Tedy Bruschi thoughts

I'll miss Tedy. Whoever takes his spot had better be busting his ass this year.

Tedy Bruschi: the player, the teammate and the man, you will be sorely missed. Thank you for the memories. I wish you well, my friend.

The first play that I always think of when it comes to Bruschi is when he tore the ball out of Dominic Rhodes' hands in that divisional playoff game. Awesome.

He's right up there with Brady and Belichick in my mind as the reasons the Patriots had a dynasty. He goes back to the Parcells years and was there the whole time. With McGinist, before Harrison, Bruschi was the reason they played championship defense. He probably won't get mentioned seriously, which is unfortunate, but if there ever were a Hall of Famer, it's Tedy.

You are absolutely right, Jason.
I can't imagine a player who is a truer symbol of the Patriots during their championship runs. All he ever did was come to work, do the job the way it should be done, and lead by example.
Every time a coach and fans have to deal with one of the whiny prima donas in the NFL complaining about their petty issues, they should twist that player's head around to face Bruschi and ask, "Have you faced adversity like HIS? No? Then shut up and do your job!"

I agree with you, too, Ward Baker. If they don't, Tedy will PERSONALLY take them to the woodshed - lol!

So now, if I'm not mistaken, there are only five players left from the 2001 Superbowl team: Brady, Faulk, Seymour, Light and Neal. And only one of those - Faulk - has been with the Pats as long as Brady has.

We've now lost four long-time stalwarts this year. Besides Bruschi, there's Vrabel, Izzo and Paxton.

He is such a team player... he is the heart and soul of the Pats... he will be missed... i hope they do induct him into the hall of fame because there is no one more deserving... he will be missed... cya tedy... was a pleasure to watch you....you are the man...

Nice summary, Mike! The last one from SB XXXI - From a Parcell's era pick, to a Pete Carrol favorite to a Patriot Hall of Famer under BB. He was all class and all heart. "How do we feel about Tedy playing his entire career with the New England Patriots?!... OHHHH YEHHHH!!!!!"

Mr. Patriot. Class Act. One of the best ever. Thanks for everything, Tedy.

I think this make Brady the last Patriot that played on the memorable 2001 team. If any thing Brady owes his former comrades a Superbowl in their honor.

54 will never retire in a true New England Patriot's fan's heart.

Hey Mike,

Another good Brushci moment was his pick six in that snowy game against the dolphins during our third superbowl run...that was pretty epic..

Made some amazing plays during the run, took a home town discount ,caused Ricky Wlliams to almost jump off the plane back to Miami after that snowball game interception in December of 04 but lets face the facts people the guy did very little the last 3 years and still collected a few mill. I wonder if the d will be better with Mayo calling the plays and Ted gone time will tell. They should have taken Laurentis . He is on fire allready in St Louis .Any ways Good for him he deserved the dough and at least he has not stabbed the Krafts on his way out like a couple of his backers buds . And I am sure he will be coming to a tv or radio program near you .....

My bad, I totally forgot Light, Seymour, and Faulk.

Great Patriot and was a great example along with Troy Brown for the Patriot way. It was too bad that after that stroke, he was never quite the same. But, it took a ton of heart to work his way back when he could have given up. He isn't a Pro Football Hall of Famer, but he's a football player built on work ethic and getting the most out of his talent. It was time for him to go and he chose to go gracefully, I wouldn't expect anything other than that. If Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were the foundation of the dynasty then Tedy Bruschi was a load bearing wall. Full-Tilt, Full-Time. All Class, All the Time.

embarrassingly, I also forgot Stephen.

The snow game interception stands out as classic Bruschi.Where did he come from, he didn't belong there.As to collecting a few mill over the last 3 unproductive years; how many veterans have the Pats kept for looks-Bruschi was contributing.I'm glad the guy got out alive.I'll have to only wear my "Brusci-King Of Defense" T-shirt on special occasions.

Bruschi to me is a great player, a leader on and off the field, and has the great story about a person who can come back from a stroke and still played at the NFL level. He will be forever a Patriot player. He had accepted less than market values in his past contracts to stay with the organization. I'll be more than than disappointed (actually I'll be mighty wee-wee-offed) if the Pats organization does not show some loyalty in kind and carve out a place for him with the team.

a true class human being man and patriot

Bruschi is the only player jersey i have ever worn because of the way he handled himself...

Teddy is a class act. He, his wife and his family have been great assets to our community. He has helped The American Heart Associaton with "Tedy's Team". An important issue for Tedy's Team is the increase in awareness of stroke and recognition of its warning signs. While this may be an end to his time on "the field" it is just the begining of his efforts to help others in their time of need. Best wished to "Tedy" and his family as they begin a new carrer to help others in time of need. Tedy has aways had a big smile on his face and signed autographts for all of his fans. All the best.

Thanks, Tedy, for your play, spirit and courage. God bless you and the best of luck in all you do.

Sigh...I am still not used to Vrabel being gone! I know its the right decision for him but I am soooo bummed......Vrabel and Bruschi are two of my all time favs....so weird that they won't be here this season.

Well guess I better get to sucking it up and moving forward. They wouldn't like it if I was all whiney about it huh?! Brady better be a good distraction for me! :-)

End of an era. Won't be the same watching that defense without Vrabel and Bruschi. We'll miss you Tedy!

Mr. Tedy, Wish you best of luck for, whatever you have in your mind. You are true class act and true Patriots. Thank you for all the great memories. Although, I do have a hunch that, later this year, you will be back.. when Patriots have some guys banged up, and they need player.. Just like SEAU. Thank You.

BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSCHI !!!!

I will truly miss watching #54 on the field. Here is a player most felt wouldn't make team when drafted due to his size, but opened up everyone's eyes with his passion,hustle, and great instincts. We are all blessed with many great memories, and he is in the class of Troy as representing the concept of 'patriot team' in its finest form.

Best wishes, and thanksTedy!

#3 Jaime: I remember that play, and also remember a quote from Bruschi after the game talking about the play where he said "I guess I just wanted the ball more than he did". Just another reason to love the guy.

54 | Full Tilt, Full Time.
All the best Tedy!

An outstanding player during his pre-stroke era, he would always come up with the big play. Afterwards, he was amazing in another way.

Teddy Ice Cold Bruschi!!!

Words are NOT adequate!!

More than ANYONE, Teddy Ice Cold Bruschi PERSONIFIES the Passion, the Persistence, the Complete Dedication to his Mates...and the sheer Love For the Game that THIS Dynasty...THIS Team...has stood for more than ANY other Dynasty in the History of this Great Game!!!

THANK you, Teddy!!!

*And I am SO PSYCHED!!! I was PRAYING for us to divest our roster of Teddy AND Vrabel, who I also love!! Twas the LineBacker Corps, more than anything, that's been killing us, ere the last 4 years! NOW we can keep Lennon, and, playing what will most likely be a 4-3/3-4 Hybrid, we have Depth of Talent AND Youth + Experience EVERYWHERE!!!

I'll say it again: 19-0, baby!!!

Thanks for the memories Tedi! Enjoy your retirement.

When I saw this announcement last night..I was devasated. I have been a huge Bruschi fan for many years. For many years he was the soul of the defense, feeding them both on the field and on the sideline. I understand there comes a time when one must do what is best for himself and the team and things havent really been the same for him after he returned from the stroke. However I must say that in the high of his career he was an amazing player. Always knew where the ball was going and played with such high intensity. He played with heart. A great defensive player of his time. Tedy you will be greatly missed.

As a Steelers fan, I have the upmost respect for Teddy Bruschi. A class act and the HEART AND SOUL of your team..This is a huge loss.
First you lose Vrabel, then Harrison and now this. I don't know if your defense will be the same. Every will retire one day BUT losing the core of your team in one year could be devasting. Losing Vrabel was very tough pill to swallow, then Harrison retiring, a big blow to secondary BUT you guys drafted well in that area now this. WHO is the leader on this defense now???? I hope Bruschi gets a coaching job with the Pats....Best of luck..

Hey Mike,
Does this put Paris on the map? Or, at least on the 53 man roster? There's been a few shake ups in the last 24 hours. Looking forward to your updated 53 man projection.

Steroids maybe???????...Dah ...stroke etc.....

Chris C... how can Lenon (Mr. Greatest Athlete Wearing #46) not make the roster ???

Seriously, I have to finally admit I was wrong : this is the year they move to a 4-3 I guess...

Love you Tedy! Thanks for the passion you gave every game!

Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it.

Tedy is the best!! He truely is what a Patriot should be both on and off the field....We'll miss you in the game Tedy!! But you'll always be part of our team even if you aren't playing in the game!

GO COLTS!!!!

We actually lost 5 stalwarts Maineman, you forgot to mention Rodney Harrison.

There should be a "Wall of Gamers" and he should be the first inductee.....

Thank you Tedy, you will be sorely missed. You were the glue for this team for a long time, and I will always remember what you brought to this team. I love the Green Bay comment. That just shows what you are. A great person and player. Once again, thank you.

How many players in NFL history can say they went to 5 super bowls? Probably not many.

I'm always going to wear my #54 jersey to the games - Tedy will always be the heart & soul of this franchise and he's brought us great joy watching him play ...now, can we have Tedy play a bigger part coaching please?!!!

I love you Bruschi!!!

Hats off.

Players like Tedy are rare. His gameplay was smart, passionate and dependable. Let's hope the Franchise can be counted on again to locate more players like him. Hey, they have the template of a winner with which to apply to new recruit possibilities!

Will miss you, Tedy - THANKS for your 110% !!

From his college years at Arizona to his Pro years with the Pats, Tedy is the standard of what a great football player is. He has worked his ass off to be where he is at and will be a Hall of Famer in my eyes. Tedy has lead by example and every football player should follow in his footsteps. Tedy, you have left it all on the field and should be very proud of your career. You have played football for the love of the game and not the business of it. Current football players, leave your egos at the door and play your hearts out like Tedy has! Good Luck and God Bless you and your family, Tedy. You are a class act! Hope to see you in Arizona!

Tedy, time to come home to Tucson. We lent you to New England and watched with such pride over the years as you made the University of Arizona faithful so happy.

Now, time to come home.

Gawd, to see you at Arizona Stadium again!

Bear Down, Tedy!

Jim Patterson, UA '77 (and Arizona season ticket holder)

My favorite Bruschi memory was his postgame int. right after the Colts divisional playoff game in 04.
You wanna change the rules? You still have to come here to play us. Its cold, its snowing, its football.
Still get goosebumps thinking about it

TEDDY FOOTBALL. WHEN YOU THINK OF DEFENSE PASSION, YOU THINK OF TEDDY-TOO BAD, MAY BE HE WILL BE LIKE JUNIOR AND COME BACK IN DECEMBER.I SUSPECT THAT HE WILL BECOME PART OF THE COACHING SYSTEM ONE DAY. THANKS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK TEDDY

Tedy,

You were the BEST, thanks for the wonderful memories, your courage and tenacity, your consistency and leadership ON and OFF the field.

You will be missed ON the field, hopefully, as someone said, YOU should be coaching the Pats now!

WHAT'S PATRIOT NATION 2 DO NOW???...OMG...GONNA MISS TEDY SOOOOO MUCH!!!!~IT'S NOT GONNA B THE SAME={...

clearly what's happening is bruschi was faced with being released because mayo came on so strong last year and it's just time to get someone else some reps so they're not completely new to the defense next season. tedy was great but it comes time for everyone to hang em up..maybe he should talk to favre

Great Patriot... We All going to Miss him... All the Best Tedy... Love you So Much!!!

Thank you Tedy for years of great football! I wish you and your family the very best that life has to offer. May you enjoy many years of love and laughter with family and friends. You will be missed!!

Even though I'm not a Pats fan, Tedy is the true definition of a team player. He's truly an inspiration to fans of the game in general. You're a good man Tedy. Congratulations on one hell of a career.

I have been a Patriot fan since the day's of Eason and Grogan and I have seen a lot of good player's on this team,but in this position that Tedy has played all these years, there is no one who could compare with him. He will be surly missed and I hope the fans at the games remember what he has done for this team. I'll miss seeing him on the field as I am sure most everyone else wil also. He is doing the right thing for Tedy and thats important for him and his family.. Good luck Tedy and may God always be by your side

I graduated in 1992, from Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, Bruschi played for Roseville High, he was one year ahead of me, it was 1991. Bruschi was a maniac then. It was a playoff game, we were picked to win. True story, I played outside linebacker, in goal line defense I was moved inside to play over the tackle. Which happened to be Bruschi, I remember vividly, they were on the goal line to take the go ahead win, when I moved inside, Teddy, Mr. Bruschi said move over you "little fly" before the play began. Guess what, they ran right behind him and I was moved like a little fly. They scored broke our heart.

And so our paths diverged, he's a professional football player, and I'm a . . . well just say he's a professional football player. Makes me feel a little old, our time is coming to an end. Good job Bruschi, I enjoyed telling that story over the years, especially to my son, and will continue to.

As a jets fan i am glad to see him go

I'm a Steelers fan, but I wanted to stop in and say how much I've appreciated Bruschi and what he has brought to the game both on and off the field.

I attended the UofA when Tedy was there and I'll say that Boston's love for him is only matched by those feelings in Tucson.

Class act.

We salute you Tedy.

Thanks for the memories.

You are a true class act.

Tedy Bruschi Thanks for everything!

Tedy Bruschi is a member of every family in New England. He's the family member, every football Sunday, that we root for.

New England loves Tedy Bruschi. Thankyou!

I'm devastated!!! Actually I wish he and his family the best!! Like so many others, thank you Ted for the wonderful Football watching memories. You will always be my favorite :)

All the Best!!!

""1.My favorite Bruschi memory was his postgame int. right after the Colts divisional playoff game in 04.
You wanna change the rules? You still have to come here to play us. Its cold, its snowing, its football.
Still get goosebumps thinking about it""

Such a great point Mo, that's one of my favs too.

Good Luck Teddy... wish for one last time on the field in Gillette so the fans can salute you with a rousing "BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUU" chant.

Bear Down!

Thankyou so much for everything Ted!

I've always liked the Patriots & Teddy B, Last season I felt that Teddy had slipped and hoped he would retire this year. Now that he has retired, I wonder what he saw in his play this pre-season to make this decision. Was it his performance in the Washington game or was it in other games as well.
I'm sure he looked at the tapes of all the pre-s games to make his decision.
After all, he went thru the practices and 2 per day drills before coming to this decision.. I would like to know HIS thoughts on what he perceived.

The very best to Teddy and his family.

Heh!

Steeler Fan, you're a smart guy, but you BADLY missed on THIS one.

I take a back seat to NO man in my admiration of Teddy Bruschi (Although I definitely defer to the LEGIONS of ladies who've been posting their Lamentations!!!) but I was PRAYING, since the season ended, for us to discharge both him and Vrabel, as Harrison'd already been eclipsed.

I really see NOBODY who seems to grasp how VASTLY improved our D is going to BE, this year, should the Gods bless us with good health!

We have replaced the Jurassic Bruschi, Vrabel, and Harrison, the mediocre Hobbs, and the HORRIBLE O'Neal with Guyton, Burgess, Chung, Bodden, and Springs...and have every reason, with experience and with IMMENSE support around them, to expect BIG improvements from Thomas, Mayo, Guyton, Merriweather, Sanders, AND Wihlite and Wheatley...And we FINALLY have Depth of Talent, with Lenon, Woods, Crable, Hyphen, and a VERY deep D Line AND Secondary!!!

Somebody get me a paper napkin...

#35
A--hole like Richard Nibbler needs to have his ass kicked, hard and repeatedly. His stroke was blood cliots developed in the leg after a long flight from Hawaii back to Boston after th Pro Bowl. It got dislodged and traveled through a small hole in hs heart and ended up in the brain. The detached clot usually go to the lung if there is no hole in the heart, and for a small clot of that size, would have gone unnoticed if it had gone to the lung. Instead it went to the brain where even a small clot can cause a proble when it clogged up a blood vessel.
A-hole Nibbler, I hope the crap you are nibbling tasted good.

All the Tedy fans who don't even know how to spell his name...

Tedi was a great throw back to the gritty overachieving and undersized lore of yesteryear players. (Not a bad thrid round pick) He just simply played the game flat-out with the ultimate team mentality. Nope, not many of these kinds of guys visible on the landscape today. And he's passed the torch to guys like Mayo who is gonna be a GREAT one.
Three cheers for Tedi...

Tedy, I think you are the best player I have ever seen in a uniform. I hope you the best. From your #1 fan in the Carolina's

I have been a Patriot Fan since Jim Plunkett. One of my favorite QB's was Steve Grogan. He doesn't get the credit he deserves - he just didn't have an offense or defense. But Tedy, well he just jumped into a true Patriot's heart when he, as a free agent, wouldn't sign with the Packers.
I will always think of you with your sons on the field in Jacksonville before the Super Bowl Game and when you ran in for a TD after grabbing the ball
IN THE SNOW - IN NEW ENGLAND - AND THE FANS JUST THREW THAT WHITE STUFF UP IN THE AIR LIKE CONFETTI. I hope you come back as a defensive co-ordinator or even a coach. Thanks for all the memories and your help in making my favorite team a DYNASTY. God Bless you and your family - stay well.

I remember noticing a few years ago, that not only was Bruschi a good player himself, but more importantly, the rest of the defensive players (especially the 'backers and the linemen) were much better when he was in.

Harrison had a similar effect with the secondary.

Thank you Tedy for your many years of great Patriot football played Full Tilt Full Time!! May you now enjoy many years of happy healthy retirement with Heidi and your boys.