In a conference call with reporters this afternoon, Bledsoe called his nomination “a great honor” and praised Patriots fans for being “so supportive and passionate.”

When asked about his most memorable moments of his nine-year career with the Patriots, the 39-year old Bledsoe recalled the “overwhelming welcome” he received after being drafted in 1993.

“I’m certainly very proud to be part of that resurgence of the Patriots,” Bledsoe continued. “But I also take some degree of pride in seeing where they’ve gone since.”