What happened: The New England Patriots are building hype for Sunday's game against Las Vegas by referencing the origin of their historic championship run. Official team messaging ties the upcoming CBS broadcast directly to the foundational playoff victory from over two decades ago.

Why it matters: Relying on a triumph from the past generates immediate fan engagement, but it also exposes the current roster's lack of star power. Promoting legacy so heavily underscores the massive gap between the championship era and today's rebuilding reality.