Drew Bledsoe in Pictures
Andrew already wrote about it, but 14 year veteran Drew Bledsoe has retired. I needed to say something as well, because Bledsoe was my favorite all-time player. I think two games in his carreer characterize his heart and integrity the best. In 1998, we were playing the Bills, and Bledsoe hurt his thumb. In fact, he broke it so badly, that the bone was sticking out of his finger. The Patriots were down with less than two minutes left, and Bledsoe didn’t leave the game. He returned, led the game winning drive, and then was sidelined for the rest of the season. The second moment that defines him is the New York Jets game in 2001, when he got injured. He still stood up, and tried to play, as he was literally dying. Bledsoe had heart and skill. He should go down as one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.
The first photo is against the Steelers in the AFC Championship game. Notice the picture against Buffalo, where Bledsoe has his finger taped (this is the game I was talking about).
… AFC CHAMPIONS, PATS, LED BY BLEDSOE, BEAT THE STEELERS AND HEAD TO SB XXXVI
BLEDSOE … in 2000
… Some 1999 action
Game vs. Buffalo in 1998 where he injures his finger but keeps playing
Bledsoe in Superbowl XXXI
BLEDSOE ON DRAFT DAY IN 1993
Reader Comments
It’s good to see that he finally retired. He’s a great guy and was a great player for New England.
(Quote)
[Reply]
He was my favorite player, as well. An all-around good guy who turned a 1-15 franchise into a respectable winner. Maybe someday he’ll get a little credit for it. I’m still amazed at the New England fans who have nothing good to say about him. Human nature is strange…
(Quote)
[Reply]
You think he’ll make it to the hall? He definately deserves it.
(Quote)
[Reply]
Don’t get me wrong, Drew definitley had his short comings. However, years from now history will remember him as the man who saved the Patriots. I have lived in Boston my whole life and with the exception of 1985 the Patriots were an abysmal, laughing stock of a franchise. Bledsoe’s arrival changed all that. He played with heart, class and courage and carried himself of the field the same way. Many players, Jim evrett and Jim mcman come to mind, acted foolish and selfish. Not Drew. The risk of a Q.B. controversy when Brady took over was avoided thanks to Bledsoe’s maturity and selfless devotion to the greater goal of the team. Is he a hall of Famer? That remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, he saved my beloved Patriots and Gillette stadium will always be to me the house that Bledsoe built!
(Quote)
[Reply]