Who Is Drew Bledsoe? The Man Who Tom Brady Replaced at New England Patriots

Drew Bledsoe, born in 1972, was the first overall draft pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. He was the first-choice quarterback for the New England Patriots and the face of the franchise during the 90s. He elevated the standards of the franchise after a seven-year drought.

Drew Bledsoe as a Patriot

During his 14 season-long career, he served most of his time with the Patriots, but in the later stages of his career he made appearances with Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys before retiring in 2006. In his nine seasons with the Patriots, he led the franchise to the playoffs four times and made one Super Bowl appearance.

Drew Bledsoe was also named Pro Bowler three times and became the youngest quarterback to play in the NFL All-Star game in 1995. His career kick-started with a bang, but the progression slowed down as he failed to reach the playoffs in two consecutive seasons following by a dramatic injury against the New York Jets in 2001.

Also Read: ‘His Arm Is Elastic’ — Peyton Manning Values the Throwing Ability of Aaron Rodgers

Overshadowed by Tom Brady

That injury changed the course of the franchise, as everyone had a new and unknown player to look out for, Tom Brady. Drew was never named as the QB1 for the Patriots thereafter following the rookie quarterback’s success who led the franchise to the Super Bowl that season and won the Lombardi Trophy.

Ultimately, his tenure got eclipsed by the fame received by Tom Brady, making him change his team. Although he is often recognized to rebuild the name of the franchise from scratch to a fairly mediocre team. Which was then carried forward by Tom Brady. Because of this, Drew was inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame in 2011.

Though because of an unfortunate injury, Drew remained overshadowed during the rest of his career. But it shall not be forgotten that it was because of his efforts that the New England Patriots regained their long-lost destiny.

Also Read: Tom Brady at 44 Off to Better Start Than Historic 2007 MVP Season