“The only thing that does kind of bother me sometimes though….I feel like my career has kinda been treated like a footnote…..to Tom’s career.” Drew Bledsoe has done it all on football’s biggest stages—blizzard-blasting passes in Foxborough, fourth-quarter drive game-winning touchdowns, and being one of the legends with a Super Bowl championship ring. Despite all of these, losing the QB 1 position to Tom Brady will sting him forever. Nevertheless, he is still happy to be an integral part of the NFL world. But what took place recently on Wednesday is surely bigger than anything.
The former Patriots quarterback, Drew Bledsoe, was in a vastly different setting. No frantic mob of spectators. No scoreboard digits. Just a proud dad, who read wedding vows. It was a moment that, in his own terms, was more important to him than anything he ever did on the playing field. The 14-year NFL veteran stepped into the role of officiant at his son’s wedding in a greenery setting.
Sharing a warm family photo on Instagram, Drew wrote, ”Can’t say I’ve had a bigger honor than marrying my son to this amazing woman!! Perfect day surrounded by friends and family.” And suddenly, the man who lived for rocket-arm throws and unrelenting leadership gained another title in his legacy—Dad, the officiant. In that one heartfelt note, he made it clear that this moment stood above all else, even the Super Bowl glory. This truly describes how much he values his family in his life.
It was no sleazy Hollywood romance or tabloid wedding. The ceremony occurred in an unknown location within a pretty open garden nestled in the peaceful countryside. A couple of fans argue that it could be somewhere in Bend, Oregon, as the former QB lives in his $20 million, four-level mansion with his family. However, many also claim that it could be Walla Walla, Washington. After all, that’s the hometown of the former NFLer.
Nevertheless, the vintage-style picture caught everyone’s attention. No over-the-top flowered archways or crystal chandeliers intervened, only gentle foliage and bright skies with family and friends. In fact, in the posted picture, he was standing with the couple, beaming with pride. No ham-fisted drama, just a wonderfully serene moment that captured all the Bledsoe family holds dear: togetherness and authenticity.
Bledsoe has remained far out of the spotlight since leaving the NFL in 2007. Since then, he chose to stay away from the front office and TV shows. Instead, he built a quieter life with his wife Maura. Together, they raised four kids, coached local sports teams, and started a successful vineyard in Walla Walla. That decision, more than ever, appears to be the smart one to swap NFL limelight for roots. The same boisterous NFL huddle man now leads by example, and weddings such as this are the payoff.
Talking about his career, it surely lies ahead, colossus-sized. Written first in 1993 and left to be passed over more than 44,000 yards and 251 touchdowns, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXI, and was the steady veteran counter to Tom Brady’s rookie season, to the team’s 2001 first Super Bowl championship. Although his own career was eventually overshadowed by Tom Brady’s dynasty seasons, Bledsoe’s work laid the foundation for the New England Patriots’ dynasty. His 70-pass game is the most staggering stat line in NFL history. And his 2011 induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame cemented his status as a franchise legend.
Patriots Nation added its blessings for Drew Bledsoe’s family!
The moment Drew Bledsoe shared the wedding post, it didn’t take long for the internet, especially Patriots Nation, to light up like it was a playoff victory. But the love didn’t just come from fans in comment sections; it came straight from the bride herself. Shelby Bledsoe, still glowing from the big day, dropped in with the sweetest note, ”I’ll never stop beaming from this day. Thank you drew ”
A few words, but they said it all. The new daughter-in-law was not just ecstatic to become part of the Bledsoe family; she was blessed to have her father-in-law put pen to paper. Then came the fans, and let us just say they brought equal doses of heart and humor. One fan wrote, ”When did they get married, 1927? (Also, congratulations!!! )” a cheeky response to this surprise. Ah, we get it, the vintage-styled upload got everyone in awe.
Another comment was totally retro mode with, ”Oh wow, no better example of love and marriage then You and Maura! Congratulations to the happy couple!! Darn were old ..’‘ That one cut differently. Patriots fans who witnessed Drew set foot on the field back in the ’90s are now watching him officiate weddings, and appear to be fighting against time like the rest of us.
The comments also dubbed Bledsoe with a new handle, “The Reverend Bledsoe! ” A mix of football lore, wedding celebrant, and apparently now, ordained icon. Dozens of them responded with heartfelt “Congratulations!! ” the most common compliment, perhaps, but also the most genuine!
The post Drew Bledsoe Ignores Super Bowl Win for ‘Bigger Honor’ as Congratulations Pour in Patriots’ Legend’s Family appeared first on EssentiallySports.