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TEDY BRUSCHI Returning for 13th season |
When assessing his football future in recent years, linebacker Tedy Bruschi has often said he likes to take inventory after each season. Then, after consulting with his loved ones, he'd make a final decision.
The inventory is complete. So, too, are the important discussions with his family.
And with that, Bruschi has decided he's ready to play some more football, agreeing to terms on a multiyear contract with the Patriots yesterday, according to a league source.
The decision gave the Patriots some positive momentum heading into the start of free agency early this morning. Bruschi would have been a free agent as his contract was set to expire.
Bruschi, who turns 35 in June, started every game for the Patriots in 2007. He led the team in tackles during the regular season (99), as well as solo tackles (69). One of his top performances came in the AFC Championship game against the Chargers when he tied for a team-high eight tackles, while diving to deflect a pass intended for tight end Antonio Gates at the goal line.
In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLII, Bruschi talked about how he planned to approach his future.
"I'm 34 years old and in my 12th year. After my season's over, how does my body feel? Do I still have the passion to play? I sit down with my wife and we discuss those things and we go from there," he said.
The 2008 season will mark Bruschi's 13th in the NFL, all of which have been with the Patriots. His fiery play on the field has earned him respect from teammates and foes, and his return from a stroke in 2005 has made him an inspirational presence to many off it. Teammates voted him a defensive captain last season.
From a football perspective, the 6-foot-1-inch, 247-pound Bruschi adds an important veteran presence to a linebacking corps that only has seven players under contract. Bruschi joins returning starters Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas, as well as backups Eric Alexander, Larry Izzo, T.J. Slaughter, and Pierre Woods.
In the Patriots' 3-4 alignment last season, Bruschi played both inside spots, starting the season on the weakside paired with Thomas. When Thomas shifted to the outside, Bruschi moved to the strongside to form a 1-2 punch with Junior Seau.
Although Bruschi's return is solidified, Seau's situation remains up in the air.
The 39-year-old Seau told the Associated Press yesterday he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left rotator cuff after the Super Bowl, noting he suffered the injury in the fourth game of the season.
A 12-time Pro Bowler and 18-year veteran, Seau has played the last two seasons for the Patriots. Asked about returning for a third, he said: "I know that it's a structure of what coach [Bill] Belichick and the Kraft family have to partake in, to put together a great team that can follow up what we did last year. That takes time. There really isn't anything on the table for me to look at except me getting healthy and being ready to go whenever anything that is a liking to me surfaces."
For now, Seau remains in San Diego, where he's a regular on the beach.
"I have a choice of playing or a choice of surfing," he said. "Those are great choices to have."
Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
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