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.
Prior to drafting Bledsoe, the Patriots earned a mere six playoff berths from their founding in 1960 to 1992. Winning four games.
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.
Bledsoe was elected to the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2011.
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.
Since 1994, the Patriots have sold out every home game for 24 consecutive seasons.
On Instagram Wednesday, Bledsoe reflected back on the 25th anniversary of his draft day.
25 years ago today…
with the number 1 pick in the 1993 #NFLDraft…
the New England #Patriots select @DrewBledsoe! pic.twitter.com/T6aGRGNqzw— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 25, 2018
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