Drew Bledsoe

Drew Bledsoe was a standout quarterback at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., then became the top pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. New head coach Bill Parcells drafted Bledsoe with the top pick, and Bledsoe assumed the starting quarterback job almost immediately. During his nine years in Foxborough, Mass., Bledsoe led the Patriots to four playoff appearances (and was there for a fifth but not as a starter). In a 1994 overtime game against Minnesota, he set NFL records for most passes completed (45)and attempted (70) in a game as the Patriots rallied from down 20-0 to win, 26-20. Three times in his career he has exceeded 4,000 passing yards in a season. Bledsoe's career took a permanent turn on September 23, 2001. He suffered a devastating hit by NY Jet linebacker "Mo Lewis", a hit which sheared a blood vessel deep inside Bledsoe's chest. He played in one more series before being lifted in favor of Tom Brady. Brady then embarked on an unbelievable career of his own, leading the Patriots to the Super Bowl championship that year and denying Bledsoe his old starting job back when he became healthy. Bledsoe did play briefly in the AFC Championship game that year when Brady went down with an ankle sprain, and helped the Patriots gain entry into Super Bowl XXXVI with a 24-17 win at Pittsburgh. Following that Super Bowl win which Bledsoe had to watch on the sidelines, the Patriots traded Bledsoe to the Buffalo Bills for a 2003 first-round draft pick. Bledsoe had a tremendous 2002 season where he had his second-highest passing yardage total (4,359 passing yards) and second-best passer rating (86.0). But in three seasons with Buffalo, Bledsoe saw his career take a downturn, partially brought on by a decline in his pass blockers and questionable personnel decisions. Bledsoe was released after the 2004 season. He will play in 2005 in Dallas, reunited with his first head coach, Parcells. He currently (as of the end of the 2004 season) is 192 yards shy of 40,000 career passing yards. Wherever he has played, Bledsoe has been a solid citizen and community figure. He and his wife Maura have given lectures on good parenting skills. He has always conducted himself with class and dignity, especially during the most difficult times. He remains a well respected professional, and one of the great NFL quarterbacks of his time.