Early Life, Bio, NFL Career, Wife, Net Worth

Former American football quarterback Drew Bledsoe spent the majority of his 14-year career in the NFL playing for the New England Patriots. During his time in the league, he led the team to two division titles and broke a seven-year streak of not making it to the playoffs. In 1997, he also helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl.

Early Life & Education

Drew Bledsoe, born on February 14, 1972, in Ellensburg, Washington, was raised by two school teachers. As a child, his family frequently relocated until they ultimately settled in Walla Walla.

Bledsoe attended high school in Walla Walla, where his father served as his football coach. He also excelled in basketball and track, earning a varsity letter in both sports.

Bledsoe, who was highly sought after after graduating from high school, ultimately decided to enroll at the nearby Washington State University. During his three years at the university, he achieved a remarkable career in football and became a prominent figure in the Cougars’ offense.

In 1992, Bledsoe successfully guided his team to a 9-3 record and defeated Utah in the Copper Bowl. Additionally, he broke several records at WSU, such as for most passing yards in a single game and season, and earned the title of Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year.

Drew Bledsoe’s NFL Career

Instead of completing his senior year at WSU, Bledsoe chose to enter the 1993 NFL Draft and was selected first overall by the New England Patriots. His impact on the team was immediate, significantly turning around their performance. The following year, he led the team to a 10-6 record and secured a wild card spot.

After a lackluster 1995, Bledsoe bounced back in 1996 and led the Patriots to win the AFC championship and make it to Super Bowl XXXI. Despite their efforts, the team was ultimately defeated by the Green Bay Packers. In 1997, Bledsoe once again played a crucial role in getting the Patriots to the playoffs, but they were eliminated in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Despite this, Bledsoe achieved a personal best 87.7 passer rating for the season. He carried this success into 1998, making history as the first NFL quarterback to throw game-winning touchdown passes in the last 30 seconds of two consecutive games. Once again, the Patriots reached the playoffs.

In 1999, Drew Bledsoe’s playing ability deteriorated, as he faced a personal worst of 55 sacks and the Patriots had a lackluster 8-8 season. The subsequent year was even more disappointing, as the team ended with a dismal 5-11 record. However, Bledsoe renewed his contract with the Patriots in 2001 for a decade, receiving a then-unprecedented $103 million.

Unfortunately, the outcome was not what he had hoped for when he sustained a nearly fatal injury during the second game of the season.

This occurred when New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis forcefully hit him. As a result, Drew Bledsoe was replaced by Tom Brady as the starting quarterback, although he did make a comeback and win the AFC championship game. Under Brady’s leadership, the Patriots ultimately emerged victorious in Super Bowl XXXVI.

In 2002, the Patriots traded Bledsoe to their rivals, the Buffalo Bills. He had a great first season, throwing for 4,359 yards and 24 touchdowns. One of his best games was in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, when he set a team record with 463 yards passing.

He played well in 2003, but the Bills had many injuries on offense. In his last year with the team, the Bills almost made the playoffs.

After the Bills let him go, Drew Bledsoe joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. He had a great first season, throwing for over 3,000 yards and leading several game-winning drives. Bledsoe led the team to a 9-7 record.

But his second and last season with the Cowboys in 2006 was much worse. He was replaced by Tony Romo just six games into the season. The team released Bledsoe at the end of the season. He retired from the NFL in April 2007.

Personal Life

In 1996, Drew Bledsoe and Maura tied the knot. Together, they have four children named Stuart, Henry, John, and Healy. While residing in Bend, Oregon, Bledsoe served as the coach for his sons Stuart and John at Summit High School.

Net Worth

Drew Bledsoe, a retired American football player, has a net worth of $30 million. During his 14-year career in the NFL, he spent eight seasons with the New England team. He played a crucial role in ending a seven-year absence from the playoffs, securing two division championships, and leading the team to the Super Bowl in 1997.

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