NFL Enthusiasts Buzz Over Surprising Career Pivot by Former No. 3 Pick Blake Bortles
After a hiatus from the NFL spotlight, former quarterback Blake Bortles, who took a two-year break from the league, is once again making headlines.
Bortles, the third overall pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014, quietly stepped away from professional football last October. With eight NFL seasons under his belt, including a noteworthy five-year stint with the Jaguars, the news about his latest endeavor came as a surprise to many.
According to a story by Barstool Sports, Bortles is now assisting the construction crew that's building his new residence somewhere in Florida. It seems that post-NFL life had him searching for a new challenge, leading him to this unexpected role on the construction site.
In his prime, Bortles showcased his prowess during the 2015 season with the Jaguars, boasting 4,428 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. Fast forward two years, and he was instrumental in driving the team to an unexpected AFC Championship Game. However, they narrowly lost 24-20 to the New England Patriots.
Subsequent to that success, Bortles landed a $54 million contract extension in 2018. The season started on a high note with a dominant performance against the Patriots. Yet, the remainder of the season saw a sharp dip in his performance, with a disappointing 1-9 record as the starting quarterback. This decline led to his release in 2019, and he subsequently hopped around as a backup quarterback until his eventual retirement.
Bortles' unique career shift drew a range of reactions on social media:
| POLL | ||
28 AOUT | 31 ANSWERS NFL Enthusiasts Buzz Over Surprising Career Pivot by Former No. 3 Pick Blake Bortles Will the Jaguars win the AFC South? | ||
| Yes | 23 | 74.2 % |
| No | 8 | 25.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
