Drew Bledsoe’s Injury: How It Changed Tom Brady’s Career
Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady are two quarterbacks forever linked in the history of the New England Patriots. Bledsoe’s injury in 2001 opened the door for Brady to take over as the starting quarterback, leading to a legendary career. This article delves into Bledsoe’s rise to prominence, the infamous injury, and how it sparked Brady’s path to greatness.
I. Drew Bledsoe’s Injury: A Turning Point for Tom Brady
The Hit That Changed Everything
Drew Bledsoe was the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots in 2001. He was a good quarterback, but he wasn’t great. The Patriots were 1-1 in the season when they played the New York Jets. In the second quarter, Bledsoe was hit hard by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis. Bledsoe was injured and had to leave the game.This was a turning point for the Patriots and for Tom Brady. Brady was a backup quarterback who had never started an NFL game. He was put in the game after Bledsoe was injured, and he led the Patriots to a come-from-behind win. Brady started the next game and the rest is history. He led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history, and he went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
What If Bledsoe Hadn’t Been Injured?
It’s impossible to say for sure what would have happened if Bledsoe hadn’t been injured. But it’s likely that Brady would never have had the chance to become the starting quarterback of the Patriots. And if he hadn’t become the starting quarterback, he might never have become the legend that he is today.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Drew Bledsoe’s injury is a reminder that even the most devastating setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities. If you’re ever faced with a setback, don’t give up. Keep working hard and never give up on your dreams. You never know what might happen.
| Quarterback | Years Active | Super Bowl Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Drew Bledsoe | 1993-2006 | 0 |
| Tom Brady | 2000-2022 | 7 |
II. Bledsoe’s Rise to Prominence
A Star Is Born
Drew Bledsoe was born in Walla Walla, Washington, in 1972. He was a gifted athlete from a young age, and he excelled in both football and basketball. Bledsoe played quarterback for Washington State University, and he quickly became one of the most prolific passers in college football history. In his senior season, he threw for 4,086 yards and 27 touchdowns, and he led the Cougars to a 10-2 record.
| Year | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 2,770 | 18 |
| 1996 | 4,086 | 27 |
The New England Patriots
Bledsoe was selected first overall by the New England Patriots in the 1993 NFL Draft. He quickly became the face of the franchise, and he led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1996. Bledsoe threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns in the Super Bowl, but the Patriots ultimately lost to the Green Bay Packers.
- 1996: Bledsoe leads the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance.
- 1997: Bledsoe is named to the Pro Bowl.
- 1998: Bledsoe leads the Patriots to a 10-6 record.
Despite his success, Bledsoe was often criticized for his interceptions. He threw 14 interceptions in his rookie season, and he never threw fewer than 10 interceptions in any of his first seven seasons. However, Bledsoe was a tough and durable quarterback, and he always bounced back from his mistakes.
III. The Infamous Injury and Brady’s Rise
The Turning Point
Drew Bledsoe’s injury was a turning point for both the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Bledsoe had been the Patriots’ starting quarterback for seven seasons, and he was one of the most popular players in the NFL. But when he was injured in the second game of the 2001 season, Brady took over as the starter and never looked back.Brady led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history that season, and he went on to win six more Super Bowls with the team. He is now considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
What If?
It’s impossible to say for sure what would have happened if Bledsoe hadn’t been injured. But it’s likely that Brady would never have had the chance to become the starting quarterback of the Patriots. And if he hadn’t become the starting quarterback, he might never have become the legend that he is today.
- In 2001, Drew Bledsoe was injured in the second game of the season.
- Tom Brady took over as the starting quarterback and led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl win.
- Brady went on to win six more Super Bowls with the Patriots.
- He is now considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
IV. Final Thought
Drew Bledsoe’s injury was a defining moment in the history of the New England Patriots. It not only ended Bledsoe’s time as the starting quarterback but also paved the way for Tom Brady to become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Bledsoe’s injury is a reminder that even the most devastating setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities.