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Eighteen years ago today on September 23rd, 2001 a hit that not only changed the Patriots fortunes but the landscape of the NFL. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe with 5:03 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Jets-Patriots game, got slammed into the ground by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis, a hit that has had a lasting impact on the New England Patriots organization to this day. We didn't know back then, but a scrawny kid from Michigan University drafted in the 6th round and 199th overall would go on to dominate the NFL. Since that game 18 years ago Tom Brady has gone on to win six Super Bowls, throw for over 71,000 yard, throw over 520 touchdowns (currently second all time with 524), and win 210 games. A kid who once was an afterthought coming out of college, has now established himself as one of the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T) and to think what might never have happened if not for a potential life threatening hit to Drew Bledsoe that thrusted him into a starting roll, a roll that he would not relinquish.
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