Drew Bledsoe Quarterback Tenure
The quarterback who rebuilt the Patriots and paved the way for a dynasty.
Drew McQueen Bledsoe (born February 14, 1972) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons, primarily with the New England Patriots. He played college football for the Washington State Cougars, earning second-team All-American honors and Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 1992. Selected first overall in the 1993 NFL draft by the Patriots, Bledsoe ended a seven-year postseason drought by his second season and led the team to four playoff appearances, two division titles, and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXI. Bledsoe also earned three Pro Bowl selections and became the youngest quarterback to receive the honor in 1995.
- Role
- Quarterback
- Tenure Span
- 1993–2001
- Draft Position
- First overall pick (1993)
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 3
- Team Records Held
- Career Passing Yards (until surpassed by Tom Brady), Career Touchdown Passes (until surpassed by Tom Brady)
Lore & Background
Following a period of declining success and two consecutive seasons in which the Patriots missed the playoffs, Bledsoe suffered a near-fatal injury early in the 2001 season that led to backup Tom Brady becoming the team's starter. He was unable to regain his starting position for the remainder of the season due to Brady's success, which led to the Patriots winning their first championship in Super Bowl XXXVI and began a dynasty for the franchise. Bledsoe spent his next three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he received a fourth Pro Bowl selection, and his final two with the Dallas Cowboys. While his tenure with the Patriots would be eclipsed by Brady, Bledsoe is recognized for helping rebuild the franchise and his role during their first Super Bowl-winning season when he relieved an injured Brady to help win the 2001 AFC Championship. For his accomplishments in New England, he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2011.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Foxboro Stadium was thick with autumn chill and anticipation on that fateful September day in 2001. The crowd roared as Bledsoe scrambled out of the pocket, his eyes scanning downfield for an opening. He launched a deep ball toward the endzone, the spiral cutting through the crisp New England air. But before he could celebrate, the Buffalo defense crashed into him with force. As he hit the turf, clutching his chest, the stadium fell silent. The era of the Big Gun was ending in that instant, and though no one knew it then, a new legend was about to rise from the shadows of the same sideline.
Reader's Guide
Bledsoe attended Walla Walla High School and was a letterman in football, basketball, and track. In football, he was named a first-team All-State selection by the Tacoma News Tribune. In track, he competed in the throwing events. He was later inducted into the WIAA Hall of Fame in 2020. Bledsoe spent his college career at Washington State University playing for the Cougars. After gaining the starting job at the end of the 1990 season as a true freshman, he quickly became the face of the Cougars' offense. In 1992, Bledsoe led WSU to a 9–3 record and a 31–28 win over Utah in the Copper Bowl in which Bledsoe completed 30 of 46 passes for 476 yards and two touchdowns, being named the Copper Bowl MVP. He also established WSU records in single-game passing yards (476), single-season pass completions (241), and single-season passing yards (3,246). He was named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year. Following an impressive junior year in 1992, Bledsoe decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 1993 NFL draft. In the 34 starts of his collegiate career he amassed 6,897 yards, 502 completions, and 44 touchdowns. Bledsoe was later inducted into the Washington State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. Bledsoe was the first overall selection in the 1993 NFL draft, taken by the New England Patriots. He started right away for the Patriots in 1993, as they improved from two to five wins. As a rookie, he passed for 2,494 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 13 games. Bledsoe would also make history during the season as in week 17 in a game vs the Indianapolis Colts he would become the first rookie in NFL history to finish a game with a perfect passer rating in a 38–0 victory. On November 13, 1994, the Patriots had won just three of their first nine games and were losing, 20–3, to the Minnesota Vikings at halftime. Bledsoe led a comeback victory in which the Patriots won, 26–20, in overtime, as he set single-game records in pass completions (45) and attempts (70). The win sparked the beginning of a new age for the Patriots, as they rallied behind Bledsoe and won their final six games to finish with a 10–6 record and capture the wild card spot. Bledsoe passed for 4,555 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. The Patriots lost to the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round 20–13. Due to his performance, Bledsoe was selected to his first Pro Bowl as an alternate.
Did You Know?
- Bledsoe earned three Pro Bowl selections with the Patriots and a fourth with the Buffalo Bills.
- He was the first rookie in NFL history to finish a game with a perfect passer rating.
- Bledsoe set single-game records for pass completions (45) and attempts (70) in a 1994 comeback win against the Vikings.
- He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Drew Bledsoe during his time with the Patriots?
He was the starting quarterback selected first overall in the 1993 NFL Draft who led the team for nearly a decade. His leadership established the franchise as a consistent playoff contender before Tom Brady arrived.
What were Drew Bledsoe's key achievements with New England?
During his tenure, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and set numerous franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns. These benchmarks stood for years until they were eventually surpassed by future teammates.
How long did Drew Bledsoe play quarterback for the Patriots?
His official span as the team's starter ran from 1993 through the 2001 season. He served as the face of the offense during this period before an injury shifted the team's direction.
Why is Drew Bledsoe considered important to Patriots history?
He transformed a struggling organization into a legitimate NFL powerhouse and defined the club's early identity through resilience. His era bridged the gap between the pre-dynasty years and the championship success that followed.
How did Drew Bledsoe's story end in New England?
His time as the primary QB concluded after a severe injury during the 2001 regular season opened the door for Tom Brady to take over. He was subsequently traded, marking the transition from his era to the dynasty years.
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