Drew Bledsoe

Drew Bledsoe was a standout quarterback at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., then became the top pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. New head coach Bill Parcells drafted Bledsoe with the top pick, and Bledsoe assumed the starting quarterback job almost immediately. During his nine years in Foxborough, Mass., Bledsoe led the Patriots to four playoff appearances (and was there for a fifth but not as a starter). In a 1994 overtime game against Minnesota, he set NFL records for most passes completed (45)and attempted (70) in a game as the Patriots rallied from down 20-0 to win, 26-20. Three times in his career he has exceeded 4,000 passing yards in a season. Bledsoe's career took a permanent turn on September 23, 2001. He suffered a devastating hit by NY Jet linebacker "Mo Lewis", a hit which sheared a blood vessel deep inside Bledsoe's chest. He played in one more series before being lifted in favor of Tom Brady. Brady then embarked on an unbelievable car