Bruschi announces retirement
FOXBOROUGH – Welcome to Gillette Stadium, where linebacker Tedy Bruschi is scheduled to announce his retirement at 10:45.
Entering the media workroom here at the stadium, a projector screen is hanging behind the stage where Bill Belichick holds his press conferences. It has images of Bruschi from throughout his career. There are two blue Bruschi jerseys hanging above a blue curtain, and pictures of Bruschi are hanging throughout the room. A table is set up with Patriots helmets and one official NFL ball.
Bruschi retires
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There are 12 television cameras in the back of the room. Driving into the stadium, television trucks from local stations were parked outside, prepared to go live with the press conference. A handful of newspaper photographers are lined up along the left side of the room to shoot Bruschi's entrance.
More to come, as the plan will be to live blog this press conference (the updates will be posted here, so those wishing to follow along can hit the refresh button).
(10:42 a.m.) -- The room is quiet in anticipation of Bruschi's arrival. Standing room only crowd.
(10:49 a.m.) A video montage of some of Bruschi's top career moments is now running on flat-screen televisions, accompanied by music.
(10:50 a.m.) Bruschi has entered the room with his wife Heidi. Owner Robert Kraft is now at the podium, as the video montage rolls. Coach Bill Belichick is sitting next to Bruschi at the table which has two Patriots helmets and an NFL ball. President Jonathan Kraft is standing along the right side of the room.
(10:53 a.m.) Robert Kraft says that Bruschi embodies what he believes the Patriots stand for -- hard work, perseverance, overachievement, selfless team-first approach. "He's handled every stage of his career with great class."
(10:54 a.m.) Robert Kraft reflects on two memories that stand out to him -- the snow game against the Dolphins when he scored on an interception return before falling to his knees, and how he took the field before the Super Bowl with his kids. He concludes his remarks by saying that Bruschi is a "true iconic legend who will always be part of our family." Bill Belichick is now at the podium.
(10:56 a.m.) Bill Belichick says he's coached a lot of great players and he puts Bruschi up there with all of them. "I don't think I've ever seen a player do what he's done," he said, reflecting on how he made the transition from defensive end to linebacker. Belichick said "instinctiveness" and "passion" are two words that he thinks of with Bruschi. He calls him the "epitome of everything you'd want in a football player." Belichick is emotional as he delivers his remarks.
(10:59 a.m.) Bruschi is wearing a beige suit with a blue shirt. A lot of smiles throughout the first 10 minutes. He seems at peace with his decision.
(11:01 a.m.) Belichick repeats that Bruschi "always did the right thing." He lists some plays that stand out in his memory. As he talks about Thanksgiving Day interception in Detroit, he looks back at Bruschi and the two smile at each other.
(11:03 a.m.) "How do I sum it up? How do I feel about Tedy Bruschi in five seconds. He's a perfect player. He's helped create a tradition here we're all proud of." Belichick walks off the podium and the two embrace.
(11:04 a.m.) Bruschi now at the podium.
(11:05 a.m.) Bruschi says he always wanted this day to be a celebration. He feels that's the way it is. He's accomplished his goals. Wanted a fourth Super Bowl title, but settling for three isn't a bad thing.
(11:07 a.m.) Bruschi says he talked with a lot of teammates on Sunday to explain to them what was happening. Said he kept coming back to the word "fulfilled" in his conversations. As he starts listing his thank-yous, he starts with his wife Heidi, who has always been by his side.
(11:08 a.m.) Bruschi reflects on his relationship with Robert Kraft, saying that around 2005, he began to consider him a member of his family. Reflects on moments in Kraft's office to talk about life. "The mantra that he always gave me for a long time was measure nine times and cut once. This decision I’ve probably measured 900 times and today I’m using the scissors."
(11:09 a.m.) Passionate remarks from Bruschi when talking about Belichick. "He taught me how to win." Says he'd often listen to Belichick in team meetings and think to himself "That's exactly what I'd say."
(11:11 a.m.) Bruschi on the fans of New England: "I feel like my career was different than a lot of other players, and also different with my relationship with the fans. They saw me come in as an underdog. ... The fans took that journey with me."
(11:13 a.m.) "Being a Patriot my entire career is something I'm very proud of." Bruschi reflects on the moment he was drafted, and turned to Heidi, who was his girlfriend at the time, and said "I want to play my career with one team."
(11:15 a.m.) "There is a sign when you come into this facility that says 'Do Your Job'. I did my job for 13 years. Now my job is done. My job is done. I'm looking forward to living the rest of my life." Bruschi is now answering questions from reporters.
(11:19 a.m.) Bruschi says he's started to feel his age (36) when he wakes up. That's when he started thinking of retirement.
(11:20 a.m.) Bruschi is open to different possibilities in his post-playing career. "What's next? This morning I woke up and put out the trash. I’m real life. I’m ready to live life. I think that’s just who I am. I’m just regular. Whatever comes, I’ll listen to it. If I like it, yes. If I don’t, no. I think that’s just the way you have to handle things. In the meantime, I’m a 36 year old father of three and I’m looking forward to playing that new role in my life."
(11:21 a.m.) Bruschi is asked what he'll miss most about game day, and he talks about how it was the culmination of a week of work. When he got to the field, it was "an explosion of passion."
(11:22 a.m.) Bruschi talks about how the Patriots' franchise has grown since he arrived in 1996. He correlates that to his own career. "It makes me feel that much more connected to the logo."
(11:24 a.m.) Bruschi laughs when asked if this is really it. What if he gets a call in November if the Patriots have a run of injuries? "Bill and I had this conversation. We had a great conversation yesterday. I don't know if the answer to that one was 'Don't call me.' I think if I was in a different situation there would be a different answer to that. I think if there was more than I wanted to achieve, to come back and do more, I would welcome that."
(11:30 a.m.) -- Bruschi says there is no one moment that stands out above the rest. Too many, he says. "To talk about one would cheapen the others."
(11:32 a.m.) Bruschi takes his final question. Says he plans on settling in New England with his family.
(11:34 a.m.) Bruschi walks off the podium. The first person he addresses is his wife Heidi. They kiss and walk out of the room. Reporters are now off to the locker room to interview players. A first-class presentation by the Patriots for Bruschi, one of the all-time franchise greats.
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My favorite memory of Bruschi: The snow bowl game against the Dolphins... He brings the interception back for a TD, kneels down, and starts throwing snow into the air...
Bruschi -- you were one of the best and you made this team what it is today. Thanks for all you've done for us Patriots fans!
You could see that something was up when he walked off the field that last game. Congrats on great career, Tedy!
What a great role model for every youth sports participant! We love you Tedy!!!!!!
Bruschi was a total class act on and off the field. I can speak for alot of fans it was a honor watch him handle himself with every obstacle in his way
Thanks for everything, Tedy!
Going to miss you Teddy, thanks for everything.
Thanks, Teddy!!!!! We love you! You are a true champion and the quintessential Patriot.
I am shocked to what I just seen....Not Bruschi retiring BUT espn cutting off Belichek's remarks and going to another press conference by Rich Rodiguez....Are you kidding me??????????? RICH RODIGUEZ.....
Espn just went to an all time low...How dare you cut off Belichek to go to a college football coach press conference. Being a Steelers fan, I never to get to see Belichek speak much and now when I do, you cut right into his emotional speech to go to Rodriguez....
Update......Espn has just showed the first 4 minutes.....Too little to late
I can't believe Mike Reiss is leaving to go to Espn.....
The time i heard tedy will retire made me really sad an important part of the team left. Being a part Filipino, i know strength is one of the things he inherited in his genes. Strength to rise upon adversity, to do everything for the team, to show his love for the game. I don't know if he even knows any tagalog(Pilipino) word but all i have to say is SALAMAT SA LAHAT( Thanks for everything). There can only be one 54 and that's Tedy "Lacap" Bruschi..
Thank You Tedy for all of your years of service! You were the perfect player indeed!
The Patriots won't be the same without you!
Good Luck with whatever you choose to do after the NFL
I can't believe people and crying and s**t over a football player retiring. People need to get a life. Sure he was a great player and I would like to have him on my team, but to get so emotional over it is pathetic.
Grow up people.
More pro athletes need to be like this man.
too bad for new england, good for the jets go jets go jets
THIS GUY HATED TO LOSE!! I was 16 years old and worked at the chieftain pub as a bus boy/ dishwasher and Teddy, a rookie at the time, was alone at the bar on a sunday night after a 1 o clock away game loss to the Jets. I approached him and asked, are you Teddy Bruschi ( i pronounced brew-shee ) He was in noooo mood, He snapped at me and said, its Bruschi (Brew-skee) I will never forget that. I am now 29 and will forever link that sunday evening experience to Teddy's passion, intensity, and desire to win and disgust to lose. Its that attitude that was infectious and is why the Pats are so successful! Teddy, thanks for the memories!!!
Tedy. You will always be loved here in NE. I hope you have a great rest of your life. You worked so hard to help create the model franchise that you are leaving today. We are eternally grateful for the pride you took in us, and I hope we conveyed that pride back to you.
It would be cool to see you coaching under Belichick someday, but it is totally understandable if you need time away.
God bless!
Now you post an Audio of Retirement speech.......Hopefully my pc lets me get this....espn still was wrong....
Mike, your eloquent summary brought a tear to my eye. Yet another exhibit in the watertight case that you are the best football reporter the print media in Boston has.
Bruschi is a class act, a dedicated and hard working player, a down to earth and friendly man.
A great friend
We will miss him a lot
He deserves the best
The last line of the article: "A first-class presentation by the Patriots." is well deserved for a first-class gentleman.
He'll be in uniform by December. With Seau
Thank you Mike. You, like Tedy will be missed.
Tedy,
Thanks for being everything a Pats fan could hope a player to be. You are one of a kind and I know I speak for many when I say I am glad you were here. You are a true Patriot and we always be remember as such. Good luck with everything you do going forward. Hopefully it has something to do with the team still. Would love to see you imparting your wisdom here for as long as possible.
Bob - Pats fan since '73
"A first class presentation by the Patriots". This is no surprise with the Krafts, BB, and Bruschi all in the same room. Congratulations to Tedy for leaving at the right time, and it will be a benefit to all New Englanders that he and his family will remain in New England
He is one of the last Gentleman that have plaed this game. When will another leader step up with such character on DEFENSE.
Bruschi is a class act. In a time when so many sports heroes have exercised poor judgment, or shown themselves to be childish or worse, Bruschi represents the best of professional athletics with his maturity, good humor, focus on excellence, team leadership, and sense of perspective. We will miss him! Thanks, Tedy, for the memories. Best of luck!
Patriot Nation has suffered a GREAT loss! What we must take solace in--is that we had Tedy to root for, love & admire for 13 seasons. We will miss you BRU!!
Belichick was emotion and near tears while talking about Tedy Bruschi. BELICHICK! That should give you an indication of what Bruschi has meant to this franchise.
An amazing player and classy, classy, classy! Bruschi Brau!
Always a gentleman and a fierce competitor, Tedy Bruschi was everything a professional athlete should be. It was truly a pleasure to watch him play.
ah man. single tear. thanks for all the great memories, brusch, you always won with class.
His number should be retired. I wish him a happy, healthy retirement.
This article was a first-class presentation of a first-class presentation.
Yeah Silverbulletman what we need to do is give a week of praises to guy who drove off a bridge drowning a women!! never mind the fact that his father wanted his cousin to take the fall
If he and Troy Brown played in different eras, they are first ballot Hall of Famers. No doubt. Classic, throwback football players. I remember VERY vividly in Tedy's rookie year, seeing him line up at RDE, especially during the '96 AFC title game. It's incredible that he played in FIVE Super Bowls with one team. Thanks for the memories, Tedy. Always a Patriot.
Sorry to see you go Brischi, you will be missed. You are one of the all time great Patriots.
A GREAT PATRIOT!!!! We Would miss him on and off the field!!! All the Best Tedy!!! Love you so much!!!
Thank you Tedy. You are, as a professional athlete, what we all hope our children look up to.
Teddy Bruschi is a class act.
My first memory of Tedy was a fake punt pass play, right to him but he dropped it. I think it was a Monday night game vs. Denver, probably 1996, with coach Parcells. That was probably his last offensive pass play. But he still caught many passes thrown by the other team.
What a great career he has had, all with the Patriots! I'll miss his smile, enthusiasm, and constant drive.
OK, its 11:58. The press conference ended 24 minutes ago. Why isn't Tedy in the Patriots Hall of Fame yet?
To think of all the "Teds" who have left this week, I'm actually going to miss this one...
Thank you Tedy, God bless you and your family.
My favorite Bruschi moment was in a title game against Peyton Manning & the Colts in Foxborough. A Colt receiver makes a reception in front of Bruschi (perhaps Dallas Clark) and Ted simply tore the ball out of his hands. Ted just wanted it more. I knew then that we would win the game.
His on-field post-game interview after beating the Colts in 2005 was awesome. The reporter asked him about how they shut the Colts down in the fourth quarter and he responded with, (paraphrasing here) "The Fourth Quarter??? We shut em down the whole damn game. What did they score, 3 points?"
Great, awesome player, thanks for the memories Tedi.
I remember that Detroit interception.
Bruschi, Johnson, McGinest, Vrabel, and Phifer; what a crew of linebackers.
It takes a courageous man to walk away from the game he loves, knowing that he can't compete anymore. Too many athletes today hang on and embarrass themselves. How can anyone not love Bruschi the player and Bruschi the man. My hope is he joins Belicek's staff soon. Good luck!
Wah. What a bunch of wussies. Cry a big alligator tear for him.
Get over it. He's a highly paid professional athelete, part of a large money making machine, who wouldn't do what he did without the fat salary. This isn't high school football where you play for your school, it's all about the money machine. He's done. Neeexxxxxt?
He will be greatly missed! He is a role model to the young players. No one works harder, gives more or is classier than Tedy Bruschi!! One of a kind....
A true role model. A professional athlete that never took the easy way, worked harder than anyone on the field to be the best that he could be. A terrific, intense, nose for the ball player that was always at the right place at the right team when this team needed it. I have been a Patriots fan since their inception. I have ridden the roller coaster of ups and downs that this franchise has experienced. The laughingstock and the doormat of the AFL, then NFL for many years. Then Mr. Robert Kraft came along and said no more of that, we will compete. It's no surprise that Tedy Brushchi was one of the keystones of the master plan to change this organization into one that is respected and admired. Greatness does not happen by accident. Tedy Bruschi was a terrific athlete on the field and he continues to be a dedicated, loving family man off the field. He worked hard for all that he has achieved in sports, and he has given back as much as could (and more) to the game of football. I feel very lucky to have been able to watch his career, to admire his efforts both on and off the field. The New England Patriots are losing a true champion, but his memories from the field will never, ever be forgotten. Best of luck to you Mr. Tedy Brushci, you are unquestionably a class act, through and through.
My personal favorite was watching him kiss the Lombardi for the 1st, no wait second, no wait third time, There are so many memories.
THANK YOU Tedy!!!
We will never forget you Teddy!! Congrats on a top notch career and for all you have done for us fans.....WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
A wonderful player, a great person. We'll sure miss you Tedy!
My FIRST memory of Bruschi was one of the first Pats vs Jets, Belichick vs The Tuna match up. For some insane reason, Belichick ran a fake punt and Tom Tupa passed to an open Teddy Bruschi, who promptly dropped the pass. Jets took over on something like our 30 yard line.
The announcers said the pass was dropped by some rookie named Brewski. From that point on, Teddy climbed up the ladder of success through hard work and determination. He just seemed to be in the right spot at the right time. Whenever it was 3 and 2, and it was crunch time, Bruschi would win the one-on-one batle with the other teams RB. Clearly those days are behind him, but for that period of time, Bruschi was an incredibly under-rated LB. Thanks for the memories Teddy. You are a class act...
Our honor to watch you Ted. As a season ticket holder I want to thank you for all of the great plays, the good times you brought us through your hard work and dedication to winning..
Best play for me was when you ripped the ball out of Dominic Rhodes hands on a running play in the AFC championship game. You simply wanted the ball more...it was awesome.
and to honor you once more..
JETS SUCK!!!
New England will miss you Tedy,you were always my favorite player!! I will always remember the "Ice Bowl" game against the Titans. The crowd happened to be a little subdued during with the cold. During a big third down play, suddenly your face filled the whole jumbrotron screen and everyone in the stadium could see you screaming at the top of your lungs! When I think of the Patriots Super Bowl Run of the 2000's I will always think of that! You are a true class act!!
Brewski is the most over-rated linebacker in the long, storied history of organized professional football. Was he good? Yup, you bet. Better than average? Well, sure, okay, I'll give you that. Exceptional? Nope. Give me one Tippett over 10 Brewskis and I'm a happy man. Heck, I'd even take a banged-up Blackmon over Teddy. But whatever, this new generation of Patriots fans is diluted by transplants to the area, yuppies, and pink hats, none of whom know a spiral from their...well, you get it. So go on and revel in your ignorance, as this very average footballer rides off into a sunset he really doesn't deserve.
At training camp before Tedy's rookie season, on an extremely hot and humid day, he took the time to say hello to each and every kid who'd come out to see the team as he made his way back to the locker room after a grueling practice. We didn't know how he'd turn out as a player -- but we already knew he was a great human being. Thanks, Tedy, for 13 great years.
Tedy, I read your book. You are a great father, husband, son, teammate
and of course a great player and a great man. The game will not be the same without you. Enjoy your family and your retirement. God bless you.
Bruschi's retiring. It's a pretty depressing thought. We knew it was coming, but that day is finally here. Tedy's been a consummate competitor and a class act, unquestionably worthy of a spot in all-time Patriots lore. Patriots fans will miss both the player and the man.
Thanks for always being a class act, Tedy, and a great role model for youth in New England and beyond. You handled all of the challenges and hurdles you faced, both professionally and personally, with grace and true sportsmanship. Congrats on a fantastic career--best wishes to you and your family.
@matt#33....what does your post have to do with anything? Why do morons like you always need to bring politics into the discussion. You are a pathetic loser. Go have your mommy make you some lunch.
Tedy, my fodest memory of you was 1 or 2 yr when you were otherworldly. You were forcing fumbles, snagging interceptions and in complete total control and it showed. You owned the defense and relished an offense trying to stop you.
We fans love you and someday I hope to get your signed autograph.
Best regards,
Sean G ( Quincy, MA )
I own one Patriots jersey, and that is number 54. I will continue to wear it proudly. Thank you for everything Tedy!
How do we feel about a VICTORYYYY??????? Ahhhhhhhh YEAH!
Thanks for 14 great years Tedy!
At least New England has one Teddy it can be proud of! Thanks again, Mr. Bruschi!
Two thoughts on Teddy Bruschi and neither have to do with football.
1.) At the end of every football game he made it a point to go underneath the yellow rope and come on over to the wall and spend time with his friend, who is a blind guy who sits in the first row.
2.) Before the Super Bowl against the Eagles he expressed his enormous joy over the fact that he could spend time on the field before the game with his kids and also how happy he was that they were now old enough to remember it.
Great player, class act and an even better person. Teddy thanks for restoring my faith in the professional athlete. You will be missed.
Definitely teared up watching that one. We love you Teddy.
Teddy what a great player and you gave your heart soul every time you played the game.
Good luck in your retirement and you will be missed.
I only own one professional team jersey, it has the number 54 on it with the name Bruschi on the back, God I'm going to miss wearing it and cheering for the man wearing it on the field. Thanks for everything Teddy.
Tedy,
Thanks for all the memories ! A dynamic career to say the least. Thanks for be being one of the key players in getting us 3 rings
Having empathy for Tedy Bruschi as he leaves what was a very important time in his life, and to which he gave 100 per cent, even coming back from a stroke to play, does not make one childish. It makes one HUMAN. Thanks, Tedy. I wish you the best with your future endeavors!
Steroids, Tedy. Steroids.
I see no mention that Tedy was a member of the legendary U. of Arizona "Desert Swarm." Being both a New Englander from Maine and a U. of Arizona grad, I have had the best of two worlds. He has made all U. of A grads proud.
Eddie Mac... glad you aren't talking about Bruschi. If you were, you would be way off base. But as you are talking about that bum "Brewskie" I guess you are right on target...
Let me guess... not a Pats fan?
Good Luck Tedy! You brought CLASS to our Patriot family!!
LeeB, it was Dominick Rhodes whom Bruschi ripped the ball out of his hands in the AFC Divisional playoff game in 2005. Definitely my favorite Bruschi moment as well. "I think this is what they were looking for!! They ain't got it!!!" Congrats on a great career Tedy. See you in the Pats Hall of Fame.
EddieMac ... while you are reveling in your self proclaimed superior football knowledge... I will listen to what his teammates and coach say about him, how he played and what he meant and contributed to the team.
To number 72...
Class, Phil, Class... get some.
100% class. The definition of a team player. Coach Bruschi at some point? He would be a terrific, but he's also a tremendous family man, I can see him now dedicating himself to his family, the life of an NFL player & coach is fully absorbing. Best wishes Tedy and family, thanks for giving the team & the fans everything you had!
Intensity, Intensity, Intensity! Thanks Tedy, I will always wear my #54 uniform, b/c you are and always will be the Patriots to me!
Class act. Gosh, I remember his rookie season and just imagining how great he would be. And he was. It was a great ride. Thanks for your dedication, Tedy Bruschi. Enjoy your retirement!
Eddie Mac: Lions fan.
Says it all.
Thanks for everything, Tedy. You will be missed!
Class act on and off the field. A role model for all players in all sports.
The Patriots should be proud they had member of their team like him.
Thanks, Tedy. Good luck, many blessings. Enjoy the next chapter. We will miss you.
Tedy, you are one classy SOB and one of my all time favorite players !!
Thanks for the memories.
To the guy who bashed Teddy and his big fat contract, you got it all wrong. At the height when Teddy was at his best, he could've left for more money but instead took the hometown discount. The man was nothing but a true professional his whole career. Is he one of the top 10 in NFL history? Probably not. But, he is 3rd in Pats history behind Andre Tippet & Steve Nelson, imo. He should be a Patriot HOF without any doubt. Teddy, thanks for being a true professional, for being great, giving us great memories, and for leading the way to the new reformed Patriots way. Good luck in your retirement. You will be missed. And yes, I have only 1 Pats jersey, # 54!
What a joke. What did he have for breakfast? What kind of toothpaste did he use? What color were his socks?
Belichick getting that emotional? That pretty much sums it up. Thanks for a terrific career, Tedy.
The guy has 3 championships and will always be remebered as one of the best Patriots of all time. I am sad his career is over. But I also look up to the guy to be honest. People told him he couldn't do it and he did for 13 years. Plus he is really a great guy. Never had an ego and if your kids were to look up to any athlete it would be him. I'm happy he is leaving on his own terms and in good health.
Tedy...You are a class act. Thank you for everything! I even named my dog after you:) The games won't be the same!
tedy and mike two solid people who gave there best two this area. bless you both. bring balance to espn mike. tedy will be a great defensive cowardinator someday . my faviorte pats memory was after the philly sb that team knew they had done something no one can take away. pats fan since '76 win or lose.
Tedy,
GREAT football player, even greater human being. Stay healthy and enjoy your retirement. Thanks for everything.
Reading some of these lines, there are some pretty troubled "football fans" in this area.
# 56 people are honoring tedy because he is a class act,which unfortuneitly for the people close to you you are not.
I've been a Patriot fan since 1971, so definitely not a bandwagonner. In late December, 2004, my wife became critically ill. She was in the hospital from 12/25/04 - 3/17/05. Of that time, she spent 40 days in ICU. One of the complications she suffered was a stroke in January, 2005. This was about the same time as the Patriots were steaming toward their third Superbowl in four years and their run at that time was one of the things helping me to keep my sanity. I remember vividly watching SuperBowl XXXIX from my wife's hospital room and celebrating with her as the clock ran down on the Eagles.
Flash forward a couple of weeks and there's the news flash - Tedy Bruschi has suffered a stroke! I could not believe what I was hearing. But to see his courage and witness his fight back, all during the time that I was helping my wife also fight back, was a true inspiration. For the past two years, every Patriots game has my wife in her #54 jersey watching by my side. I've always felt a special connection there, even if it is a one-sided one. Tedy has been an inspiration to us both!
Tedy, I don't know if you'll read all of these, but let me offer my best wishes to you. You deserve all the accolades of today, and I hope you fulfill all of your life's dreams and promises in the coming years as you watch your family grow and mature and enjoy the time spent with them.
Hey Mike,
Should we expect to see Coach Bruschi in the not too distant future?
13 years of excellence. you will always be remembered number 54. a true champion of the nfl.
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!!!
silverbulletman,
yeah, because anything by an astute poster with a name like yours HAS to be taken seriously....(insert sarcasm here)
At the time I bought my #54 jersey, Tedy wasn't the star he turned out to be; he was just my favorite player for his hustle and his attitude. Now I know what a good choice I made. I'll continue to wear it with pride. Thank you Tedy.
I am concerned at the coaches severe reaction to this and question the timing and have a feeling there is a heath issue here far more devastating than this retirement,
Tedy,
Thanks for the memories, your dedication and body of work. You will be missed. You job may be done, but what a great job you did for 13 years! Enjoy your retirement, and your family. Best wishes on any future endeavors you undertake.
I'm glad Tedy and the team wrapped it up with class, as expected.
God Bless.
Tedy always carried himself as a true professional, and represented himself and his family, the Pats, and the NFL, with class.
He deserves all the accolades that he's getting after a tremendous career, 3 Championships, and walking away on his own terms. The average career in the NFL is something like 4 years, and he's earned every bit of his 13.
Thank you Tedy, you'll be missed.
Tedy, you can have your heart back now. God knows you played it out every weekend for us. Thanks.
Tedy is one of the greatest Patriots of all time no doubt about it. He did so much for the francise and defense. Its amazing that he played in five Super Bowls with the Pats. He will be missed
Thank you, Thank you & THANK YOU
There really shouldn't be any negative comments towards Bruschi the player or human being. The trolls on here just show they're the base of humanity.
Tedy, thank you. Both my kids love and respect you and your character. Not only how you handled your own business, but how you influenced those around you as well.
"Only" one Pro Bowl, average skills, blah blah blah. How do you measure Leadership? Character? HEART? I mean no disrespect to current and future Hall of Famers, but if coaches voted instead of the press and fans, you'd be a no-brainer first ballot Hall of Famer.
It'll be tough not seeing you out there, but you're in our hearts and memories forever.
You're a Hall of Famer in my book. Live well. Hope to see you on the sidelines in Red White and Blue.
Tedy Bruschi; the definition of team player.
You are Patriot through and through you will be missed.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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