Former Jets LB Blames Drew Bledsoe for Hit Starting Patriots Brady Era

Mo Lewis, former New York Jets linebacker, has challenged the common narrative that his 2001 hit on New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe was the sole catalyst for Tom Brady's rise and the Patriots' dynasty. In Gary Myers' upcoming book "Brady vs. Belichick," Lewis argues that Bledsoe, who had just signed a $100 million deal as a passing quarterback, is responsible for the play's outcome since he ventured outside the pocket and ran with the ball, which was not his usual role. The hit, though clean and legal, caused severe injuries to Bledsoe, including a sheared blood vessel and internal bleeding, nearly resulting in his death en route to the hospital. Lewis expresses indifference to the historical significance attributed to the hit, stating it was just another play to him and that he was unaware of the injury's severity at the time. Despite being credited with ushering in the Brady era, Lewis emphasizes that his role was simply to stop the ball carrier and downplays the lasting attention the hit has received. Bledsoe’s injury paved the way for Brady to take over as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, leading to multiple Super Bowl victories and an NFL dynasty.