Tedy Bruschi - the Perfect Player - Retires from the Patriots

Tedy Bruschi played in a total of 211 games over a period of 13 years for the New England Patriots football team. On August 31, 2009, he appeared before reporters alongside Coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft to announce his retirement from professional football. Bruschi was drafted by the Patriots in the 1996 NFL draft and helped lead the Patriots to eight division championships and three Super Bowl titles.

According to Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Patriots, ""For the past 13 seasons, Tedy Bruschi helped define what it means to be a New England Patriot." Kraft continued saying Bruschi was "the heart and soul of the defense during the most successful era in the history of the franchise. Tedy also served as an example to every new Patriot of what it takes to be a champion on and off the field. Tedy's tenacity as a player made him a fan favorite long before he helped bring three Super Bowl championships to New England. His remarkable and courageous return to the field following a stroke only added to his legend as one of the most significant and memorable athletes in the history of New England sports. We are blessed in so many ways to have had Tedy Bruschi as a career Patriot."

In February 2005, Bruschi suffered a stroke landing him in Boston's renowned Massachusetts General Hospital. He fully expected to never play football again, but his determination and courage brought him back to the playing field. Coach Belichick said of Bruschi that he was the "perfect player. He always did the right thing, always had an upbeat attitude."

Bruschi told reporters he was "very proud" to be a Patriot his entire career. He said, "it's a great day for me. I did my job for 13 years. I'm looking forward to living the rest of my life." Always the optimist, Bruschi said, "I worked so hard to have this day...a celebration." New England Patriot player, Ty Warren told reporters, "A presence like this will always be missed."

WCVB sports reporter, Mike Lynch stated that Tedy Brushci is "no longer a member of the New England Patriots - at least in uniform."

Tedy will always be a favorite among sports fans throughout the Boston area. He will indeed be greatly missed.

Sources:
WCVB, Channel 5 News Boston
FOX News, Channel 25 Boston
www.patriots.com