Drew Bledsoe is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was drafted as the first overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and went on to have a successful career with multiple teams, including the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys. Drew Bledsoe net worth is estimated to be around $48 million, making him one of the wealthiest retired NFL players.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Drew Bledsoe’s early life and NFL career, business ventures, philanthropy, and personal life to understand how he built his impressive net worth.
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Drew Bledsoe Net Worth
According to the reports, Drew Bledsoe has an estimated net worth of around $48 million, a testament to his successful NFL career and business ventures. During his NFL career, Bledsoe earned about $80 million in contracts and endorsements. His ten-year contract with the Patriots in 2001 was one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history.
Bledsoe’s business ventures have also contributed significantly to his net worth. Doubleback Winery has been successful in producing high-quality wines that are recognized in the industry. And Bledsoe Capital Group has successfully identified promising startups to invest in.
Early Life and Career
Drew Bledsoe was born in Ellensburg, Washington, on February 14, 1972. He grew up in a family of athletes with his father, Mac Bledsoe. He played football for Washington State University, and his mother, Barbara Bledsoe, was a track and field athlete. Drew was early interested in football and played for his high school team, Walla Walla High School, where he was named the Washington state player of the Year in 1989.
After high school, Bledsoe attended Washington State University, where he played for the Washington State Cougars football team. In his three years at college, Bledsoe set multiple records, including the Pac-10 conference record for career passing yards. He was considered one of the top prospects in the 1993 NFL Draft, and the New England Patriots selected him as the first overall pick.
NFL Career
New England Patriots
Bledsoe’s NFL career started with the New England Patriots in 1993, where he quickly established himself as a starting quarterback. In his rookie season, he threw for 2,494 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Rookie of the Year award. Bledsoe continued to improve each year, leading the Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1996.
During his time with the Patriots, Bledsoe set multiple records, including the team record for most career passing yards and touchdowns. He also signed a then-record-breaking ten-year contract worth $103 million in 2001. This worth made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time.
Bledsoe’s career with the Patriots ended in 2002 when he was injured. He went on to win the Super Bowl that year.
Buffalo Bills
After leaving the Patriots, Bledsoe joined the Buffalo Bills in 2002. He had a successful first season with the team, leading them to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Bledsoe continued to play for the Bills until 2004, setting multiple records and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2002.
Dallas Cowboys
In 2005, Bledsoe joined the Dallas Cowboys, where he played for two seasons before announcing his retirement in 2007. His time with the Cowboys was not as successful as his previous stints. But Bledsoe still managed to set records and help the team improve its performance.
Retirement
After retiring from the NFL, Bledsoe continued to stay involved in the sport through various business ventures and philanthropic efforts.
Business Ventures
One of Bledsoe’s most successful business ventures is Doubleback Winery. He founded a winery with his wife in 2007 in Walla Walla, Washington. The Winery produces high-quality wines, and its success has earned it recognition in the industry. In 2020, Doubleback made his name one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World by Wine & Spirits magazine.
Bledsoe’s other business venture is Bledsoe Capital Group, a company he founded in 2018. The company focuses on food, beverage, and hospitality investments. And he has successfully identified and invested in promising startups.
Philanthropy
Drew Bledsoe has made philanthropic efforts throughout his career, focusing on supporting children’s charities. In 1996, he founded the Drew Bledsoe Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Washington State. The foundation has raised over $15 million to support various charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Children’s Hospital of Seattle.
Bledsoe is involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. However, he is also involved in the United Way and the NFL’s Play 60 program, which aims to encourage children to be physically active.
Career Highlights
Drew Bledsoe began his professional football career in 1993. At that time, he played as the first overall pick by the New England Patriots. He quickly set records and led the Patriots to their first playoff appearance in eight years in his second season.
In addition, Bledsoe continued to put up impressive numbers throughout his career. That includes throwing for over 4,000 yards in six seasons and leading the NFL in passing yards in 1994 and 2002.
In 2001, Bledsoe suffered a severe injury. Due to his injury, his coach replaced him with backup quarterback Tom Brady. While this was a setback for Bledsoe, it also marked the beginning of Brady’s legendary career with the Patriots.
However, Bledsoe’s career highlights include four Pro Bowl appearances, leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance in 1996 and the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2011.
Retirement and Legacy
Drew Bledsoe retired from the NFL in 2007 after 14 seasons in the league. While his career was cut short due to injuries, Bledsoe’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is secure.
However, Bledsoe’s impact on the game extends beyond his impressive statistics and records. His toughness, leadership, and dedication to his team and the sport of football have earned him respect.
In addition, Bledsoe has continued the sport of football through various endeavors, including co-founding the Bledsoe Football Camp, which aims to teach young players the fundamentals of the game. However, he has mentored and advised several young quarterbacks, including Tom Brady.
FAQs about Drew Bledsoe Net Worth
What is Drew Bledsoe doing now?
Drew Bledsoe retired from football and now focused on his business ventures, including Doubleback Winery and Bledsoe Capital Group. He has philanthropic efforts and mentoring young quarterbacks.
What is Drew Bledsoe’s most significant accomplishment?
Drew Bledsoe’s most significant accomplishment was leading the New England Patriots to their first playoff appearance in eight years in his second season with the team. Also, he holds several NFL records. That includes being the youngest quarterback to pass for 10,000 yards and the most completions in a single game with 45.
How did Drew Bledsoe’s injury change his career?
In 2001, Drew Bledsoe suffered a severe injury that led to him being replaced by backup quarterback Tom Brady. While this was a setback for Bledsoe, it also marked the beginning of Brady’s legendary career with the Patriots. Bledsoe joined the Buffalo Bills, where he played for three seasons before finishing his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
What is the Drew Bledsoe Foundation?
The Drew Bledsoe Foundation is a charitable organization, and the foundation’s founder was Drew Bledsoe in 1996. The foundation aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Washington State. It has raised over $15 million to support various charitable organizations. That includes the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Children’s Hospital of Seattle.
Conclusion
Drew Bledsoe’s net worth is a testament to his successful NFL career and business ventures. Also, he has contributed to the New England Patriots’ success. And his impressive statistics have earned him recognition as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Bledsoe’s success off the field, with his business ventures and philanthropic efforts, also shows his dedication to improving the lives of others.
