[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4433-S4434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING OF DREW BLEDSOE

  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I wish to honor former New England 
Patriots Quarterback Drew Bledsoe on his retirement, after 14 years in 
the National Football League, NFL.
  Drew Bledsoe helped usher in the modern era of Patriots football. 
Throughout his career, Drew Bledsoe may have also played for the 
Buffalo Bills, an AFC East rival of the Patriots, and for the Dallas 
Cowboys, but he got his start in chilly Foxboro, MA.
  Fourteen years ago, a young Bledsoe was the first overall selection 
in the NFL Draft for New England draft of Washington State. He brought 
the Patriots to their first Super Bowl in 11 years, and despite 
ultimately losing to Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers, a newfound 
feeling of excitement and pride overtook New England's football fans. 
And that feeling hasn't subsided.
  After Tom Brady went down in the AFC playoff in 2002, Bledsoe led the 
Patriots to victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, ensuring the Pats a 
spot in Super Bowl XXXVI. And as you know, that was just the beginning 
of the New England football dynasty.
  Bledsoe is a four-time Pro-Bowl quarterback, who throughout his 
career threw for more than 44,000 yards and completed more than 250 
touchdown passes. He finished his career 7th all-time in yards passing, 
13th in touchdowns, and 5th in completions.
  His career off the field was just as impressive. Bledsoe has long 
worked to help improve the lives of children by teaching parenting 
skills through both the Drew Bledsoe Foundation and Parenting with 
Dignity. The programs' curriculum, which teaches the importance of 
family values, is used nationwide, reaching an estimated 1.75 million 
American families. He has also served as international chairman of the 
Children's Miracle Network, helping to raise millions of dollars to 
benefit children nationwide.
  Bledsoe is the recipient of the Thurman Munson Humanitarian Award, 
the NFL Alumni Spirit Award for exemplifying the spirit of the NFL 
caring for kids and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, chosen by 
his teammates for demonstrating balance between civic and professional 
responsibilities. He also received the Ed Block Courage award, chosen 
by his teammates as the NFL player demonstrating the most courage and 
character.
  Drew Bledsoe has conducted himself with both dignity and maturity

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throughout his 14 years in the NFL, and today I, along with Patriots 
fans across New England, congratulate him on a fantastic career and 
wish him success in the next chapter of his life.

                          ____________________