear that something was wrong.
As soon as he touched the microphone, Rush was unable to let go and began screaming.