Talking NFL

After 14 years of quarterbacking the Patriots, Bills and Cowboys, Drew Bledsoe decided to call it quits this week. Of course, by now you’ve seen or read one of the 12,832 articles regarding his announcement, plowed through his career stats, and listened to both sides of the much debated argument on whether or not he qualifies for the Hall of Fame.

I won’t rehash all that stuff, I just want to ask one question: how will you remember him?

For the jaded and cynical folks out there (and there’s no shortage of them on the internet, or had you noticed?), at best he’ll be remembered as the guy Tom Brady replaced on his way to becoming the next Joe Montana. At worst, it will be for his cement shoes in the pocket as well as his tendency to nervously pat the ball when he couldn’t find an open man. When he started playing “who’s your daddy?” with the pigskin, you knew that Very Bad Things were about to happen…

But there are some people out there that aren’t looking at the positive side to his career, even saying things like “there’s not much to remember [about] Bledsoe”. Well sorry, but when you throw for over 25 miles worth of completions in the NFL, you’re bound to have at least a few memorable moments. Like the following:

1993, NFL Draft: Let’s remember that after much spirited debate, the Patriots decide to take Bledsoe with the #1 overall pick over the vaunted Rick Mirer. Good call, guys.

1994, Patriots vs Vikings: With the Patriots struggling at 3-6, and down 20-0 at halftime to the Vikes, Bill Parcells gives his infamous “I just hope I’m around when you guys decide to fight back” speech. Bledsoe then rallies the troops with a 45 for 70, 426 yards and three touchdown performance to come from behind and win in O.T., 26-20. They would win the next six games in a row to make the playoffs for the first time since 1986.

1996, Patriots vs Steelers, Divisional Playoff: What does Bledsoe do on the Patriots very first offensive play in foggy Foxborough? Throw a 53-yard bomb to Terry Glenn. They would go onto win 28-3, and later clinch the AFC title.

1998, Patriots vs Dolphins: During this Monday Night Game, Bledsoe would fracture a finger on his passing hand by hitting it against a helmet. He still returned to the game, and threw a touchdown in the 4th quarter to give the Pats a come from behind win over the Dolphins. His back-up at the time, Scott Zolak, talked about that game with Boston.com’s Mike Reiss:

“…he continued to play with a half-inch pin sticking out of the index finger of his throwing hand. Anyone that has played football knows that’s the last one to come off the football. I saw him in the weeks after that taking shots so he could play and it took 4-5 people on the medical staff to hold him down, so the doctors could insert the needle into the upper joint of the index finger. It was excruciating, you’re hearing him scream. But he went out and played. Tell me who would do that?â€?

I’ll tell you one guy that wouldn’t do that…(I’m raising my hand right now).

2002, Bills vs Vikings: Drew sets career and Bills franchise highs with 463 yards passing in a 45-39 O.T. win over Minnesota. He wins the game with a 48-yard TD pass to Peerless Price. Bledsoe would go on to throw 4 TD passes in overtime during his career, an NFL record.

Of course, if you’re looking for a defining moment for Drew, well that’s easy…

2001, Patriots vs Steelers, AFC Championship: Late in the first half, Tom Brady has his leg injured by safety Lee Flowers, and must leave the game. It didn’t matter if you were a fan of the Patriots, the Steelers, or football in general; the reaction was the same for everyone:

“Holy crap! Bledsoe is coming in!”

He responded by hitting David Patten three straight times, the third for a dramatic touchdown in the corner of the endzone.

But the moment New Englander’s remember the most is a play in-between those completions. As Drew Bledsoe gets flushed out of the pocket, he runs for the sideline, only to get clocked by Chad Scott in a hit that looks like a carbon copy of the one Mo Lewis gave him earlier in the season.

For a few seconds, everyone collectively holds their breath. Then Drew jumps up and starts yelling & waving his fist (in the goofiest way possible). He’s OK, everyone! The Patriots would go on to win 24-17, and clinch the AFC title.

For that moment, Drew was back in the saddle, and he found his moment of glory. It’s a moment many other pro quarterbacks never got to experience.

Happy trails, Drew. That’s how I’ll remember you.

Drew Bledsoe, retires, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills