– Worcester-born creator of ‘Pat Patriot’ logo dies at age
– Worcester creator of ‘Pat Patriot’ logo passes away at 97.
The Man Behind the Iconic “Pat Patriot” Logo Passes Away
Phil Bissell, the talented cartoonist responsible for creating the original “Pat Patriot” logo for the Boston Patriots, has sadly passed away at the age of 97, as announced by the New England Patriots on Thursday. Bissell, who was born in Worcester on February 1, 1926, had a long and successful career as a cartoonist for various editorial publications across New England.
His most notable creation, the “Pat Patriot” logo, became an iconic symbol for the Boston (and later New England) Patriots for several decades. The logo featured a revolutionary soldier hiking a football, capturing the spirit and history of the team. It made its first appearance on the front page of the Boston Globe before being adopted by the Patriots as their official logo.
The story behind how the logo came to be is quite intriguing. According to the Patriots Hall of Fame, then-owner Billy Sullivan reached out to Bissell to secure the rights to use the logo for the team. However, the Gloucester Times reported that Bissell claimed his former sports editor, Jerry Nason, gave away the image without his knowledge.
In a 2014 interview with the Gloucester Times, Bissell expressed his frustration, saying, “I drew him and I named him, and then he was stolen from me by Jerry Nason. I sat down, and within 45 minutes, it was ready to go to press.” Despite this, Sullivan eventually paid Bissell $100 for the use of the logo.
For many years, “Pat Patriot” proudly represented the Patriots franchise until it was replaced by the current logo, often referred to as the “Flying Elvis,” in 1992. However, the classic logo still makes occasional appearances when the team wears their throwback uniforms, which feature red jerseys and white helmets adorned with the beloved “Pat Patriot.”
Throughout his career, Bissell’s artistic talents extended beyond sports. He worked as a cartoonist for multiple newspapers in Worcester from 1967 to 1975, leaving a lasting impact on the local editorial scene. His contributions were not limited to the sports world, as he showcased his skills in various editorial publications across New England, including the esteemed Boston Globe.
The passing of Phil Bissell is a significant loss for the New England Patriots and the broader New England community. His creative genius and iconic design have left an indelible mark on the team’s history and the region’s sports culture.
The cause of Bissell’s death is currently unknown, but his legacy as the creator of one of the most recognizable logos in football will forever be remembered. The New England Patriots expressed their deep sadness in a statement on Instagram, acknowledging Bissell as the original creator of the Pat Patriot logo.
As we mourn the loss of this talented artist, let us remember Phil Bissell for his immense contributions to the world of sports and his lasting impact on the New England Patriots franchise. His creative vision will continue to inspire generations to come.
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– Worcester-born creator of ‘Pat Patriot’ logo dies at age
– Worcester-born creator of ‘Pat Patriot’ logo passes away at age.
