Drew Bledsoe
Drew Bledsoe was born on February 14, 1972. See ranking, bio blurb, and everyone else born that day.
About Drew Bledsoe
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. 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.