On April 25th 1993, the historically bad fortunes of the New England Patriots franchise shifted to good following the selection of Washington State University quarterback Drew Bledsoe with the first overall pick.
Eh, from a marketing standpoint, there was an impact but to act like he took the team to unprecedented success is just wrong. He had losing seasons year 1, year 3 and year 8 and the teams got worse every year from his 5th through 8th seasons.
Four years from 89-92 are the "historically bad fortunes", before that, the Patriots were 113-83 with 5 playoff appearances from 76-88. They had never won the big game but neither did Bledsoe. As a starter, Bledsoe was 63-60, 3-3 in the playoffs with a 5-12 TD to INT ratio.
Prior to drafting Bledsoe, the Patriots earned a mere six playoff berths from their founding in 1960 to 1992. Winning four games.
Up to 1966 only 2 teams made the playoffs. Up to 1969, only 4. Up to 1977, only 8. From 1978-1990, 10 teams made it. So 6 times from 1960 to 1992 and 5 times from 1976-92 when less teams made the playoffs. Three of Bledsoe's playoff appearances were through the wild card with expanded playoffs
With Bledsoe under center beginning in 1993, the Patriots, who were just three seasons removed from a 1-15 season, returned to respectability and qualified for the playoffs four times over the next six years, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXXI. Bledsoe would earn three Pro Bowl selections in that span.
4 interceptions during that SB appearance. Also lost twice in the wild card round.
The drafting of Bledsoe, coupled with Robert Kraft purchasing the team a year later from James Orthwein, saved the franchise from relocating to St. Louis and ensured that New England would have a football team for years to come.
How did the drafting of Bledsoe save the team from moving?
Since 1994, the Patriots have sold out every home game for 24 consecutive seasons.
Might of had something to do with the Brady/Belichick years as well.
