A DRIVE TO SUCCEED LEADS TO A SECOND ACT
The road of life is filled with twists and turns. How we navigate them is what defines us. That’s something former professional quarterback and current winemaker Drew Bledsoe has known all his life—even as he faced early doubts, disappointing setbacks and even a catastrophic injury that almost ended his athletic career. Through it all, he was able to find what moves him and build a lasting foundation that brings people happiness.
Mazda vehicles like the CX-70 were made to help drivers like Drew find their inspiration and passion in life. Like him, our craftsmen unite tradition and versatility with refinement and power, to create more moments of genuine happiness.
“I WAS READY TO SEE WHAT WAS NEXT”
On the first day of junior high, Drew Bledsoe walked in with his parents and announced “this is the day I’ve waited my whole life for. This is the day I get to play tackle football.” Even when his coach told him that he had no future as a quarterback, he remembered a lesson from his father that would shape his life forever: that the ideas in his head would guide his future, and that no one could put doubt there without his permission.
That mindset allowed him to grow into one of the top-rated high school quarterbacks in the nation, to set records throughout his college career, and to become the number one draft pick to play professionally in 1993. It still guides him today, even after an injury that changed everything.
After taking a hit that almost killed him, and a six-week recovery period, Drew Bledsoe found out he had been benched—and for the first time since seventh grade, he was no longer the quarterback.
Instead of giving up, he remembered his father’s advice and sought out a different focus, one that allowed him to share his personal passion and to build in his hometown of Walla Walla, Washington. He started a first-class winery based on wine quality, not his own celebrity.
“I was ready to see what was next. If I could have a second act. If I could start over with just a piece of dirt and create something real, not based on my right arm.”
Today, in one of the most competitive industries in the world, Drew Bledsoe is living out his dream of creating special moments for thousands of customers. And much like the Mazda CX-70, his award-winning wine combines power and finesse, described by one critic as “a linebacker who dances ballet.”
Drew’s passion allowed him to create something unique and timeless. At Mazda, we celebrate that spirit in all our drivers, and create vehicles that help them achieve their goals, no matter how they change and evolve.
We invite you to LEARN MORE about the Mazda CX-70 and how it can help you find what moves you.
