When Drew Bledsoe first was injured during the 2001 season, the New England Patriots considered trying to lure Jim Harbaugh out of retirement with Tom Brady set to start.

The Patriots had selected Brady with a sixth round pick in the 2000 draft and expectations were moderate.

They also scouted Eric Zeier, Billy Joe Tolliver and Bert Emanuel.

“I don’t think we’re talking about John Elway here,” said Bill Belichick before Brady's first start.