Drew Bledsoe, a former American football quarterback, carved a 14-season career in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New England Patriots.
Drafted first overall in 1993 by the Patriots after a stellar college career at Washington State University, he became the face of the franchise for nearly a decade.
During his time in New England, Bledsoe led the team to a period of great improvement, guiding them to the playoffs four times in his first six seasons.
This included achieving back-to-back division titles and three consecutive playoff appearances, a first for the Patriots in franchise history.
Bledsoe’s leadership culminated in the 1996 season where he steered the team to their second AFC Championship and a Super Bowl XXXI appearance.
While his tenure with the Patriots was undeniably successful, it was also intertwined with the rise of another legendary quarterback, Tom Brady.
A serious injury in 2001 led Bledsoe to be sidelined, giving Brady an unexpected opportunity that ultimately changed the course of NFL history.
He eventually returned from the injury but Brady’s performance had solidified his position as the starting quarterback.
Bledsoe was then traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he played for three seasons before finishing his career with a stint at the Dallas Cowboys.
He retired in 2006 with a solid record, earning recognition as a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion.
Parents
Bledsoe’s parents, Mac and Barbara Bledsoe, were both educators who played a significant role in shaping his life.
His mother, Barbara, was a middle school language arts teacher, while his father, Mac, was a high school English and speech teacher who also served as an assistant football coach.
Mac’s involvement in football undoubtedly influenced Drew’s interest in the sport at a young age.
Interestingly, Mac initially encouraged Drew to pursue receiving rather than throwing, but Drew’s natural talents as a quarterback ultimately shone through.
Both parents have remained actively involved in Drew’s life even after his professional football career.
They co-created a parenting education program called, Parenting with Dignity, and even founded the Drew Bledsoe Foundation to promote the program nationwide.
College career
Bledsoe’s college football career was a whirlwind of success at Washington State University. college football career was a whirlwind of success at Washington State University.
He arrived in Pullman in 1990 and by the end of his freshman year, he had secured the starting quarterback position.
This was a rare feat for a freshman at the time, and Bledsoe quickly became the focal point of the Cougars’ offense.
Over the next three seasons, he rewrote the Washington State record books, amassing the most passing yards, completions, attempts and total offense in school history at that point.
His strong arm and leadership led the Cougars to a 9-3 record in 1992, which included a victory in the Copper Bowl.
That season, Bledsoe was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and even cracked the top 10 in Heisman Trophy voting.
Bledsoe’s collegiate accomplishments were so impressive that he decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
This decision proved to be the right one, as he was selected with the very first overall pick by the New England Patriots in 1993.
Bledsoe’s college career at Washington State was short but spectacular, laying the foundation for a long and successful professional career in the NFL.
NFL career
Bledsoe carved out a solid 14-year career in the NFL.
Drafted first overall by the New England Patriots in 1993, Bledsoe became the face of the franchise for nearly a decade.
He led the Patriots to a period of resurgence, guiding them to the playoffs four times in his first six seasons and even reaching Super Bowl XXXI in 1996.
Bledsoe set numerous franchise passing records during his time in New England, some of which still stand today.
However, his tenure with the Patriots took an unexpected turn in 2001. A near-fatal sack left him seriously injured, opening the door for a young Brady to take over at quarterback.
Bledsoe eventually recovered but found himself in a competition with the up-and-coming Brady.
Despite Bledsoe leading the Patriots to victory upon his return, the team ultimately decided to go with Brady, trading Bledsoe to the Buffalo Bills.
He revitalized his career with the Bills, leading them to two playoff appearances in his three seasons there. He later finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as a veteran backup.
While Bledsoe never reached the Super Bowl again, he left a lasting impact on the NFL.
He is credited with helping to turn around the fortunes of the Patriots franchise and paving the way for their future success under Brady.
Accolades
Bledsoe’s career boasts some impressive awards and accolades, showcasing his talent and impact on the game.
Most notably, he was selected to the Pro Bowl, the NFL’s all-star game, four times.
This is a significant achievement, as it signifies him being recognized as one of the best quarterbacks in the league during those seasons.
Additionally, Bledsoe etched his name in Super Bowl history. He led the New England Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI, the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance in decades.
While the Patriots ultimately fell short in that game, Bledsoe’s leadership was instrumental in getting them there.
Bledsoe’s accomplishments extend beyond the professional level. In college, he was named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year during his junior season at Washington State University.
This award highlighted his exceptional skills and potential as a quarterback, paving the way for his eventual selection as the number one overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft.
Bledsoe’s legacy goes beyond just statistics and accolades. He is credited with helping to revitalize the New England Patriots franchise and usher in a new era of success.
His contributions played a significant role in setting the stage for the team’s future dominance under Brady.
