Overview

• In newly published remarks, Lewis argues Bledsoe left the pocket despite a $100 million passer’s role and says “the person who was with the ball” caused the event.
• The comments come from Gary Myers’ book Brady vs. Belichick, which outlets reported on in late August as Lewis broke a long media silence.
• On Sept. 23, 2001, Lewis delivered a clean but crushing sideline tackle that tore a blood vessel in Bledsoe’s chest and led to near-fatal internal bleeding.
• The injury forced Bledsoe out and allowed Tom Brady to take over, leading to six Super Bowls with New England and a seventh title with Tampa Bay along with multiple NFL records.
• Lewis, a three-time Pro Bowler and 1998 All-Pro, says the play is “irrelevant” to him and has largely avoided media and Jets alumni events since retiring.