NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Founded: In 1959, as charter franchise in old American Football League by long-time sports publicist Billy Sullivan, who borrowed from several friends to come up with the $25,000 down payment.
Owned: Since 1994 by Boston businessman Robert Kraft, who had previously owned the Boston Lobsters of World Team Tennis. Kraft and his family also own the New England Revolution soccer club.
2007 Regular season record: 16-0.
Road to Super Bowl XLII: Number one seed in AFC. After first-round bye defeated Jacksonville 31-20 and San Diego 21-12 in AFC Championship Game.
Super Bowl history: (3-2) Lost to Chicago 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, lost to Green Bay 35-21 in XXXI, defeated St Louis 20-17 in XXXVI, defeated Carolina 32-29 in XXXVIII, defeated Philadelphia 24-21 in XXXIX.
Head coach: Bill Belichick.
Quarterback: Tom Brady (left), Michigan 2002.
Pro Bowl players: 8 - Quarterback Tom Brady, wide receiver Randy Moss, tackle Matt Light, guard Logan Mankins, centre Dan Koppen, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, linebacker Mike Vrabel and defensive back Asante Samuel.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Founded: In 1925, by bookmaker Tim Mara, who said upon paying the $500 franchise fee: "a New York franchise in anything ought to be worth $500."
Owned: By John K Mara, grandson of founder Tim, and Hollywood mogul Robert Tisch, who purchased 50 per cent of the team from Mara's partner and first cousin Tim Mara, in 1991.
2007 Regular season record: 10-6.
Road to Super Bowl XLII: Number five seed in NFC; defeated Tampa Bay 24-14, Dallas 21-17, and Green Bay 23-20 in NFC Championship Game, all on the road.
Super Bowl history: (2-1) Defeated Denver 39-20 in Super Bowl XXI, defeated Buffalo 20-19 in XXV and lost to Baltimore 34-7 in XXXV.
Head coach: Tom Coughlin.
Quarterback: Eli Manning (right), Mississippi 2004.
Pro Bowl players: 1 - Defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora.
