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Off Season Archive Click here for entire Bruschi Article Archive
2000
IS THE PRICE RIGHT? INTEREST IS PIQUED AS BRUSCHI
MEETS WITH BROWNS
Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is beginning to get interest in the free agent market, but it remains to be seen if he gets $2.5 million to $3 million per year.
The Patriots are looking into defensive lineman Mike Frederick (Titans) and running back Anthony Johnson (Panthers), but the team is having problems attracting veterans because they are not offering much in signing bonuses.
Bruschi deals cards
March 09, 2000 Packers chase versatile linebacker BruschiBy Pete Dougherty Press-Gazette
The Green Bay Packers are making a hard push to sign free-agent linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who could have a contract by the end of the week with one of the four or five teams interested him. Bruschi was a pass-rush specialist for the first couple of seasons in his career with the New England Patriots, but the fifth-year pro has played as a conventional linebacker for the last 11/2 seasons. The Packers brought him in for a visit late last week and are trying to sign him as a possible starter at strong-side linebacker in place of George Koonce.
Bruschi, only 26, also is being pursued by New England, Cleveland, Seattle and perhaps Oakland, according to published reports. Reports from the New England area say he's hoping to get a deal that averages $2.5 million to $3 million a year, but it seems unlikely the open market will be quite that lucrative for him. It's difficult to believe the Packers would sign him for much more than $1.5 million.
Bruschi, who is serving as his own agent, said Wednesday night that the Packers remain strongly in the running to sign him.
"I'm very excited about going to Green Bay," he said. "There are other teams in the mix, but Green Bay's a great situation, and I'm hoping to work things out."
Bruschi, whose name is pronounced "Brew-ski," is 6-feet-1 and 245 pounds. The Patriots selected him in the third round of the NFL draft in 1996.
In his first two seasons, they used him mostly as a designated pass rusher, and he had four sacks each in '96 and '97. But in 1998, he started the final eight games of the season at weak-side linebacker, and last season he played a conventional linebacker all year and was second on the team in tackles with 106.
Bruschi wouldn't say how much money he's seeking or how far along negotiations are with any of the prospective teams. But he said negotiations with the Packers have begun, and with that many teams interested in him, the talks are likely to move fast.
"The thing is, I'm very versatile," Bruschi said.
"I don't just play one position, I'm able to do a lot of things."
BRUSCHI IS OPTING TO DEAL OWN HAND
"I've definitely seen the other side of things," said Bruschi from his home in Tucson. "It's been interesting. I just wanted to handle it myself. It's my contract, so I wanted some control over what was happening."
BRUSCHI FINDS REASON TO STAY
Because the Patriots are only $700,000 under the salary cap, it appeared they would have to make a move to find room to sign Bruschi and Williams.
Belichick also said the team was "moving closer" to re-signing cornerback Steve Israel, but "close is a relative thing. We've seen it get closer and it's fallen apart," he said.
PATRIOTS PICK UP WILLIAMS, LINE UP BRUSCHI
Williams, who was Seattle's right tackle last year, signed a two-year deal worth $2.5 million, including a signing bonus of just under $1 million. To make room for the 6-foot-7-inch, 323-pound tackle, the Patriots rescinded the contract tender they made to restricted free agent linebacker Vernon Crawford, which saved them $427,000.
Williams, 26, has been told he will compete at left tackle, his natural position. But if the Patriots are able to re-sign Bruce Armstrong, Williams could move to right tackle, as it appears Zefross Moss will not be with the team in the fall.
Though they may not be the final terms, Bruschi had a two-year deal worth $3 million, including a $1 million signing bonus, on the table from the Patriots.
Bruschi, Pats ink 2-year deal
Patriots get Bruschi back on board Telegraph Online 03/24/00
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots finalized a two-year contract with linebacker Tedy Bruschi on Thursday, releasing offensive tackle Zefross Moss to clear salary cap space. Bruschi, who has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the Patriots, was an unrestricted free agent before agreeing to a contract reportedly worth more than $3 million. By releasing Moss, an 11-year veteran, the team freed up $1.6 million. Bruschi, 26, received interest from several teams and visited Green Bay, Seattle and Cleveland after recording a career-high 138 tackles last year.
"It was a tossup between Green Bay and Seattle and New England," he said Thursday. "The team that had the upper hand, really, was the Patriots all along."
But he said he came close to leaving until New England made its last offer. One reason he returned was Bill Belichick, who replaced the fired Pete Carroll as coach after last season. Belichick was defensive coordinator in Bruschi’s rookie season in 1996 when the Patriots went to the Super Bowl. "There’s sort of a loyalty I felt to the Patriots," said Bruschi, a third-round draft pick in 1996. "Forget all the other teams. This is my team. This is where I want to be."
Bruschi, undersized at 6-feet-1 and 245 pounds, is a key to Belichick’s possible switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. Bruschi and Chris Slade would start at outside linebacker with Ted Johnson and Andy Katzenmoyer playing inside. "Why I got so much interest was how versatile I was. I can play in the 3-4. I can play in the 4-3," Bruschi said. "Either defense doesn’t matter to me when I’m out there. No matter what position I’m playing, I’m going to be doing the same thing."
He negotiated his deal without an agent and plans to do the same when the contract expires in two years.
"It was something I felt I could do. I felt like I didn’t need anyone," he said. "I’m a very independent person." He said he stayed in touch with the NFL Players Association as the negotiations progressed. Moss, 33, had spent the last three seasons with the Patriots. His release leaves them without last year’s two starting offensive tackles. New England chose not to keep 13-year veteran Bruce Armstrong but is negotiating to bring him back at a salary below his previous contract.
One of those spots likely will be filled by Grant Williams, who played last year for Seattle and agreed this week to a two-year, $2.025 million contract with New England.
Bruschi back, veteran Moss sacked By Bryan Morry, PFW 4/2000 One player is just now reaching his full potential as an NFL linebacker, the other staked his claim as a solid offensive lineman throughout his 11 years in the league. One is back with the Patriots for 2000 and the other was cut loose by the team to scrape up some more salary cap space. Those paying attention to new Head Coach Bill Belichick’s offseason personnel moves can figure out which one was kept and which was cut. Four-year veteran linebacker Tedy Bruschi, a self-proclaimed "Belichick guy" inked a two-year, $2.1 million offer with the Patriots in March with a $1 million signing bonus after declining larger offers from Green Bay and Seattle. To clear the nearly $1 million of cap space needed to make the transaction official, 11-year veteran right tackle Zefross Moss was released, ending a three-year run with the team that started when he signed as a free agent following the 1996 season. Bruschi, 26, started 14 games for New England in 1999 and finished second in tackles (138) behind strong safety Lawyer Milloy (173) while also totaling two sacks, six pass deflections and a forced fumble. "It’s a big thing when you sweat with guys, bleed with guys and you’re on the same page with guys for four years of your career," Bruschi said explaining why he chose to re-sign with the Patriots. "It’s tough to leave guys like that in my case. I want to be with these guys for as long as I possibly can." His re-signing gives the Patriots four capable starting linebackers (Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Andy Katzenmoyer and Chris Slade) and may indicate the Patriots will switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Belichick has hinted that he will use at least a variation of a 3-4 and will afford himself the flexibility to use the 4-3 as well. Bruschi, who represented himself in negotiations, is comfortable in either scheme. "One of the reasons I got so much interest in free agency was my versatility. Coach Belichick knows I can play two positions out there and I can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3. It doesn’t matter to me." Depth is a concern if the team uses the linebacker oriented 3-4 scheme because reserves Marty Moore and Vernon Crawford are no longer with the team, meaning there are no experienced linebackers beyond the top four. New England originally drafted Bruschi in the third round in 1996 (86th overall) out of Arizona as a defensive end. He moved to linebacker under Belichick’s tutelage upon joining the Patriots. He was the third unrestricted free agent to re-sign with the team following Milloy and wideout Troy Brown. Moss’s release and left tackle Bruce Armstrong’s termination follow the free agent departure of guard Heath Irwin. It also leaves the Patriots without 60 percent of last year’s starting offensive line. Only center Damien Woody and guard Todd Rucci remain. The addition of Grant Williams, who started 15 games at right tackle for Seattle last year, helps enhance the competition to claim the vacant tackle spots heading into training camp. But he will compete for either the right or left tackle job along with Max Lane, Ed Ellis and possibly Jason Andersen. Ellis could also move inside to guard and compete with Rucci, Derrick Fletcher and Andersen there as well. Woody’s center spot is the only one secure along the front line. The versatile Andersen backs him up. The Patriots are expected to address the line in the upcoming draft as well and that will add to the depth chart and competition. It also remains possible that Armstrong could return to reclaim his left tackle job, but the $2 million originally offered after his release may not be available any longer. Instead, the team may offer the unemployed Armstrong the league minimum with incentives that could put him into the $2 million range. Bruschi looks at Moss’s release as business. "That’s the way you have to look at it," he said. "You have strong emotional ties to your teammates, but when one of them gets released, you have to look at it from the other side of the coin."
2001 Owners struggle with realignment - Bruschi Rewarded by Paul Perillo, PFW 4/2001 From an effort standpoint, no one gives more or gets more out of his body every NFL Sunday than Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi. Whether it be as an every down linebacker or playing on one of the many special teams units where he draws an assignment, Bruschi plays up to the sign that hangs near the north end zone at Foxboro Stadium for each home game — “Full Tilt Full Time.” While his team did very little winning in 2000, Bruschi saw his efforts rewarded individually in triplicate. In December of last season, he received the Shaw’s Supermarket 12th Player Award in voting by the fans and then added to his trophy case by winning the New England Patriots Unsung Hero award and the Ed Block Courage Award, which his teammates selected. “My mom said they come in threes,” Bruschi joked after completing a workout in the team’s offseason conditioning program. “My teammates are the most important because they know you on the field. They know you off the field. They know you in the locker room. They know everything you do for the team. “It’s a gratification [to receive the awards], but the best result you can get for the effort I put out is winning football games. This is like second-tier gratification.” After a 5-11 season that featured many more downs than ups, Bruschi can at least take something away from the season, but he knows that he and his teammates must build. “I want to maintain what I did last year, but take it up another level in terms of making bigger plays — making interceptions, scoring touchdowns — changing the course of a game,” Bruschi said of his own play. In fact, his high-motor attitude would be helpful in a few of his teammates who maybe didn’t buy into the team concept like Head Coach Bill Belichick would have preferred. “There needs to be more of a team-goal situation,” Bruschi said. “Maybe guys see things one way and should see things more as a team. If we win, everything’s cool. Don’t worry about how many tackles or how many picks. Just worry about winning games and that should be the bottom line.” That sounds simpler than it actually may be. Last year, not everyone embraced that approach and the team felt the effects. Of course, the awful start to the season didn’t help anyone’s attitude. “When you start 0-4, it tough,” Bruschi stressed. “It’s climbing Mt. Everest. The character of guys comes out. How many guys will stay the course and really try to focus on winning one game at a time and how many guys are thinking about where they’re going to be playing next year? There were certain guys thinking that way,” he confirmed without specifics. One reason some of the attitudes may have went sour was a void in leadership, something getting a lot of ink this offseason. There are enough players on the roster that can offer leadership by example, but not enough to speak up and say what oftentimes needs to be said while also backing those words up through example. Perhaps Bruschi will start to assume some of that role. In 2000, he called the defensive huddle, played almost every defensive snap, played special teams and did it all with a reckless abandon that left him looking like he couldn’t play another snap as he walked off the field. He also studied opponents with diligence and thoroughly knew Belichick’s defense. “I know what’s going on out there,” he said. “I know the offenses. I know tendencies. I know the defense inside and out. I probably know three or four positions out there. My ability to think is a strength.” While filling a leadership void is a must, Bruschi is keenly aware that an infusion of young talent is necessary after some poor drafts. “I hold drafts up to my draft. First round: Terry Glenn. Second round: Lawyer Milloy. Third round: me. Fourth round: Chris Sullivan and Heath Irwin. I hold every draft up to that standard. This draft is very important. We have the sixth pick and this is where Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick earn their money. They have to bring in players who will help us out and get the job done because we need some young players to step up.” Actually, the Patriots need some veterans to step up and young players to step in. Young or old, any player would be well served to model his effort after Bruschi’s. Perhaps if he had more competition for those awards, the Patriots would have finished with more than five wins last year.
2002 Bruschi grows as dad, tooA solid NFL career is fine, but the Roseville High grad sees the big picture.By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer Sunday, January 27, 2002
If it wasn't enough having one Tedy Terror ransacking the place, poor Heidi
now has to deal with -- gulp! -- two Tedys.
BRUSCHI NOW A PLAYER OF NOTE: EARLY MUSICAL TALENT GAVE A HINT OF HIS JAZZY
PLAY IN THE NFL
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(AP Photo/Dave Martin) |
It's good to be Tedy Bruschi
By Cat Tracks staff
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We interviewed Tedy as part of the “Cat Tracks on the Air” radio show. Here is the transcript.
Doug Carr: You should be balanced now, a Superbowl Ring for each hand.
Tedy Bruschi: “I’ve got two now. I got to pick another finger to put the other one on. It’s a good problem to have.”
Brad Allis: There seems to be a lot of similarities between the ’93 Fiesta Bowl team and your Patriots’ teams. You both have great defenses and offenses that made plays when they needed them most. Do you see the similarities?
Bruschi: “That 93 Fiesta Bowl team draws more comparisons to our first team that won the championship. The way we did it this year we beat everyone. We beat everybody, we won 15 in a row. We blew people out, we won close games. I think we were the most dominant team in the league, so I think that is different from that Fiesta Bowl team.”
Allis: You’ve had an interesting NFL career. You were drafted, but had to switch positions. You started out as a reserve, but now you are sitting on top of the world. What’s it like being Tedy Bruschi?
Bruschi: “Well it’s a lot of fun, but right now I’m just a daddy. I’ve got two young sons. Little Tedy Jr. is three years old and Rex is two years old. That is what I really love, just being a husband and a father.
“In terms of my football life I have come a long way. I came from California down here and I played defensive end and defensive tackle all my life. All of the sudden I get drafted by the Patriots in the third round and they say ‘you have to move to linebacker, son.’ Luckily I was able to play special teams and rush the passer early on in my career, so that established my role on the team. In the meantime I was able to learn to play linebacker and slowly, but surely through my eight years I was able to get better at linebacker.”
Carr: You’re whole path from college on was one of hard work. You were lightly recruited out of high school, but left as the NCAA sack leader. What gave you your drive?
Bruschi: “I’ve just sort of been determined my whole life. I’m going to do whatever I can to be successful. I’m not going to let anything stop me. Certainly, not any of the doubters or naysayers. There have been a lot of opinions and predictions put out on me and who I can be as a player. What I can be as a player in my mind is totally different than what other people say.
“For me it is about playing winning football. I’m not a guy who puts out goals for individual accolades. I just want to be a championship caliber player. Other guys say they want to be a Pro Bowl caliber player, I want to be considered one of the best players. But I want to be considered a championship caliber player because that is what sports is all about, winning championships.”
Allis: You saw the highs and lows during your Wildcat career. You were as low as you could be in 1991, but by 1993 you were winning the Fiesta Bowl. What can you tell the guys who are here now and are struggling to turn things around?
Bruschi: “I tell those guys that they are sort of in the same situation that I was when I came to the University of Arizona. They are now part of a program that has been dwindling a little bit, sort of like when I came here in 1991. A motto we had back then was ‘bring it back.’. It was our responsibility to bring ‘it’ back, the ‘it’ being tough football, physical football, smart football and most importantly, winning football. They have to bring back winning football to the University of Arizona and that’s the responsibility they have right now and it’s a big responsibility. It’s a responsibility where all of them have to look at themselves in the eye and say it’s their responsibility and they are going to get it done.”
Carr: I know you recently had lunch with Mike Stoops. What do you see in Stoops that tells you he’s going to get this done?
Bruschi: I see endless energy. Endless energy that he is determined to do whatever he can to get this thing done. He has enthusiasm and a high energy about him. He's going to help Arizona football to become reborn. He’s going to get us out of the bottom half of the Pac-10 and I feel real positive about what he’s going to do with this program.
Carr: Stoops puts a great emphasis on the weight room, how important is it for these players to work hard?
Bruschi: “The work isn’t just going to be done in summer camp when the players report a few weeks before the season starts. If they haven’t started working by that point it is too late. If they haven’t started working by now for next year, it is too late. It is important what they do now. To me it is more important what they do this summer, this summer when it is not expected of them, when they are not expected to be in the workouts. It is important to see what they do when the eyes are not on them. Are they going to take it upon themselves to say ‘I’m going to be here four days a week, five days a week and train as hard as I can.’ “
Carr: You sound like the same player you were when you were an overachieving wild man here. Do you have that same drive and work ethic?
Bruschi: “Very much so. After the Superbowl it’s been about 15 days and I’m starting to get the itch to start training again. I’m going to take some time to heal a little injury that I have, but before the end of February I’m going to be back in the weight room.
Carr: Speaking of the injury, was there any way you weren’t going to play in the Superbowl?
Bruschi: “No, no there wasn’t. It did hinder me a little bit, but whether it had been week one, week two or week three, instead of the Superbowl, I was still going to put it on the line for the organization, for the team and especially the fans.”
Allis: Between you and your wife, the boys should have a lot of athletic ability. They are both very young, but have you seen any signs of their athletic ability?
Bruschi: Yeah, I’m the one who provided it. (laughs) No, Heidi was a great volleyball player and softball player at the University of Arizona, so I already have the Letters of Intent waiting for them.
Carr: As the two-time world champs, you have a huge target on your back. How important is it to get off to a fast start next year?
Bruschi: “The big thing for the start of next year is the Dolphins record (for consecutive wins). They won 17 or 18 and can we win our first three in a row? That is something we’ll keep in the background. We want to win three in a row, but we do that by trying to win one in a row. We didn’t win 15 in a row, we won one in a row 15 times. We’re going to try and adopt the same theme next year, which is ‘one game at a time’, especially with the pressure of trying to get to 18 games in a row.”
Allis: There are still a handful of Arizona guys in the NFL, do you talk to any of them?
Bruschi: “If there is an Arizona Wildcat on the other side of the field, I am definitely talking to him before the game, after the game, even during the game. It’s sort of like a brotherhood really. A lot of guys are out there that I am friends with. Even if the guy is a rookie I’ll go over to him and introduce myself.”
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CatTracks.net: It's good
to be Tedy Bruschi
By TODD DEWEY
VIEW STAFF WRITER
Tedy Bruschi is one of the most intense players on the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, but off the field, the eight-year NFL veteran, and husband and father of two, is fairly low key.
Bruschi, who lives in Las Vegas in the offseason, turned down myriad interview requests and appearances in the wake of New England's second Super Bowl title in three years, but did accept an invitation, from a high school acquaintance, to take part in the recent Nevada Reading Week.
Bruschi, who bought a home in Silverado Ranch three years ago, spent a couple of hours reading "The Night I Followed My Dog" to a second-grade and fifth-grade class at Watson Elementary School in North Las Vegas.
"I thought it was a great idea. Reading to kids is something I love to do," said Bruschi, who also brought along his Super Bowl XXXVI ring, helmet and jersey. "I think, sometimes, you forget how exciting football is to younger kids, and sports in general, but going out and talking to kids rekindles my love for the sport."
Lorna Tobias, who was in charge of the reading week at the school, was impressed by Bruschi's attitude.
"He was really down to earth and very friendly," she said. "He was just really family oriented. He seemed like just an average person to me. He seemed like he really enjoyed it and the kids really enjoyed it.
"He expressed to the kids that he loved to read and hoped they'd become lifelong readers. That was not something I asked him to do, but it was a good message."
The message seemed to get through to fifth-grader Celestina Cubio-Torres and her younger brother Manny, a second-grader. Their mother, Becki Cubio-Torres, went to Roseville High School with Bruschi, near Sacramento, Calif., and invited him to take part in the event.
"It was cool having someone our mom knew from high school coming to read to us, and having someone from a (pro) football team telling us to read," Celestina said. "It was really fun, having him tell us it's real good to read and to follow your dreams. I love reading."
Manny, an Oakland Raiders fan, enjoyed checking out Bruschi's helmet.
"We got to hold his football helmet," the second-grader said. "He told us we have to read a lot, because if we don't, we won't get to our goals in life."
Bruschi, who has been married for seven years to his wife, Heidi, with whom he has two sons, Tedy Jr., and Rex, has been coming to Las Vegas in the offseason since 1992, when his mother and brother moved to the area.
At the time, Bruschi, 6-foot 1 and 247 pounds, was a defensive end at the University of Arizona, where he was a three-time all-American and two-time finalist for the Lombardi Trophy, given annually to the top lineman in the nation.
Bruschi set a school record with 19 sacks as a sophomore and finished his career with 52 sacks, which tied the NCAA Division 1-A career record with the late Derrick Thomas, a former Alabama and Kansas City Chiefs standout.
Bruschi, drafted in the third round in 1996 by the Pats, wasn't big enough to play defensive line in the NFL, so he carved a niche on the team as a role player, eventually making himself invaluable, earning a starting linebacker spot and title of defensive captain.
"It was a tough adjustment (to the NFL), but I felt I established a role right away, rushing the passer," he said. "I was a situational pass rusher, on third down, and played on special teams.
"That role kept me on the team and I learned the linebacker position in the meantime, so when that chance came, I was ready."
The high-energy Bruschi scored his first touchdown, on any level, his rookie year and, that same season, had two sacks in Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers.
Bruschi appeared in every game his first three seasons and then made a career-high 138 tackles in 1999, when he started 14 games at outside linebacker. He added 105 tackles in 2000, when he started all 16 games at weakside linebacker.
Bruschi returned two interceptions for touchdowns in each of the last two campaigns, and came up with seven of his eight career picks in the last three years.
He had three interceptions this season, when he made 131 tackles, and returned one for a touchdown in a 12-0 shutout of the Miami Dolphins that clinched the AFC East title.
Bruschi, who has 21 1/2 career sacks and has played in three Super Bowls with the Patriots, said winning this year's Super Bowl proved the Patriots are for real.
"I think this one proved our first championship was no accident," he said. "This year we proved we can not only win a championship, but do it in dominant fashion. Winning 15 in a row is all you have to say about that."
Bruschi said he loves playing in the snow, but not living in it, which is one reason he moved to Las Vegas. He said he enjoys simply spending time with his family in the offseason.
"Once the season ends, it's time to spend time with your family," he said. "I keep a low profile out here. I like seeing shows and seeing what Vegas offers besides gambling.
"My wife and I saw Luciano Pavarotti at Caesars Palace and that will probably be the highlight of my offseason. I like that type of music."
Bruschi, who said he likes to listen to Bruce Springsteen before games, will turn 31 in June and just wants to keep improving on the gridiron.
"My individual goals are simple. Every year I try to improve upon last year," he said. "It will be my ninth year next year and I've done that every year, improved as a football player and linebacker. I just had my best year as a pro and I'll try to build on that for next year."
Peter King's Enjoyable Travel Factoid of the Week
I had the best April hooky day in a long time Friday, in section 10 down the right-field line at the Red Sox-Blue Jays home opener. The Red Sox and Patriots combined for one of the greatest first-pitch ceremonies I've ever seen. Right after the anthem, about 25 Patriots players appeared from behind a huge flag that covered the Green Monster, and they got a thunderous ovation as they walked toward the mound. U2's Beautiful Day' serenaded them as they waved to the standing crowd. The Red Sox, meanwhile, aligned in a semicircle behind home plate, with manager Terry Francona crouching for the first pitch. Pats owner Bob Kraft toed the slap and threw the pitch. Then the two teams met between the mound and home, hugging and high-fiving. The crowd was nutso. Nomah and Tom Brady spent a couple of minutes together. Tedy Bruschi was so excited he ripped off his Pats' jersey and threw it into the crowd. Cool sight.
Bruschi wants to beef up Patriots’ ‘D’ line
By GEORGE SCIONE, Telegraph Staff
scioneg@telegraph-nh.com
Published: Saturday, Apr. 24, 2004
Whether the loss of
run-stopper Ted Washington is finally sinking in, or the reality that an aging
corps of linebackers - including him - may need an injection of youth for
stabilization, New England Patriots middle linebacker Tedy Bruschi has one thing
on his mind heading into today’s National Football League draft. The nine-year
veteran wants beef up front, lots of it.
If Bruschi has his way, the Patriots will come away from this weekend’s college
selection process with size on both the offensive and, more importantly,
defensive lines.
“As a linebacker I always like to get big defensive linemen in front of me,”
said Bruschi, a third-round selection (25th pick) in 1996. “My first need is
that I can use a big guy at defensive tackle or nose guard and have him take up
blocks. And it might be nice for Tom (Brady) and whoever we have at running back
to add a couple big bodies on the offensive line here and there. But my first
choice is another big defensive lineman.”
At 6-foot-1, 247 pounds, Bruschi is considered the heart and soul of the
two-time Super Bowl champion Patriots. But heart and soul can only account for
so much when players around you get older or, as Washington did, leave for
another team.
Right now, the average age of the Patriots linebacking corps is 31, and Bruschi
realizes that may be a focal point over the next two days. Not just at his
position, but overall.
“I think right now youth at linebacker would be a good thing,” the 30-year-old
Bruschi said. “At inside linebacker, I’m in my ninth year and I think I’m the
youngest guy.”
Although part-time middle linebacker and special teams extraordinaire Larry Izzo
is four months younger than Bruschi, Roman Phifer (36), Ted Johnson (32) and Don
Davis (32) are getting up there in age.
Because of the age factor, don’t be surprised to hear one of five names called
by Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli. Southern Mississippi’s Rod Davis (6-foot-2,
240 pounds), University of Miami’s Jonathan Vilma (6-1, 235), Georgia Tech’s
Daryl Smith (6-2, 235), Auburn’s Dontarrious Thomas (6-2, 240) or Notre Dame’s
Courtney Watson (6-1, 240) - the Top 5 at their position - may be just what
Bruschi & Co. needs inside.
Whatever happens, Bruschi realizes the veterans will have plenty of mentoring
and tutoring to do in the coming months.
“I guess what’s going to happen is we’re going to bring in a lot of young
players,” Bruschi said. “We have a lot of picks in the draft coming up and
whether we package them and move up or just draft in our spots, we’re going to
have a lot of new guys coming in and I think that will be the biggest change
next year.”
The San Francisco-born standout is ready to help any new teammate with the
transition process. He remembers the changes he was forced to make when his name
was called. Just the waiting process is enough stress. The whole idea of moving
away from home is another burden entirely.
“There’s just a lot of questions, a lot of uncertainty,” Bruschi said. “The big
part is you don’t know where you’re going to live. That was the biggest question
prior to my draft, ‘who do you want to play for?’ I’d always say somewhere on
the West coast would be nice, so I could be close to my family.
“I ended up going as far east as I possibly could go,” he said, “and it’s funny
now. I wanted to stay close to home, but I went as far away as I could possibly
go and I don’t think it could have turned out any better. That’s what these guys
will need help realizing.”
In the end - the addition of premier running back Corey Dillon, the possibility
that by weekend’s conclusion Ty Law may no longer be a teammate and the signing
of newly drafted rookies - it all comes down to the same old philosophy.
“First of all we are all about winning,” Bruschi said. “No matter what happens
with Ty Law or on draft day we just have to stay together and remember what got
us those Super Bowl championships. That’s playing good team football and smart
football and we’ll go from there.”
05/06/04
PROVIDENCE -- Several members of the New England Patriots Super Bowl
championship team will bring the Super Bowl trophy to Providence this Saturday
night for the season's first WaterFire. Star linebacker Tedy Bruschi and
Rhode Island native Mike Cloud are planning to make the trip. Defensive
end Jarvis Green, defensive lineman Ty Warren and another other
unnamed player or players may also visit the city. But team spokesman Stacey
James cautioned that the players' plans could change, and some may have to
cancel. After a brief presentation at Waterplace Park, the players will board a
boat and take a "victory tour," giving fans along the river banks a chance to
see the championship trophy, according to Mayor David N. Cicilline's office. The
Patriots are scheduled to arrive at the basin at Waterplace Park near the Bella
Vista Restaurant around 7:15 p.m. for the brief speaking program. They will then
travel on a boat used to light the floating bonfires or a boat right behind it,
so fans will have a good opportunity to see the players and the trophy while
it's still relatively light out, according to James. The Patriots beat the
Carolina Panthers, 32-29, on Feb. 1 to win the franchise's second Super Bowl. On
Feb. 3, 2002, the team beat the St. Louis Rams, 20-17, for its first Super Bowl
trophy, also called the Lombardi Trophy. Cicilline said in a press release, "I
wanted to share the beauty and excitement of Providence's WaterFire with the
Super Bowl champions. Providence is truly Patriots country, and I'm sure the
enthusiasm of the fans will get the team fired up for another season." The
Patriots consider the season's first WaterFire an ideal time to bring the trophy
to Providence, according to James.
"Our fans are the greatest in the NFL," James said in the press release. "We
have been invited to attend celebrations throughout New England over the last
couple of years and look forward to returning to Providence to participate in
the first Waterfire of the season this Saturday. WaterFire is unique to
Providence and offers us a wonderful way to share our second Lombardi Trophy
with the great fans of Rhode Island." Cicilline's office this winter announced
that Providence would honor the Patriots with a spring rally. But James said the
team, which had a parade in Boston immediately after winning the Super Bowl,
prefers to show off the trophy in other parts of New England as part of existing
events. The team learn
ed a lesson from its first Super Bowl championship,
according to James. He said incorporating the "trophy tour" into
already-scheduled events cuts down on costs and eases planning. Governor Carcieri, the General Assembly leadership, members of the Providence City
Council, and other community leaders have also been invited to the celebration,
according to Cicilline. It will be a busy few days for the Patriots. On Monday
afternoon, the team is scheduled to meet President Bush in a Rose Garden
ceremony.
Providence Water Fire 05/08/04
"We Will Rock You" blared from the speakers as the Patriots players entered the park around 7:15 p.m. Seven players from the championship team arrived with the Vince Lombardi trophy and paraded through the spectators, allowing fans to touch the shiny metal football.
"Thank you for a great season," Mayor David Cicilline said. "Thank you for bringing this great trophy back to us."
Tedy Bruschi presented the mayor with an autographed game ball. Bruschi was accompanied by Mike Cloud, Christian Fauria, Russ Hochstein, Lonie Paxton, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green.
Bruschi noticed how cold it was last night.
"It should be snowing," he said. "We do our best work in the snow."
projo.com | Providence, R.I. | New England Patriots
Bush welcomes Patriots back to Rose Garden
By DAVID NIELSEN, Scripps Howard News Service
WASHINGTON (May 10, 8:42 pm PDT) - The New England Patriots have a new "home field."
For the second time in three years, the Patriots celebrated a Super Bowl victory with a visit to the White House. President George Bush hosted the team Monday at a sun-drenched Rose Garden ceremony.
"Welcome back," said Bush, while glancing at Patriots coach Bill Belichick. "The mighty New England Patriots have returned, just like you told me they would."
The team toured the White House before the ceremony, and mingled with Bush for several minutes afterwards.
"This doesn't get old," said New England linebacker Ted Johnson. "It's an honor to come back here and you pick up things that you didn't see before. And a little more face time with the President doesn't hurt.
"It's your rite of passage. When you win the Super Bowl, you go to the White House."
Added Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi: "I don't know if it's fun, more than it being a formality and an honor really. There's not a lot of opportunities in your life when you can shake the hand of a President and have him be so gracious and take a picture with him and you have fond memories of it."
TRIBnet 24-hour News Page (full article)
PATRIOTS VISIT PATRIOTS
After his team's return trip to the White House this week, Pats owner
Robert Kraft took some of the staff and seven players to
visit wounded members of the military at the Walter Reed Medical Center.
Tom Brady, Joe Andruzzi, Deion Branch, David
Givens, Larry Izzo, Ted Johnson, and Tedy Bruschi
spent more than two hours touring the hospital, taking pics, and
signing autographs. "It was incredible. The whole way back from the
hospital . . . you could tell the visit made an impression on the
players," said Pats spokesman Stacey James. The patients were
impressed, too. When James asked the wife of one of the soldiers where
they lived, she said North Carolina (whom, of course, the Pats defeated
in the Super Bowl). "I said, `Sorry,' " James said. "But she just said,
`I bet he'll be a bigger Patriots fan now.' "
Boston.com / A&E / Celebrity news /
Patriots salute patriots
Seven New England Patriots - including
Super Bowl superstar Tom Brady - got a reality check when the
pigskin platoon blew into Walter Reed Army Hospital the other day to hang
with some real Patriots during their day in D.C. The QB/QT, along with teammates
Joe Andruzzi, Deion Branch, Tedy Bruschi, David Givens, Larry Izzo and
Ted Johnson and owner Robert Kraft, spent two hours visiting with 20
soldiers, many of whom were fresh from the desert in Iraq. ``They couldn't
believe how positive all the guys were,'' said team spokesguy Stacey James
who joined in on the tour. ``There was a guy who lost both hands, one who lost a
leg, and they were still talking about rejoining their platoon. The players
couldn't believe it.'' Of course they couldn't. Because in the NFL, a
broken leg can be considered a career killer! ``One soldier, who had lost his
leg, was thanking them for coming to visit, telling them how much he appreciated
it and the guys were like, `No, no, thank YOU,' '' James said. ``Come to find
out, his wife said they were from North Carolina. But she thought from now on
her husband would be a bigger Patriots fan than a Panthers fan!'' Stacey
said the Pats, who earlier met with the Commander-in-Chief at the White House,
were told they were the first Super Bowl champs to accept the hospital's
invitation to come over and say hey to America's real heroes.
``Well, that certainly struck a cord,'' he said. ``Hopefully, we started an
annual tradition.'' Patriots All Around!
BostonHerald.com - Inside Track
Red Cross enlists sports celebrities in drive for blood
By Kay Lazar
Friday, May 14, 2004
Hoping celebrities may help convince residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood, the American Red Cross today is kicking off a campaign in Boston that will feature upcoming ads with New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi and Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft.
BostonHerald.com - Local/ Regional News: Red Cross enlists sports celebrities in drive for blood
Pats score big
for charity
By Inside Track
Friday, May 14, 2004
Bingo! He's got bingo! New England Patriots receiver Troy Brown and a benchload of his teammates including Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Kevin Faulk, Bethel Johnson, coach Bill Belichick and team owner Bob Kraft covered their cards at Gillette Stadium last night for Brown's first Celebrity Bingo Tournament. Brady blew through the Fidelity Investments Clubhouse just long enough to get the gals' hearts racing. When we asked the QB/QT where his alleged fiancee Bridget Moynahan was, No. 12 informed us we were ``jumping ahead of things.'' Meaning, we guess, there's no ring on Bridget's left hand. Yet. Bruschi, who was in a fierce bingo battle with teammate Rosevelt Colvin, said he loved the game, which he plays in Vegas with his mom, Juanita. ``I won 50 bucks once,'' Bruschi bragged. ``I never knew bingo would bring out this many people,'' Brown said. Proceeds benefited the United Way and Celebrities for Charity.
BostonHerald.com - Inside Track: Pats score big for charity
5K Walk and Health Fair on June 5
Tedy Bruschi and Troy Brown of the New England Patriots will help kick off Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' 5K Walk and Health Fair at Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton on Saturday, June 5. The family-oriented event will take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will have free activities, including seated massage stations, fitness and health screening stations, face painting and a Jump Up and Go! Kids' Zone.
The event will also feature an announcement of the 50 public middle schools that will receive 2004-2005 Jump Up and Go! Healthy Choices grants from Blue Cross Blue Sheild. These grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are funded by Blue Cross Blue Sheild and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The grants will be used to implement fitness and nutrition programs for the students at the winning schools in the coming school year.
A powerful visit: Seven Patriots amazed by tour of Medical Center
By Mike Reiss / News
Sports Writer
Monday, May 17, 2004
FOXBORO -- The Patriots took their much-publicized visit to the White House last Monday, where they were honored as Super Bowl champions by President George W. Bush. The cameras didn't miss that moment, yet for seven Patriots players, perhaps the most unforgettable part of the trip took place when few were watching. "It was a great lesson in perspective," said linebacker Ted Johnson, who joined teammates Joe Andruzzi, Tom Brady, Deion Branch, Tedy Bruschi, David Givens and Larry Izzo as visitors to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. "You couldn't help but be humbled by what you were seeing." The Walter Reed Medical Center, located in Washington DC, is a military-operated hospital that houses, among others, soldiers injured in combat. Johnson said some of the soldiers he met were seriously injured, such as one who had the top part of his hand ripped apart while fighting in Iraq. "I've been to hospitals before, and this was as intense an experience as I've had," Johnson said. "For two hours, we saw soldier after soldier and they were very candid about their injuries and how it happened. Most of the people we saw were amputees, and the way they talked about it, I couldn't believe how open they were about their injuries." The Patriots are believed to be the first NFL team to arrange a visit to the Walter Reed Medical Center following their Super Bowl honor at the White House. Team spokesman Stacey James said the team hopes it might start a league-wide tradition. Team owner Robert Kraft was one of the catalysts to the Patriots' trip, according to James. Following the Super Bowl victory on Feb. 1, Kraft received an email from a soldier at the facility, inquiring about the possibility of players visiting. Kraft had already decided to charter a plane for the team's visit to the White House -- a five-figure expense -- so the remaining question was how to get the seven players visiting the Walter Reed Medical Center home. The answer was to incur an additional expense and charter another plane. ohnson felt fortunate to visit the hospital. "What put me away was the spirit of the guys," he said. "One of the first people we met was walking outside for the first time (since being injured). It was a huge step and one of his fellow soldiers was helping him. You could see how protective he was of him. "There's a common bond through shared experiences. It's a little like football, except football is about winning and losing, not life and death."
Daily News Transcript - Sports Coverage
The Patriots could turn to yet another linebacker for cap relief, Tedy Bruschi, who is to earn $1.75 million and count $2,422,268 against the cap in the final year of his contract. But Bruschi, who represents himself, may well opt to play out the year and wait until after the season to discuss a new deal.
Boston.com / Sports / Football / Patriots / Patriots cap a busy offseason
Tracked down
New England Patriots tackle titan Tedy Bruschi picking up a silver Platinum Edition Cadillac ESV at Ray Ciccolo's Cadillac/Hummer Village of Norwood . .
The New England Patriots will receive their Super Bowl XXXVIII rings at a private ceremony at team owner Bob Kraft's digs June 13.
BostonHerald.com - Inside Track:
Tree branch?
Bank of America won the battle to buy FleetBoston but Ken Lewis, chief executive, lost a Super Bowl bet with former FleetBoston head Chad Gifford. Now he's making good on the wager. Gifford's New England Patriots spanked Lewis's Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. To settle the boardroom bet, Lewis will present 38 North Carolina dogwood trees as a permanent gift to Bostonians. Paradoxically, losing the bet was a win for Lewis, at least on the PR front. BofA got to call the pay-out "a symbol of the bank's commitment to building the economic health and natural beauty of the city", where it now has many other branches after the $47bn acquisition. Boston mayor Tom Menino and Patriots' linebacker Tedy Bruschi will join Lewis and Gifford to plant the trees in Franklin Park today. Lewis will also serve up some Carolina barbecue during the tree-planting ceremony, settling another condition of the bet. No calling him a sore loser.
6/2/04
During the tree-planting ceremony, Tedy Bruschi, linebacker for the New England Patriots, reflected on his team's Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers. "To win the way we did was just so unbelievable. The Panthers never gave up and played with a lot of heart. This game may be remembered as one of the most thrilling of the 38 Super Bowls," said Bruschi. "The Patriots are thrilled to have Bank of America as an official sponsor who will continue in Fleet's tradition of community involvement and sports excellence."
Here and there
The Patriots have a number of players who will be free agents at the end of this season. They are very close to a contract extension for linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who would be a free agent at the end of this season . . .
projo.com | Providence, R.I. | Patriots
Bruschi works on extension
By Michael
Felger/ Patriots Notebook
Saturday, June 12, 2004
FOXBORO - Tedy Bruschi [news] is one of those players who you just can't picture playing in another team's uniform. And by the sound of it, that circumstance won't occur anytime soon, if ever.
The veteran linebacker confirmed that he and the Patriots [stats, news] have been talking recently about a contract extension that would keep Bruschi in New England for the foreseeable future. Bruschi, who serves as his own agent, would not go into specifics, but reports indicated a deal was imminent.
This will be Bruschi's ninth NFL season, and 2004 was arguably his best as
a pro with 137 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and 16 passes deflected.
While he remains firmly ensconced as the starting ``mike'' linebacker in
Bill Belichick
[news]'s
3-4 defense, Bruschi's true value comes in his versatility, as he stays on the
field in passing situations and is also a factor on special teams.
Bruschi is set to earn $1.75 million in the final year of the
three-year deal he signed just following the 2001 regular season. A new contract
would allow the Pats to reward one of their hardest-working and most popular
players while also potentially gaining some relief on the 2004 cap.
BostonHerald.com - Patriots: Bruschi works on extension
Enough Said
Linebacker Tedy Bruschi confirmed yesterday that he is nearing a contract extension, but Bruschi, who represents himself, bristled when asked how long his new deal would last.
"My agent doesn't talk about those issues," he said.
Then, pointing at the grass at the edge of the practice field, he added, "I'm a player when I'm here and I don't talk about those issues here."
projo.com | Providence, R.I. | Patriots
Updated: Saturday June 12, 2004 3:08P
FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) -- Defensive tackle Dan Klecko is dropping pounds in hopes of moving up the New England Patriots' depth chart in a different position.
Klecko has dropped at least 13 pounds since last season as the coaching staff toys with the idea of using him at inside linebacker
Listed at 5-foot-11, 283 pounds as a rookie last year, Klecko was smaller than a lot of defensive lineman, but bigger than most linebackers. Last year, he saw some playing time at nose tackle, but was also inserted at defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment, middle linebacker in a 4-3, outside linebacker in a 3-4 and blocking fullback on offense.
Head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel have shifted Klecko to inside linebacker for the rest of the Patriots' two minicamps to try to find the high energy player a more regular slot.
The experiment is expected to continue when training camp begins July 29.
Klecko's teammate Tedy Bruschi made a similar move after college. The veteran linebacker held the NCAA sack record at Arizona as a pass-rushing defensive end, and has made the move to inside linebacker in increments over his nine-year career. The biggest difference, Bruschi said, is how a player sees the field as a linebacker.
"You're seeing it totally different," said Bruschi, who has been tutoring Klecko in the non-contact practices. "When you're down in the three-point stance, you see two guys, maybe three. But a linebacker is standing up, and you've got to see the whole thing. You've got to recognize formations and make adjustments for one, then you've got to recognize entirely different blocking schemes in terms of runs and passes."
So far, Klecko is getting good reviews for his efforts.
"Dan's a smart guy, he's worked hard and he's really doing a nice job of making the transition," Belichick said. "But when the pads come on, everything starts happening a little faster and the contact comes, and that's always been one of Dan's strengths. He's the kind of player who looks better in contact."
"He's a bright kid, and that's the first thing you've got to have," Bruschi said. "He moves pretty well. You've got to have that, and you've got to have intelligence, which I think he has, and basic football instincts, which I think he has also."
"It's a challenge," Klecko said. "It'll be tough, and it will take time, but I'll get it."
The minicamp ended with Saturday morning's practice. The players will meet again Sunday night at the Brookline home of team owner Robert Kraft to receive their Super Bowl XXXVIII championship rings.
"The rings are symbolic of what the team accomplished, and that's what we all play for," Belichick said. "It's a prize that you work hard to get so it will be exciting to see it and have it. But at the same time, that will be a short window to enjoy it, because we'll have the '04 season upon us."
SI.com - NFL - Klecko weighing switch to new position - Saturday June 12, 2004 3:08PM
Tedy Bruschi has walked in Dan Klecko's shoes and knows it isn't comfortable at first. "It's the toughest thing I ever had to do," Bruschi said of the move from defensive lineman to inside linebacker. "To have my hand down in the dirt and then be asked to stand up 4 yards off the ball, it reads a totally different way. I know what he's going through. And it was tough for me. Unfortunately, it took me over a year to get used to it. I'm just trying to help him a little bit in meeting rooms and on the side, just trying to give him pointers that will help him get along a little faster than he would normally." Klecko's view of the action is abnormal compared to what he is accustomed to as a defensive tackle. "When you're down in a three-point stance, you're seeing two guys, maybe three," said Bruschi. "You're a middle linebacker standing up, you've got to see the whole thing. You've got to recognize formations and make adjustments. You've got to recognize entirely different blocking schemes." Klecko, who said he is down to 270 pounds from his listed weight of 283, said, "Tedy helps me a lot. I'm trying to be in his hip pocket as much as I can. He's been helping me with every little thing." Belichick said putting Klecko at linebacker may not be a long-term experiment. "He has the athleticism to play at that position," Belichick said. "He'll definitely play down in some situations as well, maybe all situations." The thing about Klecko is, he knows how to play football. "When the pads come on and everything starts happening a little bit faster and the contact comes, in the past that has always been one of his strengths," Belichick said. "Dan is a guy who probably looks a little bit better when the pads are on relative to other players. Some guys might look a little bit better athletically and moving around. Dan has got the motor and the power."
Boston.com / Sports / Camp a fundamentally sound idea
By Adam Kilgore, Globe
Correspondent | 
BROOKLINE -- In the middle of an hour-long procession of luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, and limousines pulling up to a red carpet in front of an opulent house, Adam Vinatieri pretty much said it all.
"This," the Patriots kicker said last night, "is all right."
It was that kind of night for the Patriots, who received their 2003 Super Bowl rings at owner Robert Kraft's house during a celebratory dinner. As the players pulled up, Kraft greeted each one with a hug in the entryway to his palatial home. Coach Bill Belichick was one of the last to arrive.
"So many days out of the year, we're one game at a time, one day at a time," linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "But this is one night when we can embelish."
"This is why we play," linebacker Ted Johnson said. "The ring is a huge symbol of what we were able to accomplish. This event gives some closure to last season."
It also gives their fingers some serious weight to carry. Each ring -- which Bruschi estimated at more than $20,000 -- weighs 3.8 ounces and 5.05 carats. It is 33 percent larger than the team's ring from the 2001 season, has 104 diamonds, and is the heaviest Super Bowl ring ever.
There are 15 full-cut gems that run across the crest of the ring, symbolizing New England's 15-game winning streak. Along the bottom are 12 diamonds, representing the 12-0 home record (including exhibition games). Ted Washington, who came back from Oakland, Calif., to pick up his jewelry, had the biggest ring at size 17.5.
"The real standard was, the ring in 2001, when they put it on the bar you could see it for three stools," Kraft said. "This is a six-stool ring."
"It's the best Super Bowl ring ever," Bruschi said. "The best ring in the history of the NFL went to one of the best teams in the history of the NFL."
Like the 2001 edition, the rings were cast in 14-carat white gold, which is becoming a tradition for New England -- the Patriots are the only team to use white gold on Super Bowl rings.
The Patriots are getting used to these ring ceremonies. They have created a mini-dynasty in the past three years, winning two Super Bowls and posting a 17-2 record last season.
"I'm still surprised at what we've accomplished," said running back Kevin Faulk, who rolled up to Kraft's cobblestone driveway in a stretch limo.
But he won't forget, thanks to the images of a pair of Lombardi Trophies on the centerpiece of the ring. On the crest is an aerial view of Gillette Stadium with "WORLD" across the top and "CHAMPIONS" on the bottom.
"We get these tonight, and it symbolizes what we did last year," Vinatieri said. "This is the last time we get to celebrate. Some players play their entire careers and don't get even a sniff of a ring like this."
As excited as players were to receive their rings -- some showed at 5:40 for the 6 p.m. dinner -- some said they weren't satisfied.
And filling them up is a matter that won't wait until fall, not with minicamp starting last week. After the luxury of last night -- with Tom Brady pulling up in a limo and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel pulling up in a limousine-bus hybrid -- the players and staff won't have much time to forget what earned them the rings.
"Tomorrow it's back to work," Faulk said, "to try and win another one."
Boston.com / Sports / Football / Patriots / A diamond jubilee as Patriots get their rings
More Tedy quotes about The Ring:
""The first (ring) will always have sentimental value. That's when we broke the mold as far as being a football team," Bruschi said. "But this one is unbelievable. There's also so much significance to it with the 15-game winning streak."
As Mr. Kraft said, this is the best ring in the history of the NFL," Bruschi said, standing in front of the Super Bowl logo painted on the Krafts' lawn.
We're always one game at a time,'' linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. ``This is one night we can (let loose). This is one of the greatest rings for one of the greatest teams in NFL history.''
FOXBORO, Mass. - The New England Patriots (news) have signed linebacker Tedy Bruschi to a contract extension through 2007.
Bruschi, who acts as his own agent, was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2004 season. The new deal includes a total base salary of $4.6 million over the next four years, according to the web site of the NFL Players Association.
Bruschi's signing bonus was not disclosed. Patriots spokesman Stacey James said Thursday the team does not comment on contract extensions.
Bruschi, 31, was the team's third-round draft choice in 1996. He was second on the team with 137 tackles last season, with two sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
He also scored two touchdowns, and one of them earned him a permanent place in Patriots' lore. After intercepting Miami's Jay Fiedler for the clinching touchdown in a 12-0 victory over the Dolphins on Dec. 7, Bruschi dropped to his knees as teammates swarmed around him.
The crowd responded by throwing fistfuls of snow in the air, giving the appearance of frosty fireworks.
Bruschi signs extension
17 Jun
04 / by Andy Hart, Patriots Football Weekly
According to NFLPA documents Patriots linebacker Tedy
Bruschi, who represents himself and negotiated the deal, has signed a new
four-year contract that will keep him in a New England uniform through the 2007
season.
The 31-year-old linebacker could have become a free agent following the 2004
campaign, but the new deal that reportedly has a total value of $8.1 million and
includes a $3.5 million signing bonus, was enough to keep the eight-year veteran
from testing the open market.
A former 1996 third-round draft pick out of Arizona, Bruschi had his best season
as a professional a year ago earning second-team All-Pro recognition from the
Associated Press. The defensive co-captain started all 16 games at inside
linebacker for the Patriots in 2004, as well as the team's three postseason
contests. He finished the regular season ranked second on the team with 137
tackles, adding two sacks, three interceptions, 16 passes defensed, three forced
fumbles and one fumble recovery.
A former college defensive lineman, Bruschi has started 72-of-120 games played
in his eight seasons in Foxboro. A versatile player, the 6-1, 247-pounder has
been a key contributor on the outside and inside defensively as well as on
special teams with the Patriots. His career totals include 640 tackles, 21.5
sacks, eight interceptions, 43 passes defensed, 14 forced fumbles, four fumble
recoveries and 48 special teams tackles
According to the NFLPA, Bruschi's new deal carries a salary
for 2004 of $700,000. His base pay increases to $850,000 in 2005, $1.35 million
in 2006 and $1.7 million in 2007.
Official Website of the New England Patriots - 6/17/04 8:35:38 PM
Len Pasquarelli, June 18, 2004
During this (much welcomed) lag time in the NFL schedule, any story of even minute significance merits a headline and closer than usual inspection, it seems. So when the New England Patriots signed Tedy Bruschi to a new, three-year, $8.1 million contract extension earlier this week, we scurried for some statistics to pad out the story. Most interesting was that the eight-year veteran linebacker had 16 passes defensed in 2003. If that doesn't seem like a ton of deflections for a linebacker, especially a guy who plays on the inside in a 3-4 scheme, consider this: There were only 14 defensive backs in the NFL who had more passes defensed than did Bruschi last season. Yeah, we know, the "passes defensed" category is one of those esoteric numbers, with the statistic not yet officially recognized by the league, one in which the criteria varies from team to team. But no matter the method used by Pats coaches to determine a pass defensed, Bruschi certainly was an active guy last season. Then again, his 16 pass deflections are still four fewer than Washington Redskins star LaVar Arrington posted in '03. There were just four defensive backs -- Ty Law of New England (23), Houston's Marcus Coleman (23), the Pats' Tyrone Poole (21) and Fred Thomas of New Orleans (21) -- credited with more passes defensed than Arrington had.
ESPN.com - NFL - Pasquarelli: Raw deal
|
|
Not many players deserved a contract extension more than linebacker Tedy Bruschi.
He's just an ordinary athlete and lacks natural size, but he brings an attitude and heart that provides the Patriots' defense with an identity. He's always making plays due to his natural instincts and aggressiveness.
Now the Patriots must begin addressing the future of Matt Light.
Light made tremendous progress last season and was among the highest-graded left tackles in the league. The Patriots stayed away from matching the high dollars given to Damien Woody this spring, but Light is different. In the NFL, left tackles carry a much higher value and Light takes a great approach to the game. The Patriots must do whatever they can to lock Light into a long-term deal before he hits the free-agent market next spring.
FOXSports.com | SCOUT'S HONOR: Couch finds a home
Low-blow from Bruschi
Some Patriots
players (not to mention their agents) were disappointed at the decidedly
below-market contract extension signed by linebacker
Tedy
Bruschi [news]
last week.
At four years
and $8.1 million (with a $3.5 million signing bonus), Bruschi's deal averaged $2
million a year. The NFL ``transition'' number (the average of the 10
highest-paid players at the position) is just over $4 million.
In terms of his
importance to the Pats, Bruschi is undoubtedly a top-10 linebacker. On a league
scale, no one can argue that he's at least close to it. As a 2003 Pro Bowl
alternate and an essential cog in two Super Bowl championships, it's
inconceivable (barring injury) that Bruschi wouldn't have done better as a free
agent following the 2004 season.
Word is that a
few of Bruschi's teammates implored him to get an agent to help in the
negotiations. Instead, Bruschi represented himself, just as he did when he
restructured following the 2001 season. The result was another killer deal for
Pats.
In discussing
the Bruschi situation, one agent compared him to Ray Bourque, the former Bruins
defenseman who consistently settled for below-market deals, thereby keeping
Jeremy Jacobs' internal salary cap in line.
Bruschi admitted
in a radio interview that he probably could have gotten more in free agency, but
that it was more important to him to remain in New England. Bruschi went on to
say that all NFL players are probably overpaid anyway.
Any agent listening to the interview probably threw up in his mouth.
BostonHerald.com - Patriots: Grant an aid in Colvin comeback
Bruschi to perform at Symphony Hall
21 Jun
04 / by Andy Hart, Patriots Football Weekly
Tedy Bruschi first made a name for himself as a
college football player at Arizona via the sack, concluding his NCAA career tied
atop the all-time sack list with 52. And while he still brings down the
occasional quarterback on Sundays during the fall, he will be making sweet music
with a different sort of sax on stage at Symphony Hall on Monday night where he
will perform Rob Buckland's “Watch You Step” on his alto saxophone as part of
the Longy School of Music's annual gala.
The performance will be Bruschi's second appearance at the annual gala, all
proceeds of which go to the Longy School's scholarship and outreach activities.
A former member of the Roseville (Calif.) High School marching band, Bruschi was
forced to choose between football and the saxophone at an early age. He has
reached ultimate success on the football field, but has never lost touch with
his musical side.
“It is really important that kids have something that taps the artistic side of
them,” Bruschi said. “I know that music helps keep me in balance. The Longy
School provides a much-needed service to the Boston area.”
Founded by Georges Longy in 1915, the Longy School is a premier center for music
education and one of only eight independent music conservatories in the United
States. Last year 66 low-income students from Boston, Cambridge and Somerville
received preparatory music lessons from Longy faculty at dramatically reduced
rates.
“It is wonderful that Tedy Bruschi is again willing to show
his support for our scholarship fund,” Kwang-Wu Kim, President of the Longy
School of Music, said.
Tonight's event begins at 6 p.m. at Symphony Hall in Boston. Bruschi is expected
to take the stage with the Longy Junior and Senior Saxophone Ensembles to
perform “Watch Your Step” at 8:15 p.m.
Official Website of the New England Patriots - 6/21/04 3:15:28 PM
By Todd Dewey, Staff Writer
LAS VEGAS (May 5, 2004) -- Tedy Bruschi, a defensive captain on the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots, said one of the main lures of the links for him is playing a ballgame on grass where he doesn't get hit.
"I love being outdoors and being on some beautiful turf. I work on grass also, and it puts me back there. I can be pretty competitive with my brother without someone blindsiding me," said Bruschi, a native of California who bought a home in Las Vegas three years ago.
Bruschi, one of the most intense players on the Patriots, with whom he has played in three Super Bowls and helped them win two, tied the NCAA Division I career sack record while at the University of Arizona.
Bruschi, a 6-foot-1, 247-pound linebacker who played defensive end for the Wildcats, set a school record with 19 sacks as a sophomore and finished with 52 sacks, tying him with the late Derrick Thomas, a former Alabama and Kansas City Chiefs standout.
Ironically, Bruschi, a three-time All-American and two-time finalist for the Lombardi Trophy, never hit the links while in the golf mecca of Arizona.
"I didn't really get into golf until my first year in the NFL," he said. "The bottom line was I couldn't afford any clubs."
After getting drafted by the Pats in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft, though, Bruschi decided to take up the game, and has developed an annual offseason rivalry with his brother Tony, a construction supervisor in Las Vegas.
"I don't really golf for competition. I get plenty of that from football. Golf is strictly for enjoyment and fun, but whenever I'm in Las Vegas, me and my brother have a competition," he said. "Whenever I get around my brother, our juices really get flowing and we've got to get out.
"We golf to see who has bragging rights. I had a three-year win streak, but he came back and got me pretty good this offseason."
Bruschi and his brother have played at several courses in Las Vegas, including the now-defunct Desert Inn, the Badlands, TPC Canyons and Rhodes Ranch.
Bruschi, who recently returned to Massachusetts for the Patriots' offseason conditioning program, golfs with teammates Adam Vinatieri and Ted Johnson when he's back East.
"Adam was on fire the other day, but kickers have plenty of time to find time for their golf game. Us linebackers have aches and pains to deal with," he said. "I don't really have a handicap. I golfed a 90 at TPC Norton, and that's a good score for me."
Bruschi said he's completely healed from last season and is already focused on making another run at the Super Bowl.
Not big enough to earn a spot on the defensive line in the NFL, Bruschi was a role player his rookie year, when the Pats lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI, but eventually he broke through as a starting linebacker.
"It was a tough adjustment, but I feel I established a role right away, rushing the passer and playing on special teams," he said. "That role kept me on the team and I learned the linebacker position in the meantime, so when that chance came, I was ready."
The high-energy Bruschi scored his first touchdown on any level his rookie season, and capped off the campaign with a pair of sacks in the Super Bowl.
He played in every game his first three seasons and then made a career-high 138 tackles in 1999, starting 14 games at linebacker and all 16 in 2000.
Bruschi, who has 21 1/2 career sacks, returned two interceptions for touchdowns in each of the last two seasons and has come up with seven of his eight career picks the last three years.
He had 131 tackles and three interceptions last season, including one he took back for a score in a 12-0 shutout of the Miami Dolphins that clinched the AFC East title.
Bruschi said this year's world title proved the Patriots are for real.
"I think this one proved our first championship was no accident. This year we proved we can not only win a championship, but do it in dominant fashion," he said. "Winning 15 in a row is all you have to say about that.
"Now I'm back here 100 percent and ready to go back to training camp and make another run at the Super Bowl. We've won it twice and our next goal is to win our third world championship."
Bruschi said his goals are simple - to win.
"If you get caught up in individual goals, they mess up your mind and you're not seeing the big picture, and the big picture is winning football games," he said. "I don't get caught up in Pro Bowls and leading the league in tackles. I don't like the term Pro Bowl-caliber player. I like being a championship-caliber player.
"Every year I try to improve upon last year. It will be my ninth year next year and I've done that every year, improved as a football player and linebacker. I just had my best year as a pro and I'll try to build on that for next year."
Bruschi enjoys spending time with his family in the offseason and said seeing Luciano Pavarotti at Caesar's Palace with his wife was the highlight.
"I like seeing shows and seeing what Vegas offers besides gambling," he said.
Bruschi also spoke to a Little League team in Las Vegas and read at an elementary school in the offseason, along with a trip to Fenway Park for Opening Day. He's also slated to go to the White House soon and will also represent the Patriots at the ESPY Awards.
Whenever his schedule becomes too hectic, though, Bruschi can always find refuge on the golf course.
"I like seeing the perfect drive going straight down the fairway, with the trees in the background, and the overall peace it gives me," he said.
|
|
...While
we're on the subject of contracts, the four-year, $8.1 million extension Tedy
Bruschi recently negotiated for himself continues to draw criticism from
agents, media, and players, including some teammates. It certainly falls in the
"below market" category, considering the contract Houston's Jay Foreman
signed last year averages $2.4 million, and the long list of linebackers
who signed richer deals this offseason but aren't wearing two Super Bowl rings.
But the chances are good that Bruschi will play out the entire contract because
the extension doesn't have years with huge salary cap numbers added strictly for
proration purposes. He'll get his wish and do what Laywer Milloy didn't
do and Ty Law won't do -- play his entire career as a Patriot. Bruschi
always reaches his incentives, and he's never been asked to take a pay cut. As
for what he could have commanded on the open market, keep in mind he'll be 32
years old next offseason, and some within the league question whether he would
be as effective in another system. Still, from the perspective of other players,
Bruschi's deal effectively has created a cap within the cap at Gillette Stadium.
If Bruschi, a second-team All-Pro last year, averages just a little more than $2
million a year, the Patriots can and will use that as justification for refusing
to pay David Givens and Tom Ashworth like an average starting
receiver and right tackle. So Givens and Ashworth will play for the one-year,
$380,000 tender and like it. Players talk among themselves, and some of the
younger Patriots are beginning to realize that if they want to get theirs,
they'll have to get it elsewhere.
Survey said . . .
Where does Bruschi rank among his peers? He's right up there, as Bill Belichick would say. From May 12-26, the Sports Xchange surveyed 22 personnel directors for USA Today Sports Weekly, and they rated Bruschi as the league's seventh-best inside linebacker, behind Carolina's Dan Morgan and ahead of Pittsburgh's Kendrell Bell, with whom the Steelers happen to be negotiating an extension.
Boston.com / Sports / Football / Patriots / Whipping them into shape
By Bill Burt
Sports Editor
BOSTON -- Two elderly women were walking through the crowd in search of the hors d'oeuvres tray last night when they stopped dead in their tracks.
They noticed a man in a dark suit talking to a TV reporter.
"That's Tedy Bruschi," said one of the women.
"He's cute," the other said before they were on their way, still staring Bruschi's way. "My grandson is going to be upset when I tell him I saw him in person."
There was no blue and silver face paint or the chanting of "Bru-SKI! Bru-SKI!" he is used to when he performs. No, this venue was different. This was Boston Symphony Hall.
But like the 68,000 anxious locals who make their way to Foxboro about 12 Sundays a year, they know a good thing when they see it and they saw it in Tedy Bruschi last night.
The New England Patriots linebacker was among those being honored -- with pianist and composer Leon Fleisher and composer Joan Panetti -- at a fund-raiser for Longy School of Music, which educates 1,400 students from school age to adults in Harvard Square.
Bruschi was among eight junior and senior saxophone ensembles (he was a junior) that played Roger Buckland's "Watch Your Step."
Here was one of the most rabid and energized players on a two-time Super Bowl champion, showing no signs of someone in over their head.
"I practiced a lot," said Bruschi, who still holds the NCAA record for sacks in a career with 52. "The last week or so, I practiced every day. This music wasn't as difficult as the one I worked on two years ago. That was 'Fizzwater' by Eubie Blake. That was tough. That was Belichick tough."
Bruschi's journey to Boston Symphony Hall, with a saxophone case by his side, is an interesting one.
At 7, he was in church choir. At 8, he started playing the clarinet. And at 9, he hit paydirt, musically speaking, and played the saxophone.
"I was in fourth grade and I knew it was my instrument," Bruschi said. "I fell in love with it."
The first test of his love for music was in high school. He had to go to school early (6 a.m.) as part of the school's band.
"The tough kids would be coming to school about the time we were finishing," Bruschi said. "People always ask me about kids bothering me about being in the band.
"Trust me," he smiled. "Nobody bothered me."
It was not an easy decision as a high school junior when Bruschi was faced with choosing football or the saxophone. Because a potential scholarship was involved, football won out, barely.
"I'm not a football player," Bruschi said. "I play football. But there is so much more to me than playing a game. I love music. I love being around my family."
Bruschi met his wife Heidi at the University of Arizona. He was a communications major. She majored in special education.
"As long as I've known him, music has been a big part of his life," Bruschi said. "I love that about him. He has other interests in his life. He's a great dad. He cares about his family. And he loves to play the saxophone."
Bruschi estimates he plays the saxophone about once a week once football begins in late July. During the offseason, he practices about three times a week.
Leading up to last night's show, he was practicing every day.
"The toughest part now is trying to find time after working out," Bruschi said. "My boys (Tedy Jr., 3; Rex, 2) like to hit the buttons while I'm playing, which sometimes changes the music. When they go down for a nap, I try to work some time in. But the problem is I can't play too loud or I wake them up."
Bruschi said some of his Patriots teammates razzed him a bit around the weight room when they heard about his performance at last night's fund-raisier. But within the last couple of days, he said that changed.
"Some guys came up to me and admitted they had played some instruments when they were growing up, too," Bruschi said. "A couple said they'd like to start playing again. That would be great."
Bruschi believes every person has an artistic side. If some people, especially tough-guy athletes, would stop worrying about being labeled and played an instrument or painted a picture, life as they know it would be better.
"Art is a beautiful thing," Bruschi said. "You find out a lot about yourself and look at life differently. I know I've had a successful career in football, but I don't know where I'd be if I never got into music."
Bruschi recently made news because not only did he sign a four-year extension (estimated to be about $8 million), but he did it without an agent.
That attitude has parallels to his passion for music.
"Tedy is his own man. He always has been," said Heidi Bruschi. "But I do tell him that if I met him in high school, that things might have been different between us."
Sorry to disagree, but it says here the band geek named Tedy Bruschi, with all that athletic ability, good looks and saxophone over his shoulder, would have won in the end.
Rugged Bruschi embraces his musical side
Bruschi scare: Pats
star hospitalized with headaches
By Laura Crimaldi
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Charismatic New England Patriots [stats, news] linebacker Tedy Bruschi [news]
was hospitalized yesterday after complaining of headaches just days after
capping a Super Bowl-winning road trip with his first appearance at the Pro Bowl
in Hawaii.
One source told the Herald Bruschi lost some vision in one eye, but the sight
was returning. A team official said he was up ``walking and talking.''
The 31-year-old inside linebacker is being evaluated in the exclusive Phillips
House at Massachusetts General Hospital where he was admitted after arriving at
the hospital by ambulance.
``After complaining of headaches earlier today, Tedy Bruschi was admitted (to
MGH),'' Patriots spokesman Stacey James said in a statement last night. ``He is
in good condition and will be held for further evaluations.
``The Bruschi family appreciates everyone's concern, but requests that you
respect their privacy at this time.''
Several sources said the player had been rushed to the Boston hospital by
ambulance from his home in North Attleboro and may have suffered a stroke.
One source said Bruschi had suffered a stroke, but it appeared to be a minor
stroke since he was being treated at the Phillips House rather than in a
critical care unit.
CBS-4 reported Bruschi also suffered partial paralysis.
James would not confirm or deny that Bruschi had suffered a stroke. More tests
are scheduled for today and a source at the hospital said he was under the care
of a team doctor.
Team owner Robert Kraft, who declined comment while attending last night's
Boston College-Rutgers basketball game, visited Bruschi at MGH, sources said.
Bruschi, who was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated just before the
Pats won their third Super Bowl in four years, is a fan favorite and a key
component of the Pats' defense. As the team took the field in Jacksonville,
Fla., some New Englanders unfurled a banner reading, ``Bruschi Full Tilt Full
Time.''
Cameras worldwide captured the 6-foot-1, 247-pounder playing with two of his
young sons - 4-year-old Tedy Jr. and 2-year-old Rex - on the field before the
kickoff. Bruschi's wife, Heidi, gave birth to a third boy, Dante, last month.
A nine-year NFL veteran, he made a key interception in the fourth quarter of the
Super Bowl as the Patriots downed Philadelphia, 24-21. He flew home for the
victory parade in Boston before jetting off to Honolulu for the Pro Bowl, which
was played last Sunday.
The University of Arizona product was a third-round pick in the 1996 NFL draft.
Then a defensive end, he made the transition to inside linebacker. Along the
way, he also gave up booze. He is now featured in a ``Got Milk?'' ad.
( Laura Raposa, Gayle Fee and Michael Felger contributed to this report. )
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Bruschi scare -- Pats star hospitalized with headaches
He's the heart and
soul of this team
By Kevin Mannix
Thursday, February 17, 2005
When you look at the world champion Patriots and you try to pick one player who
embodies the spirit and talent that enabled them to win three Super Bowl
championships in the four years, your attention goes automatically to the middle
of the defense - to the whirlwind wearing No. 54.
Tom Brady is indispensable. Getting Corey Dillon was imperative to the offense.
Safety Rodney Harrison is the muscle. But the spark, the heart of this team?
That's Tedy Bruschi.
That's why his being hospitalized last night was so stunning and the possibility
of his professional career being impaired is so frightening.
These are supposed to be the best of times for Patriots fans. That's no longer
the case, not with Bruschi at Mass. General. This team won championships because
it knows how to handle pressure and because it learned how to make big plays
when games were on the line.
IT doesn't make mistakes, it forces them.It doesn't give the ball away. IT takes
it away.
If you were to transfer those traits to a single player, you'd basically be
cloning Bruschi, the sparkplug linebacker who has played in four Super Bowls in
his nine years in the league.
Who made that fourth quarter interception against Donovan McNabb in the Super
Bowl?
Who sacked Drew Bledsoe this season and forced that critical fumble that was
returned for a touchdown by Richard Seymour in Buffalo?
Who slid into the end zone with the decisive interception/touchdown against
Miami that set off the snow fireworks at Gillette Stadium in 2003?
Whose enthusiasm and joie de defense most reflects the spirit of the Patriots?
The answer to all is Bruschi, the undersized, over productive former defensive
lineman/pass rush specialist who came to New England as a third round draft pick
in 1996.
Other players made tackles. Bruschi has never been content with that. His stated
goal has always been to force turnovers, make plays and make a difference.
``I don't want to just stop the guy with the ball,'' he said this year. ``I want
to take the ball away from him. You win games by forcing the other team to give
up the ball and that's what I'm always trying to do.''
Think back to that playoff victory against the Colts this year. Remember
Edgerrin James trying to get to the outside with Bruschi slapping away at the
ball, holding him up, trying to get the ball loose while Harrison lined the
Colts back up for the big hit? That's the kind of play Bruschi has made.
As a role player, limited to passing situations, Bruschi had two sacks in the
Pats Super Bowl loss to the Packers in his rookie season.
This is no silver spooner, whose place among the best players in the league was
preordained. He didn't come out as a high draft pick. He was the 86th player
taken in '96 and spent a few years moving from position to position as a
``situational'' player while the team tried to determine where he would help the
most.
Defensive end. Defensive tackle. Outside linebacker. Bruschi lined up at all
those positions. Finally, after learning what the world of being a linebacker
was all about for a couple of seasons as a part-time player, Bruschi stepped in
full time at inside linebacker.
Teammates fed off his enthusiasm. You could see them pick up their game when
they saw what Bruschi was doing on the field.
And with Bruschi, that's what matters. His doing his job was never enough. He
had to do his part to make sure that his teammates were doing theirs. He did a
little extra so the rest of the defense did more of the same.
That's what makes him the consummate team captain.
MetroWestDailyNews.com - Sports Coverage: He's the heart and soul of this team
Heart And Soul Now
Knows Real Love
By: Bob George/BosSports.net
02/17/05
This isn’t about next season.
This isn’t about a Boston Three Party. What if Roman Phifer or Ted Johnson
retire. How will we get along without him. Is next year totally shot. What will
the personality of the Patriot defense be like. How you and I were already
making plans to be in Detroit in February, only now those plans just went up in
smoke.
What is this about?
Heidi. Tedy Jr. Rex. Dante. And their husband and father.
Being together as a family.
Enjoying a nice quality of life.
Watching the kids grow up.
Watching the kids have kids.
Growing old together.
For all this, anything football matters nothing at all. No Super Bowl win is
more important than any of the above. For all of the above to happen without any
negative intervention of any kind, if the football career of Tedy Bruschi has
come to an end, let it be so.
Bruschi was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday night,
complaining of severe headaches, blurred vision and partial paralysis. An AP
report late Thursday said that Bruschi suffered a mild stroke, but could be
released from the hospital as early as Friday. According to a Globe report
earlier Thursday, Bruschi was sitting up in bed and was free of any paralysis or
blurry vision. He is being kept at MGH for further testing and observation.
Through all this, his family has kept vigil at the hospital, with a public
request that they be given their due privacy. Meanwhile, his extended family,
that being his fan base, sits by nervously, hanging on what few reports emanate
from MGH, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.
We won’t make you sick with the “Why Tedy?” stuff. While this sort of problem
could have been caused by a football injury, it is just as likely that weak
blood vessels throughout the body could be genetic. Nobody is constructed so
perfectly that nothing whatsoever goes wrong in his or her lifetime. In
Bruschi’s case, he has a blood vessel problem. If it was indeed congenital, what
can anyone do about it? The last thing Bruschi would want is your pity.
What Bruschi does need is a total understanding of how his fan base feels at
this moment, in hopes that whatever comes of this problem, he will feel at
peace.
It is not known if Bruschi will have to retire, let alone be completely out of
danger. One broken vessel might begat another. It may be caused by any sort of
collision during a game, or it may just happen when he’s out at the park playing
with his kids. There is too much unknown regarding this situation right now to
speculate on the long-term prognosis for Bruschi at this point.
So, let’s create this hypothetical scenario. Bruschi is fine, recovers nicely,
but due to this problem is forced to retire from football. What then?
If Bruschi never plays another down in the NFL again due to this condition,
fine. Nobody out there in Patriot Nation would object. Do not go anywhere near a
football field again if it will put your good health in jeopardy. Everyone out
there will accept the fact that the Tedy Bruschi era in Foxborough has come to
an end. And everyone will be perfectly okay with that.
And we don’t say that because we’ve been secretly wishing Bruschi would retire
because, at age 31, his skills are declining. We all know that Bruschi could go
several more years, just like Phifer. We say that because of what was stated at
the top of the article. Faith and family first, football second.
Bruschi’s career will have come to an early end. But the adulation his fan base
will continue to have for him will not die out. Instead, it will continue to
grow and grow. Nobody who saw him play will ever forget his zeal for the game,
how well he maximized his smallish (for the position) body and transformed
himself into one of the best middle linebackers of his day. Further, nobody will
ever forget how his zeal for the game permeated itself amongst his teammates and
made them play at higher levels because they were on the same field as Tedy.
Just so that Bruschi fully understands the feelings of his fans, Bob Kraft will
arrange something in the fall for him. It will be a retirement bash, so called.
But Bruschi will hear the sentiments of the players and the fans. His teammates
will say what they need to say, and they’ll probably have a hard time spitting
it out. Then the fans will have their say. They’ll say it in posters, they’ll
say it in jerseys, and they’ll say it in cheers.
And it will come out as the biggest “Thank you!” the world has ever known.
Or, even better: the biggest “We love you!”.
You have talented athletes in this region. But you have only a handful of
beloved athletes. Bruschi belongs in the beloved category. Few athletes of any
era have garnered as much adulation as Bruschi has. He earned this adulation
through his approach to the game, what he has been able to accomplish, and his
own adulation for his fans. You have athletes who put up big numbers, but
Bruschi was able to do much more than that.
To put it in one sentence, he struck a nerve. Fans simply cannot help but love
him.
Naturally, he could come back and resume his career, and all this retirement
stuff is moot. This is just in case Bruschi has played his last down in the NFL.
This is to make sure that everyone keeps his career, as well as his life, in
proper perspective.
If this is indeed it for Bruschi, let the retirement begin. And let his family
enjoy him forever.
That goes for his extended family as well.
New England Patriots Coverage - Heart And Soul Now Knows Real Love By: Bob George/BosSports.net
Bruschi recovering
after suffering mild stroke
Jimmy Golen / Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) - New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi suffered a mild
stroke but is walking, talking and in good spirits, the team said Thursday.
Bruschi experienced temporary numbness, blurred vision and headaches Wednesday
night and was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.
"It has been determined that these symptoms were the results of a mild stroke,"
team spokesman Stacey James said. "Tedy is in good condition and, as always, his
spirits are high. He is walking and talking normally and stressed that he would
like to thank everyone for keeping him and his family in their thoughts and
prayers."
The Patriots said Bruschi could be released as early as Friday.
"The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and the Bruschi family is very
appreciative," James said.
A nine-year NFL veteran, Bruschi is the centerpiece of the Patriots defense that
helped the team win three of the past four Super Bowls, including a 24-21 win
over the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 6.
On Sunday, Bruschi played in his first Pro Bowl.
Bruschi, 31, was selected as the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week three times,
including the first-round playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts. A second
team Associated Press All-Pro selection, he ranked second on the team with 128
tackles and tied for second with three interceptions.
He had two fumble recoveries in the team's 20-3 playoff win over the
Indianapolis Colts, and an interception in the Super Bowl.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3403934
Stroke sidelines
Bruschi
Pats linebacker suffered broken blood vessel in head
By John Altavilla
Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi suffered a mild stroke caused by a broken blood
vessel in his head and remained hospitalized while doctors continue to monitor
his condition.
Bruschi, 31, who returned from his first Pro Bowl last Sunday in Hawaii, was
taken by ambulance to the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston Wednesday
with a severe headache, partial paralysis and blurred vision in one eye. The
partial paralysis and vision problems apparently have resolved themselves.
"Tedy is in good condition and, as always, his spirits are high," said a
Patriots spokesman in a prepared statement.
"He is walking and talking normally and stressed that he would like to thank
everyone for keeping him and his family in their prayers. The outpouring of
support has been overwhelming and the Bruschi family is very appreciative."
The Patriots also said Bruschi could be out of the hospital Friday afternoon. It
was unclear if the stroke threatened his playing career.
Bruschi's wife, Heidi, became suspicious that something was wrong Wednesday and
called 911.
"He's having blurred vision, numbness on the right side of his body," she was
heard telling a dispatcher on a tape of the call.
Doctors are trying to determine if he had a cerebral hemorrhage or arterial
dissection, which is a tear in the lining of an artery.
When such a tear develops in the carotid or vertebral arteries, the flow of
blood between the layers of the torn vessels might cause the artery to close
entirely, affecting blood flow to the certain areas of the brain.
According to a University of California at San Francisco Web site, arterial
dissection is the leading cause of stroke in young people and some of the
various causes include trauma to the head or neck. Dissections also occur
spontaneously.
Bruschi, a nine-year veteran, made a crucial fourth-quarter interception of
Donovan McNabb in the Patriots' 24-21 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl
XXXIX on Feb. 6 in Jacksonville.
He was a three-time AFC Defensive Player of the Week, including after the
Patriots' 20-3 divisional playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts, in which
he had two fumble recoveries. A second team Associated Press All-Pro selection,
he ranked second on the team with 128 tackles and tied for second with three
interceptions.
Bruschi is one of the most popular and affable players on the Patriots, a team
leader and spokesman who endeared himself to millions of fans Super Sunday by
being filmed walking the field with two of his three sons, Tedy Jr. and Rex.
He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated during the playoffs.
Worried fans focus
on hero's recovery
By Jennifer Rosinski
Friday, February 18, 2005
Hours before a home game against the 49ers and the day before his third son's
birth, Tedy Bruschi [news] stopped his car to greet die-hard supporters
tailgating in Foxboro.
The charismatic 31-year-old wished the gathering of fans a happy New Year and
asked Randy ``Zip'' Pierce of Nashua, N.H., about his guide dog. It was one
month before the team went on to win its third Super Bowl.
``He was just so oddly down to earth,'' said Pierce, a season-ticket holder and
2001 Fan of the Year who started Bruschi's unofficial fan club: Bruschi Backers.
``The guy had a lot on his mind, but he took a moment that no one at that
tailgate will ever forget. He's a top-notch classy guy. He just epitomizes
class.''
In return for his good will, worried but hopeful fans are rallying for the
recovery of their favorite Patriot. Bruschi was rushed to Massachusetts General
Hospital from his North Attleboro home Wednesday complaining of stroke-like
symptoms. He will remain overnight after a day of tests.
``Everyone is praying for him and his family that he'll be OK,'' said
Patriotworld.com host Karen Cardoza of Cumberland, R.I. ``As much as he's an
icon for Patriot Nation, the most important thing is can he be healthy for his
family. He needs to be there for his wife and kids.''
It wasn't until after she met Bruschi at a stadium blood drive more than a year
ago that Beth Rayner-Zyskowski of Milford understood all the hoopla.
``He's one of those people that when he's talking to you he is completely
focused on you. He's a person first,'' the teary-eyed Milford paralegal said.
( O'Ryan Johnson contributed to this report. )
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=69258
Tedy hangs tough:
Pats star on mend after mild stroke
By Michael Felger
Friday, February 18, 2005
Tedy Bruschi [news], the Patriots [stats, news]' heart and soul, is fighting
back after suffering a mild stroke.
The popular linebacker, who complained of blurred vision and headaches, may be
released from Massachusetts General Hospital as early as today.
``It has been determined that these symptoms were the results of a mild
stroke,'' team spokesman Stacey James said last night. ``Tedy is in good
condition and, as always, his spirits are high.''
Bruschi, 31, was said to show marked improvement from Wednesday, when he entered
the hospital suffering blurred vision and a loss of feeling in his right side.
``He kind of snapped out of it (yesterday), but he was in rough shape on
Wednesday,'' one source said.
Bruschi's football future remains in question. Sources say Bruschi, with the
help of his doctors, will determine that over the coming weeks and months.
Bruschi was taking phone calls and e-mails from his hospital bed alongside his
wife, Heidi. Bruschi also received visitors, including Patriots owner Robert
Kraft and his wife, Myra, and at least one teammate, in the private suite tucked
away in a corner of MGH's exclusive Phillips House.
``He is walking and talking normally and stressed that he would like to thank
everyone for keeping him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. The
outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and the Bruschi family is very
appreciative,'' James said.
Although Bruschi is ready to check out of the hospital, a source said his
eyesight has not returned 100 percent.
It's still not known what triggered the episode that led to Bruschi being rushed
via ambulance to the hospital from his North Attleboro home Wednesday morning.
Heidi Bruschi called 911 and reported her husband was experiencing ``blurred
vision'' and ``numbness on his right side,'' according to a transcript of the
call released yesterday.
Bruschi played in his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Sunday with no apparent
problems. He also played all 19 games for the Patriots during the season
(including three playoff games), recording 128 tackles and three interceptions.
Bruschi has long been a favorite among coaches, fans and teammates for his fiery
play on the field and his emotional nature off of it. Last summer, Bruschi
turned down a chance to go to free agency when he signed a four-year, $8 million
extension with the Patriots.
Bruschi realized he could have earned more on the open market, but his first
priority was remaining a Patriot.
``How much is enough?'' Bruschi said in reference to the money he earns as a pro
athlete. ``I couldn't stand the thought of having all those fans who come to the
games wearing my jersey seeing me in another uniform.''
( Laura Raposa and Steve Ryan contributed to this report. )
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Tedy hangs tough -- Pats star on mend after mild stroke
Bruschi suffered
stroke
Pats linebacker said to be upbeat, in good condition
08:49 AM EST on Friday, February 18, 2005
BY TOM E. CURRAN
Journal Sports Writer
New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi suffered a "mild stroke" Wednesday
and remains in Mass. General hospital in good condition, the team reported last
night.
Tedy Bruschi, who many see as the heart and soul of the Patriots, was rushed to
the hospital suffering from partial paralysis and blurred vision Wednesday
night.
The Patriots issued the statement after a day of speculation and reports that
Bruschi had a broken blood vessel in his head and suffered from blurred vision
and partial paralysis.
The Patriots also said in last night's statement that the 31-year-old linebacker
is now walking and talking normally, and could be released from the hospital as
early as this afternoon. The Patriots didn't say whether the stroke would affect
Bruschi's career.
"As always, his spirits are high," team spokesman Stacey James said in the
statement. "The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and the Bruschi
family is very appreciative."
Another Patriots source said yesterday they did not "get the sense" that
Bruschi's ailment was either life or career-threatening.
Bruschi was transported by ambulance to the Phillips House at Mass. General on
Wednesday night after experiencing severe headaches and numbness on his right
side.
Bruschi, married with three young sons, including a newborn, returned Monday
from Hawaii after participating in his first Pro Bowl. A week earlier, the
Patriots won their second consecutive Super Bowl with Bruschi providing a key
late-game interception.
A tape of the 911 call that Bruschi's wife Heidi made to North Attleboro police
Wednesday was broadcast on Boston's WCVB-TV yesterday.
Speaking in a composed voice, she explained her husband had, "blurred vision and
numbness on the right side of his body" and that he needed an ambulance to take
him to Mass. General.
Because it was closer, the dispatcher on duty wanted Bruschi taken to Sturdy
Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, but he was apparently overruled.
Given the monumental accomplishments of the Patriots over the last few months,
culminated by their Super Bowl win 12 days ago, the news that one of their most
recognizable, passionate and beloved players was stricken in any way remains
hard to digest.
Bruschi's attitude on and off the field has become emblematic of the way the New
England Patriots do business.
Bruschi has been with the Patriots since he was drafted in 1996. He has become
one of the league's most respected inside linebackers after having never played
the position before arriving in the NFL. He's one of a handful of players who's
been with the team for its last four Super Bowl appearances, and since 2001 he's
become more and more the face of the team.
During this year's playoffs, Bruschi's national profile has risen as he's
anchored the Patriots' defense. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated last
month, did a public service announcement from the Pro Bowl thanking fans for
their help in the tsunami relief effort and is currently featured in a "Got
Milk" ad. An accomplished saxophonist, Bruschi has previously performed with the
Boston Pops.
During the offseason last year, Bruschi eschewed free agency and negotiated his
own contract with the Patriots, reportedly walking into the office of Patriots
vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli and stating simply, "I want to
stay here and I want to be treated fairly."
Bruschi may have been able to get more money on the open market but, as he said
last August, chasing every penny wasn't his motivation; team success was.
Pats' safety Rodney Harrison told Fox Sports New England: "Our thoughts and
prayers are with him. I don't know what's going on with him. He's been an iron
man, he's been tremendous and he's had a great impact on my career. He's just a
great guy that affects so many people on and off the field."
Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal | Patriots
Following stroke,
Bruschi faced with questions about athletic future
By JAY LINDSAY, Associated Press Writer
February 18, 2005
BOSTON (AP) -- A stroke didn't keep Tedy Bruschi hospitalized for long. The
question now is if it will keep him off the field for the New England Patriots.
The popular 31-year-old was released Friday from Massachusetts General Hospital
after spending two days there recovering from a mild stroke that caused
numbness, blurred vision and severe headaches.
He waved and smiled but didn't comment to reporters as he stepped into a waiting
sports utility vehicle and drove off. Patriots spokesman Stacey James did not
respond to questions about whether Bruschi would be able to play football again.
Experts say his return will depend on the stroke's cause and severity. A mild
stroke isn't necessarily career-ending for a professional athlete, but the risk
is higher for someone who takes the punishment of an NFL linebacker.
Doctors pointed to Bruschi's quick release from the hospital, along with reports
that he was walking and talking normally a day after the stroke, as hopeful
signs that he may be able to continue his career. Still, his prognosis remains
uncertain because all strokes cause some level of brain damage and can raise
fears of a recurrence.
``There really is no good stroke,'' said Dr. Larry Brass, a professor of
neurology, epidemiology and public health at the Yale University School of
Medicine.
Brian Mullen of the NHL's New York Islanders had an unsuccessful comeback
attempt two years after suffering a mild stroke in 1993.
``I think the biggest thing you've got to overcome is your own mind,'' Mullen
said. ``It definitely gets in your head. You ask yourself, 'Am I doing the right
thing for my family?'''
Bruschi, a nine-year veteran, has been a key member of a defense that helped New
England win three of the last four Super Bowls. Last Sunday, Bruschi played in
his first Pro Bowl.
His wife, Heidi, called 911 on Wednesday, saying he was experiencing ``blurred
vision, numbness on the right side of his body.''
An estimated 700,000 people per year in the United States have strokes, which
occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
The vast majority result from clots that block the brain's arteries. Another
type involves bleeding in or around the brain, sometimes due to ruptured blood
vessels.
The hospital and the Patriots have not said what kind of stroke Bruschi
suffered.
Experts said it could be weeks before doctors pinpoint the stroke's cause, and
Bruschi's professional future won't be any clearer until they do.
``Even if the effects of the stroke are mild, and we hope they are, the crucial
thing is determining the cause,'' said Dr. Robert Adams, a spokesman for the
American Stroke Association.
The damage from a stroke depends on several factors, including how long before
it was treated, what part of the brain the stroke occurs in and the intensity of
the rehabilitation.
Brass said Bruschi's apparently quick recovery could be a sign of a specific
type of stroke in which the symptoms last less than 24 hours and leave no
lasting damage. A traumatic injury to a part of the body can also damage blood
vessels and lead to clotting, but that wouldn't be a big risk once the blood
vessel healed.
Tests could also reveal a predisposition to blood vessel tears or other factors
which would make a return to the field risky, Brass said.
Strokes among people as young as Bruschi are relatively rare, with about 30,000
to 40,000 occurring annually in people ages 18 to 50. A cause is difficult to
pinpoint in many of those cases because the possibilities aren't as obvious as
they are in older people, who often have cholesterol problems.
``It's like your car breaking down after 5,000 miles,'' Brass said.
``Something's wrong.''
Mullen underwent surgery to correct the heart problem that caused his stroke. He
said when he first came back, his teammates shied away from hitting him until he
insisted they take their whacks. Eventually, he said, he stopped fearing that
his body couldn't take the punishment.
He looks back at his difficult decision to retire and wonders if he should have
kept trying. But the stroke changed everything.
``As an athlete, up to that point, you feel invincible,'' Mullen said.
``Something like that happens, and it shakes up your whole life.''
Bruschi out of
hospital
Patriots star heads home after two-day stay at MGH
By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff | February 19, 2005
At about 4:20 yesterday afternoon, Patriots Pro Bowl linebacker Tedy Bruschi
walked out of Massachusetts General Hospital on his own, two days after
suffering a mild stroke.
Accompanied by his wife, Heidi, the 31-year-old Bruschi, dressed in a gray sweat
suit, smiled at reporters and said he felt fine. He then got into a gray SUV
driven by his brother, Tony, and was whisked away with a police escort.
Prior to leaving the hospital, Bruschi received more visitors yesterday,
including teammate Deion Branch.
Stacey James, the Patriots' executive director of media relations, said after
talking
with Bruschi yesterday, "He feels great about being able to go home and spend
time with his family." Bruschi has three children. James also said Bruschi was
eager to acknowledge all the people who have wished him well.
Bruschi, who has played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots, isn't
the first Boston athlete to suffer a stroke. On July 30, 1991, in the prime of
his career, Red Sox relief pitcher Jeff Gray experienced slurred speech, blurred
vision, and numbness in his pitching arm. Tests revealed Gray had suffered a
stroke.
The righthander fought gallantly to return to the big leagues, making it as far
as the minors, but finally announced his retirement in 1995. He became a
pitching coach in the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds organizations.
Ten years before, lefthander Tom Burgmeier, who pitched for the Sox from
1978-82, suffered a stroke in the offseason. Shortly after Gray's stroke,
Burgmeier, recalling his own symptoms, said, "It happened just like that,"
snapping his fingers. "I was talking to my friend and all of a sudden he asked
me, 'Have you been drinking?' My speech was slurred and I didn't even realize
it, though I realized it afterward."
Burgmeier, who later became a pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals, also
said in that interview, "When people say stroke, they automatically think you've
been debilitated. I was in the hospital for about three days undergoing tests,
and the next day I was out quail hunting. The only effect for me is that my wife
told me I was dragging my right leg for a couple of days after it happened."
Burgmeier suffered his stroke in November 1981 and returned to the mound in
February 1982. In fact, Burgmeier had one of his best seasons -- 7-0 with a 2.29
ERA in 40 appearances -- that year.
Gray's stroke was worse. To that point in the 1991 season, Gray had been the
workhorse of the Red Sox bullpen, appearing in an American League-high 50 games
as a setup man for Jeff Reardon. Gray had worked 61 2/3 innings and had held
batters to a .181 average, recording a 2-3 record with a 2.34 ERA.
Another pro athlete who attempted a comeback from a stroke was New York
Islanders forward Brian Mullen, who was stricken in 1993. He tried to return to
the NHL two years later only to have a seizure, ending his comeback.
The most-celebrated
case involved Houston Astros pitcher J.R. Richard, who had a stroke caused by a
blockage in 1980. He attempted a comeback, but also failed.
Boston.com / Sports / Football / Patriots / Bruschi out of hospital
Bruschi leaves hospital; future up in air
Concerned about the consequences of Tedy Bruschi's mild stroke, his family does
not make a statement on the Pro Bowl player's prognosis, likely because it is
unknown.
01:00 AM EST on Saturday, February 19, 2005
BY TOM E. CURRAN
Journal Sports Writer
Tedy Bruschi was released from Massachusetts General Hospital yesterday
afternoon, about 55 hours after having been admitted.
Accompanied by his wife Heidi, brother Tony and sister-in-law Linda, the
31-year-old Patriots linebacker left the hospital around 4:20 p.m., returning to
his North Attleboro home and his three young sons.
Still wrestling with the reality and consequences of Bruschi's mild stroke, the
family did not release a statement on the Pro Bowl player's prognosis. And
that's likely because they don't yet know what it is.
"A stroke isn't a disease," said Dr. Larry Goldstein of Duke Medical Center in
Durham, N.C. "It's dozens of conditions with dozens and dozens of different
potential causes and myriad types of symptoms and consequences."
Goldstein is a neurologist and the director of the Duke Center for
Cerebrovascular Disease. He's internationally recognized for his expertise in
stroke prevention and treatment and is one of the country's foremost experts on
strokes, having formerly chaired the advisory committee for the American Stroke
Association.
There are two general types of strokes. Transient ischemic attack is one, and
it's caused by an artery blockage that leads to a blood clot in the brain. The
other is hemorrhagic stroke, which is characterized by bleeding in the brain.
Bruschi most likely suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Those also come in two forms,
Goldstein explained. One is a subarachnoid hemorrhage, in which a vessel "bursts
like a balloon," causing blood to escape to the outside of the brain, creating
pressure, and
"the worst headache of your life," said Goldstein.
The other kind of hemorrhagic stroke involves a collection of blood on the brain
that causes some of the symptoms Bruschi experienced -- severe headache, blurred
vision, numbness in the limbs.
Goldstein said victims of subarachnoid strokes are normally younger than other
stroke sufferers, but added: "If he suffered a subarachnoid, chances are he
would be walking and have no problems communicating. But he wouldn't be leaving
the hospital (after two days). That he's being discharged probably means there
wasn't a very serious neurological impairment. If there was, a patient wouldn't
be leaving that soon."
The cause of the stroke, Goldstein said, is what will most greatly impact
Bruschi's future, both in everyday life and as an NFL linebacker.
"There are so many different possibilities to think about," he said. "And
there's no way to tell. If every stroke was caused by the same thing and all
were the same, it would be easy.
"Most people get better, to some degree," he explained. "The degree to which you
get better is, 'How bad were the symptoms to begin with?' People who can't talk
and can't move an arm or leg won't recover nearly as well as people who could
when they were admitted. People who are younger do better and recover better
than people who are older. Potentially, he may have a complete and full recovery
and no neurological problems, but again, what caused this?"
Given the number of collisions a football player has, it's possible Bruschi
suffered a ruptured blood vessel in either the Super Bowl or the Pro Bowl. It is
possible for a ruptured blood vessel to trickle for a time, clot, and then grow
as it draws fluid from the brain until it causes severe pressure. It may never
be known whether this was caused by a collision.
In recent years, performance-enhancing supplements such as ephedra -- which
recently was banned by the FDA -- have been linked to strokes. In a casual
conversation last season, Bruschi was asked whether he takes many supplements,
and he said he uses only protein.
While it appears Bruschi has recovered somewhat from this event, stroke
sufferers are more likely to suffer additional strokes in the year after the
initial stroke. Clearly, his playing future is up in the air.
"In terms of his career, what kind of residual problems he may have and, of
course, what caused this are the (biggest factors in deciding his future in the
NFL)," said Goldstein.
Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal | Patriots
Megliola: No rush to
judge on Bruschi
By Lenny Megliola
Saturday, February 19, 2005
I'm thinking, and maybe you are too, that this is it for number 54.
We'll know more in the coming days and weeks about Tedy Bruschi's football
future. At least he has a future. At least he has today. You know the line.
We're all day-to-day anyway, aren't we? It's just that sometimes a strong
reminder comes your way.
It's no fun getting dialed up by your mortality. And it's even more shocking
when you're 31, the picture of health, wealthy, playing a game for a living, the
father of three young ones. In other words, Bruschi, living the good life at its
zenith.
And then -- WHAM! -- you get a headache like you never knew headaches could be
like. You don't want to be a wimp about it, but the damn thing won't relent,
like some running back you've just crushed. This was Wednesday at Bruschi's
North Attleboro home, the Patriots' linebacker hoping the headache would just go
away. But when his eyes went fuzzy and the right side of his body went numb, his
wife, Heidi, hit the three numbers that got the ambulance to the doorstep.
The medical people say Bruschi suffered a mild stroke. What triggered this isn't
known. That's the scary part. Could be just one of those quirky things, nothing
to worry yourself sick about, or it could be symptomatic of something more
serious. This is what the doctors will try to pin down by testing and observing
Bruschi so he can get on with his life.
Bruschi was released from Massachusetts General Hospital yesterday. He
sidetracked the media, heading instead for the SUV that would take him home.
Patriots media relations chief Stacey James said Bruschi might have something to
say next week.
Whether Bruschi can get on with his job, too early to tell. It's not like he's a
CPA, a CEO or runs a YMCA. He's a linebacker in the NFL, which is hard enough of
a way to make a living. You don't need episodes like this to make you suddenly
wonder if it's time for a new line of work. Like I said, it's early. Let the
doctors do their testing and come to conclusions and suggestions. We all hope
Bruschi makes a complete recovery and can still put on his Sunday business suit
and perform his hard-knocks job.
But right now, the last thing you want to picture is Bruschi sticking a Buffalo
Bills runner or an Indianapolis Colts receiver with his usual gusto. Watching a
stroke-recovering Bruschi go helmet-to-helmet with an opponent will make you
wince; seeing him get up slowly will turn your stomach. Imagine what Heidi
Bruschi would be thinking.
Bruschi's place in Patriots' history is secure: One of the most popular players,
and one of the best. Three Super Bowl rings. What else does he have to prove?
Sure, you can understand why he'd still want to play. Football is what he knows.
The NFL provides a very good lifestyle.
But depending on the risk involved now, if indeed the doctors conclude there is
risk, Bruschi has to look at the bigger picture here. If there's any chance --
any chance -- that his line of work in any way, shape or form can be traced to
the stroke, or if continuing to play could exacerbate the situation, woudn't he
just retire?
Remember the cameras catching Bruschi frolicking on the Attel Stadium turf
before the Super Bowl, the father backpedaling, a mile-wide smile on his face,
his two sons, Tedy Jr. and Rex, giving chase? The kids finally catch him and
they all tumble to the ground. There is no happier person on the planet at that
moment. In a few hours Bruschi would play in another Super Bowl, but this is who
he really is. The father. And there's another son, born last month.
Athletes like to retire by their own measure of time, which is a lot different
than other people. Thirty-one is young. But 31-year-old stroke victims who play
linebacker in the NFL have to think differently.
We would all like to see number 54 play a few more years. Better yet, we'd just
like to see number 54 for years and years, healthy, happy, playing ball.
With his kids.
MetroWest Daily News - Sports Columnists
MetroWestDailyNews.com - Sports Columnists: Megliola: No rush to judge on Bruschi
Bruschi's back home:
Patriots star's release is `a very good sign'
By Michael Felger
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Tedy Bruschi hit the road yesterday.
Everyone hopes it's the road to recovery.
The popular Patriots [stats, news] linebacker was released from Massachusetts
General Hospital two days after suffering a mild stroke at his North Attleboro
home.
Bruschi, wearing a loose-fitting sweat suit, walked gingerly out of the hospital
on the arm of his wife, Heidi, at around 4:20 p.m. Bruschi did not stop to talk
to reporters, instead waving and smiling before ducking into the back seat of an
SUV driven by his brother, Tony.
Once seated, Tedy and Heidi Bruschi embraced.
``He's glad to be going home and glad to be spending time with his family,''
said team spokesman Stacey James, who said Bruschi hopes to speak to the fans
through the media next week. ``He feels great. He's going home.''
Medical experts said the fact Bruschi was walking out of the hospital roughly 48
hours after being admitted with blurred vision and partial paralysis was a very
positive sign.
However, one source with knowledge of Bruschi's condition said the player's
peripheral vision still hasn't returned to 100 percent and he is due for more
testing. Bruschi's speech is not impaired.
Doctors said Bruschi's return to football will depend on a host of factors,
including the exact cause of the stroke and the nature of any resulting brain
damage.
``His leaving after two days is a very good sign,'' said Dr. Judith Hinchey, a
noted neurologist at Caritas St. Elizabeth Medical Center. ``But whether someone
can go back to playing depends on where the damage occurred in the brain. I know
of many athletes who've gone back.''
Hinchey also said a stroke could be caused by a blow to the head, and such an
injury would make a person more susceptible to another stroke. ``You are at
significantly more risk if you've had one in the past,'' she said.
Several notable athletes have had their careers ended by strokes, including
Houston Astros pitcher J.R. Richard in 1980 and NHL hockey player Brian Mullen
in 1993. Red Sox relief pitcher Jeff Gray never returned to play after
collapsing from a stroke in the Sox clubhouse prior to a game in 1991.
Former Sox team doctor Bill Morgan said Gray's stroke was far more severe than
Bruschi's appears to be. Gray was in the hospital for weeks and was slow
regaining motor functions. Morgan was encouraged by Bruschi's release. ``In my
opinion, that's a great sign,'' said Morgan. ``The fact that he's walking out
the door two days (later) tells me matters have stabilized.''
A bigger question may be whether Bruschi wants to push a return. He has three
young sons, and he's earned more than $11 million from the Pats since entering
the league in 1996. Last summer, he signed a four-year contract worth $8.1
million with a $3.5 million signing bonus.
``I don't live glamorously,'' said Bruschi at the time.
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Bruschi's back home: Patriots star's release
is `a very good sign'
Patriots Notebook:
Bruschi still has a lot to give
By IAN M. CLARK
Union Leader Sports
New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is home now after leaving the
hospital yesterday. The early indications are positive for Bruschi, who suffered
a mild stroke on Wednesday. His football future is in doubt, but his football
past has already been cemented in Patriots lore.
The heart and soul of a team that has won three Super Bowls in four years,
Bruschi’s blue collar work ethic and on-field intensity have made him a fan
favorite and a leader in the locker room.
Bruschi’s stroke was a mild one and his ability to walk and talk normally
immediately following the stroke are good signs, but his future as a player is
still very much in doubt and will take time to sort out the long-term effects.
But even if it is the end of Bruschi’s playing career, don’t expect him to
disappear from the spotlight. While his retirement would be unfortunate and
untimely, Bruschi is in a position to contribute in many other ways.
First, there is the coaching angle. With the loss of Romeo Crennel and Jeff
Davidson to Cleveland there will be a trickle-down effect for coaching slots.
Eric Mangini has been promoted to defensive coordinator from his spot as
defensive backs coach.
While coaching the DBs may not be in Bruschi’s future, the potential for other
spots to open up is there. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is loyal to his
players, and has spoken in glowing terms about Bruschi for years.
Another of Belichick’s former players, Pepper Johnson, is the Patriots defensive
line coach. Johnson is considered a hot property who might be stolen away from
the Patriots somewhere down the road.
Bruschi has been described by Belichick in the simplest yet most flattering way.
Tedy Bruschi is simply a football player. His instincts and smarts make him a
good player, his leadership and intelligence would make him a good coach.
Another possibility would be for Bruschi to take a scouting job with the team.
Bruschi could also land in a television studio. He is well-spoken and has the
athletic-type good looks to make a solid analyst (if Patriots tight end
Christian Fauria doesn’t beat him to it).
Bruschi is married with children and could also just say “hey, it’s been a good
ride” and walk off into the sunset. He’s not the type to dwell on things and he
certainly would not want to be pitied if he had to hang it up early.
But these are all the what-ifs if indeed Bruschi’s long-term effects prevent him
from suiting up again. Other athletes have tried to come back from strokes, but
none at a demanding physical position like NFL linebacker. That said, if anybody
can do it, it would be the tough-as-nails Bruschi.
Over his nine years in the league, Bruschi has continued to defy the odds. A
monster of a defensive lineman in college (where he held the NCAA record for
sacks), Bruschi was considered too small to play D-line in the NFL.
Belichick (then assistant to Bill Parcells with the Pats) liked what he saw and
took a chance. The Patriots selected Bruschi in the third round of the 1996
draft. He made the team as a special teams stud, seeing only spot duty until he
became a starter in 1999 under Pete Carroll.
From there, Bruschi’s career took off. He recorded a career-high 138 tackles in
1999 and has topped 100 tackles three other times (only failing to do so in 2001
and 2002 when he missed time with injuries).
Aside from his steady play, Bruschi has also been a big-play, impact player as
well. Five of his 11 interceptions have been returned for touchdowns. He is a
defensive captain and played in his first Pro Bowl just one week ago.
But Bruschi is so much more. While players like quarterback Tom Brady and kicker
Adam Vinatieri are the marquee names, Bruschi and players like safety Rodney
Harrison are the true heart of the team.
Bruschi’s dedication to the Patriots and their fans was demonstrated a few years
ago when he renegotiated his own contract. Bruschi opted to remain in Foxboro
for what many people thought was less than his true market value.
But Bruschi’s reasoning was part of what makes him so beloved in New England. He
said he couldn’t bear to come back to Gillette Stadium as an opponent and see
fans wearing his familiar number 54. It was something he hated to see as a fan
growing up and it was something he vowed never to let happen.
Bruschi’s loss would be felt not only in stats, but in so many intangible areas.
Amid a veteran linebacking crew, Bruschi is the go-to guy. He calls the plays on
defense. He is smart. He is athletic. He is always around the ball. In short,
Tedy Bruschi is the mold that Belichick wants all of his players to fit.
So if indeed Bruschi’s last snap came in Super Bowl XXXIX, don’t mourn what
might have been. Instead, relish the plays that made him an icon of Patriots
football. If his playing days are done, Bruschi is a man with plenty still to
contribute in whatever way he wants.
And if the lasting results of the stroke are as mild as hoped and Bruschi is
able to continue on as a player, remember to enjoy him while we’re lucky enough
to have him around.
Ian M. Clark covers the New England Patriots for The Union Leader and Sunday
News. His e-mail address is iclark@theunionleader.com.
The Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News - 30-Mar-06 - Patriots Notebook:
Bruschi still has a lot to give
Corky: Bruschi puts
scare into us all
CORKY SIMPSON
Tucson Citizen
Tedy Bruschi was in big trouble. His crime: sitting in an empty football stadium
late at night, drinking a beer and bothering no one after losing to UCLA 37-17.
Imagine that. A 20-year-old drinking beer. Horrors!
As an offense against humanity, it was right there with fishing from a log or
stepping on a crack in a sidewalk.
As for climbing the fence at Arizona Stadium late that night in 1993 - big deal.
Where else would a Tedy Bruschi go to have a brewski?
But the University of Arizona linebacker with the irrepressible smile turned his
life around. He was never again caught drinking beer in an empty football
stadium.
Oh, and the next time he faced UCLA, the Wildcats thumped the Bruins 34-24.
The other image burned into memory is from an Arizona road trip. Here's a
smiling Tedy in the fourth quarter, lifting a fallen quarterback - dressed in
AstroTurf - to his feet after smashing into him for a 10-yard loss.
Cherished fragments from the past are not as sharp as Tedy, the on-field leader
of the three-time NFL champion New England Patriots. Toughest guy out there.
Throwing his body all over the place. Refusing to lose.
And best of all, that wonderful footage of Tedy and his little boys on the field
just before the Super Bowl kickoff, romping and rasslin' each other to the
ground. That's the real Bruschi.
His hospitalization this week with symptoms of a mild stroke scared us all. He
is one of the nicest, most popular athletes in UA history.
Bruschi was released from a Boston hospital yesterday. Experts say his return to
the field will depend on the stroke's cause and severity.
A mild stroke isn't necessarily career ending for a professional athlete, but
the risk is higher for someone who takes the punishment of an NFL linebacker.
As to Bruschi's future, ex-UA football coach Dick Tomey said, "He's smart and he
has a great grasp on who he is. He'll do the right thing, I'm positive of that."
Tomey, now the coach at San Jose State, has special feelings for his former
player.
"A lot of people you coach with and work with, you respect," he said. "But I
admire Tedy, and I think that's the best way to describe my feelings about him."
Marc Lunsford, a former Arizona assistant, recruited Bruschi out of Roseville,
Calif.
"Tedy has always had a special desire to be good, to do things right," Lunsford
said. "Coach Tomey told us to look for people with a burning desire to be
successful. "That's Tedy."
When Bruschi was inducted into the Arizona Hall of Fame in 2000, Lunsford was
there.
"Here you are at age 31," Lunsford said. "You just won your third Super Bowl,
played in your first Pro Bowl ... then, to have this happen. Life takes strange
turns."
It sure does. We all pray that Tedy returns to complete health.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=pro&story_id=021905c1_corky_column
North Attleboro
neighbors huddle over ailing athlete
By Kevin Rothstein
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Legions of New Englanders are wishing Tedy Bruschi a speedy recovery, but the
fans of North Attleboro who know the Patriots player as a neighbor and fellow
parent have a special place in their hearts for the ailing gridiron great.
``He's a terrific guy on and off the field,'' said Fred Lopez, whose son goes to
the same preschool as Bruschi's older son. ``I know everybody wishes him well.''
All Lopez needs to know about Bruschi is what he sees when he watches Bruschi
pick up his son at preschool.
``You can tell when he greets his son coming out of the door,'' said Lopez.
``With a hug and kiss.''
A Gillette Stadium employee shooed the media away from Bruschi's street, but
neighbor Teresa Devlin said the cul-de-sac neighborhood was a place where
everyone looked out for one another.
``He lives in a great neighborhood,'' she said, recalling how the residents
banded together to help another neighbor who was seriously ill.
Devlin dropped a note at the house two days ago to let Bruschi's wife know that
she would help if needed. There's no shortage of well-wishers, but she was
worried that Bruschi's out-of-state family might not be able to give the help
they need like cooking meals and shopping for groceries.
Martin Elementary School is almost within sight of Bruschi's house so the staff
placed a sign in front proclaiming ``Get Well Tedy Bruschi'' and ``We Love You
#54.'' And inside the school, Jackie Healey's fifth-grade class made get-well
cards for him.
``We made cards for Tedy Bruschi to tell him to get well and we hope he gets
well, '' said student Kayla Lopez, who wrote on her own card that she ``hopes to
see you on the field next year.''
Having Bruschi as well as Adam Vinatieri and other players live in town has been
a boon for the young fans who love how easy-going the pro players are, said
school principal Mike Luce.
``The (kids) all feel like they have celebrity status, but from what they've all
said they're down-to-earth guys,'' Luce said.
Seven-year-old Ryan Ma, wearing a Patriots Super Bowl T-shirt, already feels an
affinity for the Pats because his neighbor is Vinatieri. He once went to a
birthday party with Bruschi's son. ``I'd tell him I'd feel bad he's in the
hospital and I hope he feels better,'' Ma said.
Bruschi faces
toughest challenge
By Kevin Mannix/ NFL Notes
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Even though we're all rooting for Tedy Bruschi [news] to play for the Patriots
[stats, news] again, that seems to be a very, very long shot today.
Hearing that the Pro Bowl linebacker was going to be released from Massachusetts
General Hospital after only a couple of days created a sense of optimism that he
can come back and play again despite the ``mild stroke'' that sent him to the
hospital last week.
Seeing him make his way out of the hospital on Friday afternoon voided that
optimism. You can't feel confident about his being able to play again after
seeing him make his way to his SUV. He wasn't in a wheelchair or pushing a
walker or leaning on a cane. But Bruschi was definitely walking cautiously,
requiring the helping hand of his wife Heidi as he made his way out of the
hospital and off the sidewalk before beginning the trip home.
Maybe that will pass. Maybe therapy and medication combined with time and
Bruschi's always indomitable spirit will allow him to suit up for the Patriots
when they open camp this summer. Maybe by then he'll be moving like a linebacker
again, getting ready for a 10th season and the chase of a fourth Super Bowl
championship.
But the combination of hearing about him suffering a stroke, minor or otherwise,
and the sight of him making his way out of the hospital make it difficult to
envision seeing No. 54 back on the field again.
The ever-present smile was still in place as he waved to fans outside Mass.
General, but the lasting memory was him making his way to the car.
That's the memory we have of Bruschi. Not of his interceptions or tackles or his
celebration slides through the snow after a key play. Not of him forcing fumbles
at key times in important games. It even supercedes the vision of him playing
with two of his sons on the field at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville hours before
the Pats won the Super Bowl just three weeks ago.
Bruschi was on camera for only a couple of seconds on Friday night, but that was
time enough for any optimism to fade.
Bruschi has always gotten full value out of his talents. He refused to accept
the consensus opinion that he was too small to make an impact in the NFL when he
came out of Arizona. He refused to accept that he was too inexperienced to play
linebacker in the pros. When those around him doubted, Bruschi persevered and
succeeded.
Now he faces his most difficult challenge. This isn't a knee ligament or a
separated shoulder or a sore back. This involves his head, and all head
injuries/episodes are serious, particularly for a football player. A ``mild''
stroke is still a stroke. It's a brain injury. Nobody can guarantee there won't
be a second episode, particularly for somebody who's been involved in so many
head-on collisions.
People have returned to work following stokes before. But none of them were
professional football players.
And as much as the Patriots need Bruschi, his family needs him more.
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Bruschi faces toughest challenge
FARINELLA: Bruschi
episode a reality slap
Amazing, isn't it, how quickly the real world can intrude upon our enjoyment of
the fantasy realm of sports.
Just a couple of weeks ago, this region was basking in the glory of the New
England Patriots' third Super Bowl championship in four years. Coming on the
heels of the first World Series championship for the Boston Red Sox in 86 years,
it thrust these six states into a state of euphoria that wasn't likely to
dissipate any time soon.
Then, Wednesday evening, reality intruded in the rudest manner imaginable.
Most of you were probably watching the evening news when the stunning report of
Tedy Bruschi's hospitalization was first aired. Others among us were busy doing
our jobs, and didn't hear the report until later.
One way or another, you'd have to be a pretty cold-hearted individual not to
have felt a chill running up and down your spine as the reports of the severity
of Bruschi's illness steady escalated from `` headaches'' to `` stroke-like
symptoms'' to the eventual confirmation that indeed, the 31-year-old inside
linebacker and spiritual leader of the Patriots' defense had suffered what
doctors called a `` mild'' stroke.
Stroke. The word itself reeks of finality.
It speaks to a deep dread that exists within all of us of a sudden,
unanticipated and inescapable attack upon that which makes us human -- our
cognitive powers, our ability to speak, to talk, to walk, to interact with
others.
For those of us who have seen the horrible damage that a severe stroke can do,
those worst fears have already been realized. There was no sight more numbing,
more heartbreaking, than that of my father -- one of the most vital and
energetic individuals I will ever know -- laying motionless in a hospital bed,
robbed of the powers of speech and mobility by the last of the strokes that
would claim his life in less than a month's time.
But my father was 82 years old -- not 31 and in peak physical condition. There
was a sense of order about my father's illness, heartbreaking as it was, because
he had lived a long time and had accomplished all he could in life.
After having watched Tedy Bruschi run up and down football fields for the better
part of the past nine years, I'm willing to bet that there isn't one among us
who would suggest that he has achieved as much as he's ever going to achieve.
But now, his life has changed.
And in the months to come, he and his wife, Heidi, are going to have to
determine just how profound that change will be -- if, indeed, they are
fortunate enough to be able to make that decision and not have it made for them
by forces they can't control.
If this sounds alarmist, I don't mean it to be. But this is very serious stuff.
What happened Wednesday is just the tip of this particular iceberg, and no one
knows what the future holds.
I'm supposed to be an impartial journalist, I know. But I'd be lying if I said I
haven't enjoyed watching the progression of Tedy Bruschi from a 'tweener -- a
collegiate defensive end who was first slotted as a pass-rushing specialist with
the Patriots when he was drafted in the third round in 1996 -- to a Pro Bowl
inside linebacker and symbol of all that's good and honorable about your World
Champion New England Patriots.
From a professional standpoint, I enjoy watching players who overachieve and
turn that overachievement into the norm. I enjoy watching players who have no
fear, and are able to back up what they say with what they've already done on
the field. I enjoy watching leaders.
And I'd also be lying if I didn't admit that Bruschi's cooperative nature with
members of the media hasn't molded my opinion of him somewhat.
As Bill Parcells said a long time ago, `` he gets it.'' Bruschi has always
understood that a cordial and cooperative approach to the media is a benefit to
all parties concerned. He's had his good days and bad days, like any human
being, but because of the mutual respect that has developed among Bruschi and
members of the Patriots' press corps, reporters know when he needs some space
and they respect the boundaries.
And from a personal standpoint, I like the guy. I like the values that he and
his family bring to the team. I like the fact that he had the intelligence and
courage to recognize early in his career that he had to grow up and become a man
if he was going to become a role model on the field and at home.
Impartiality be damned. Of course I'd like to see No. 54 running onto the field
before ABC's cameras on Thursday, Sept. 7, at Gillette Stadium!
But there's a lot more to it than what I'd like, or what you'd like ... or even
what Tedy Bruschi might like.
He's fortunate that he's young and in excellent shape. Younger stroke victims
have better chances to resume their lives. A member of our newspaper's staff,
reporter Jamie Merolla, had a stroke a few years ago and is still going strong.
That's not to minimize the severity of even the mildest stroke, however.
`` There really is no good stroke,'' said Dr. Larry Brass, a professor of
neurology, epidemiology and public health at the Yale University School of
Medicine, in an interview with the Associated Press. What's more, most stroke
victims aren't NFL linebackers. They don't have to deal with the pounding, the
controlled violence and the constant pressure of high-intensity competition --
and do it with a body that has already betrayed them in a manner they never
could have imagined.
I would never, ever presume to counsel Tedy Bruschi in matters of such
importance. All I can try to do is imagine what I might be thinking if I was in
his position.
On one hand, there are the rings -- two already his, another to be presented
this summer, symbols of a career that has finally reached the heights for which
he hoped when he entered the NFL, `` not knowing anything,'' as he said. In a
perfect world, this would be the prime of his career with a team that's on top
of the world.
On the other hand is his family -- a loving wife and three beautiful children,
including a newborn. If you saw the video of Tedy frolicking on the Alltel
Stadium turf with sons Tedy Jr. and Rex in the hours before Super Bowl XXXIX,
you know that what that means to him.
Right now, no one knows what risks he faces -- not just in football, but in
everyday life. It was encouraging to see Bruschi able to walk out of
Massachusetts General on Friday, smiling and waving and apparently unimpaired,
but his journey has just begun.
Wherever it leads -- and that will be for him, his family and his doctors to
decide -- New Englanders will be there for him. He's earned that much from us.
The Sun Chronicle Newspaper
Images of Tedy
Bruschi
By: Kevin Rousseau
Crystal clear images are what come to mind when I think of number 54.
Images like hugging that first Lombardi trophy or sliding into the end zone for
a touchdown against the Dolphins last year to set off those now-patented snow
fireworks. Or how about when he held out the ball to the Colts bench during the
fourth quarter of this year’s divisional playoff game as if he to ask the Colts
just how hot they thought they were now?
But perhaps the reason that a lot of people in these parts have a pit in their
stomach isn’t so much those images but more the ones of Tedy Bruschi, the man
off the field. The Tedy Bruschi I am concerned about this morning is the one who
took a “below market” contract last offseason because he couldn’t bear the
thought of coming to Foxboro as an opposing player and seeing that “Full Tilt,
Full Time” sign down in the corner of the stadium or having fans wear his old
#54 Patriot jersey as a tribute to the ex-Patriot.
A lot of fans probably can’t get the image of Bruschi playing with his two sons
on the field just hours before the recent Super Bowl out of their minds. Or
about the anecdotal stories that they may hear about how great he is to the kids
who live in his neighborhood. The list goes on and I’m sure that you probably
have one you could add.
But the image that I just can’t get out of mind is of a recent picture that was
taken after the team arrived home with its recent Super Bowl crown. It was such
a powerful picture that I had it up on my computer for a week. It symbolizes, to
me, who I want my son’s heroes to be and why I am proud to say that I am a
follower of this group of men called the New England Patriots.
In the picture, a smiling Tedy Bruschi (when isn’t he smiling?) is sharing the
Vince Lombardi trophy with a thrilled, Downs Syndrome-afflicted child in a
wheelchair who, in turn, is amazed to see his reflection looking back at him
from the trophy.
No Ron Artest or Barry Bonds here, folks. Nope. What this picture symbolized was
that beyond being the greatest gang of football players that I have ever had the
pleasure of watching, Mr. Bruschi and his comrades are, above all else, good and
decent role models for our kids. You’ll never have to apologize for buying your
son or daughter a Bruschi or Brady jersey as you would if you plunked down your
dollars for one from Kobe or Bonds. Bruschi wasn’t the biggest guy or the most
talented guy out there but he sure did work tirelessly at it and was willing to
sacrifice anything and everything for the good of the entire team.
Next year’s Patriot team was going to look different for a number of reasons;
the biggest of which, of course, was the departure of Coordinators Weis and
Crennell. Now the team may be faced with not having its unquestioned leader on
the defense back roaming the middle of the field. How can this be? It isn’t
supposed to happen like this.
With this in mind, let’s state here what everybody is dancing around. The
chances of Tedy Bruschi playing another football game maybe slim. From what I
can gather, Tedy Bruschi may be susceptible to a recurrence and playing football
at such a high level could be a tall order for Bruschi. This reality has
certainly sobered me up and taken me off my post-Super Bowl high.
Of course, we’ve known this awful feeling before. The images of Tony C and
Reggie Lewis still haunt us to this day. And then there are those who are still
with us, like Norman Leveille and Darryl Stingley, both of whom had their
glorious potential tragically cut short. While not knowing what the coming days
and months will bring him, we can only hope and pray at this point that Bruschi
is not forced to join this team of fallen Boston sports heroes.
Despite the grim forecast, the good news is that we have not lost Tedy Bruschi,
the person, even if we may have indeed lost Tedy Bruschi, the football player.
If I had to pick between the two, it wouldn’t have to be a hard choice. And I
suspect it wouldn’t be hard for most of Patriots Nation either.
Especially for members of the Nation like that little guy who braved the cold
night a few weeks ago and now has the thrill of a lifetime that he will never
forget thanks to old number 54.
New
England Patriots Coverage - Images of Tedy Bruschi By: Kevin Rousseau
New England rooting
for Tedy Bruschi
Tedy Bruschi is a special human being. The gifts the New England Patriot
linebacker brings to a football game are the gifts that he also brings to daily
life: a boundless enthusiasm, generosity and sense of loyalty along with a
deeply competitive nature. Fans long have loved him and Bruschi has
reciprocated, stamping the Patriots' championship defense with his style of
reckless abandon and sealing his reputation with countless good deeds.
Bruschi is the player waiting the longest after practice to sign autographs, the
player most likely to spot the handicapped youngster at the back of the pack and
make sure he went away with "Tedy Bruschi" inked on his program or jersey, the
player most likely to throw himself into a worthwhile community campaign.
Bruschi cares, and it shows.
One of the film highlights of the recent Super Bowl triumph over Philadelphia
was captured a few hours before the game. It featured a joyous Bruschi, in
uniform, tumbling on the field with his two young sons as if he were romping
with his toddlers in a neighborhood park. It was Tedy Bruschi in character.
For years now, fans have had their own way of greeting Tedy, with a special
chant, playing on the raucous sound of his name.
Some of his peers criticized Bruschi for negotiating his own contract instead of
retaining a high-powered agent; they said he was leaving money on the table. But
Bruschi isn't about money; he's about who he is and what his values are and they
include being part of New England for years to come.
So it came as no surprise that when Bruschi suffered a stroke the other day,
millions of New Englanders looked to his medical bulletins as though he were a
member of the family. In a real sense, he is.
Pitcher Curt Schilling was in tune with the region's concern when he showed up
at Red Sox training camp wearing a Bruschi jersey with the familiar number 54.
Some day that number will be retired; it will have to be because there will
never be another Tedy Bruschi walking in the door down at Foxboro.
A stroke, even a minor one, is a serious matter. It may be weeks or months
before the effect on the brain and the nervous system can be measured.
Meanwhile, we can only keep pulling for Bruschi and his full recovery.
New
England rooting for Tedy Bruschi: 2/ 21/ 2005
Kraft: Bruschi's
family comes first
Canadian Press
2/23/2005
JERUSALEM (AP) - Ailing New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi's first
responsibility is to his family, team owner Robert Kraft said, refusing to
speculate about whether the stroke the linebacker suffered last week would end
his career.
Kraft, in Jerusalem on Wednesday to attend the reopening of a stadium he funded
for an Israeli flag football league, focused on the ailing Bruschi during a tour
of the Old City. Last week, the linebacker asked the team's owner to pray for
him.
Following up, Kraft said he tucked a piece of paper in the Western Wall, a
common practice at Judaism's holiest site. Moments later a man approached Kraft
and asked him if the paper prayer was for Bruschi.
"The nice thing is that people in Israel are following football in America,"
Kraft said.
Kraft, whose team has won three of the last four Super Bowls, stood beside the
Vince Lombardi trophy with the Old City behind him.
"This is the first time in the history of American football that the trophy has
ever been outside of America," Kraft said.
Kraft drew a parallel between his very American sport and the way Israel is run.
"You get three out of four Super Bowls by subjugating the ego for the good of
the whole," he said. "In Israel, this is in the fabric of the country, to create
a democracy that thrives against the odds."
Kraft's initial $120,000 US donation in 1999 helped pay for the Kraft Family
Stadium, a former soccer field that was converted into the home of the American
Football League in Israel (AFI).
This winter, he donated another $500,000 to pay for artificial turf and other
improvements to the stadium.
More than 1,000 men and women participate in AFI's youth and adult flag football
programs, founded by American expatriates living in Israel.
Bruschi's stroke
shows serious side of sports
By Bill Gouveia/ An Inside Look
Friday, February 25, 2005
I am a sports fan of the highest order. My moods, my outlook on life, my total
attitude tends to swing back and forth with the fortunes of the local
professional franchises. Remember, "fan" is derived from "fanatic".
Like so many fans, I love to debate the decisions of team managers and coaches,
their playing strategy, and their use of personnel. I enjoy evaluating talent,
discussing possible trades, talking about who should be signed to long-term
contracts and who should be cast aside on the dreaded waiver wire.
Sports are an escape from the real world, yet at the same time they ARE the real
world. Sports entertain us, engage us, enrage us, and divert us from the
problems of everyday life. When I am worrying about who the Red Sox fifth
starter will be, I am not worrying about some problem at work or at home.
But every once in a while, a situation occurs in the world of sports that
strikes home, that makes us realize what a serious business providing us with
entertainment and release really is. Such a story is the tale of New England
Patriot linebacker Tedy Bruschi.
Bruschi has spent nine years with the Patriots, gone to four Super Bowls and won
three world championships. At age 31, he has had a career more successful than
the vast majority of NFL players that have gone before him.
After winning the title again this year and playing in his first Pro Bowl (the
NFL equivalent of an all-star game for you non-fans) Bruschi was on top of the
world. Professionally, his star has never been brighter. After nine years of
toiling in virtual anonymity, he is finally being recognized as one of the best
in the game.
A fan favorite, Bruschi is one of those rare athletes to whom money is not
everything. He loves New England, and recently signed a four-year contract for
$2 million per year, far less than he could have gotten on the free agent
market. He wanted to be here, he loves the fans, and we love him.
Then suddenly his life changed last week. Bruschi suffered an apparent stroke,
was hospitalized in Boston, and came home two days later. While his football
future may be in doubt, it appears his long-term health should be okay.
And somewhat surprisingly, I discovered that was all I cared about. Although I
love Tedy Bruschi the football player, the hustling athlete who always gives 110
percent on the field, I found out I don't care if he ever plays again. I just
want him to be okay, and his family to have him around for a long time.
Athletes tend to come and go in professional sports. Their athletic life is
relatively short, and we learn not to cling too long or too hard to our
favorites. As much as we like them, it is their athletic performance that draws
our attention. With few exceptions, when that fades - so does our love and
attention.
But for me, Tedy is different. Or maybe now I'm different.
Now that I am older, and have raised kids of my own and experienced all that
goes with that, I have a different perspective. Years ago I might be worried
about the impact losing Tedy might have on the Patriot defense. Now, I find my
only worry is that Tedy be around for a long time with his wife and kids.
Don't get me wrong - I hope he can come back and play. That would be great, but
it suddenly doesn't seem all that important. What is important is that Tedy is a
good guy with a family, and I suddenly care more about him being around for
graduations and family weddings than football games and championship parades.
Tedy Bruschi has given us New England fans a tremendous amount of pleasure over
the years, and God willing he will continue to do so. But if he can never play
again, he needs to know that we real fans care more about him and his family
than we do about the game at which he is so damned good.
BostonHerald.com -
An open letter to
Tedy Bruschi
February 26, 2005
By: Chris Warner
Dear Mr. Bruschi,
Even though you and I have never met, I (along with millions of others) have
watched you morph from a college pass-rushing defensive lineman to one of the
best middle linebackers in the NFL - for our money, the best, no question. From
special teamer to starter, we’ve seen you play in four Super Bowls with that
ever-present, intense gleam, that mix of joy, tenacity, and respect for the game
that few players display so openly.
I’m taking the liberty of speaking on behalf of New England fans and telling you
that now, frankly, we’re worried. We wonder how a guy in the prime of his
athletic career can possibly suffer a stroke. Such thoughts lead to more selfish
ones as to whether or not we get to watch you play next season.
That’s what I’d like to talk to you about.
Nothing would warm our hearts more than if you came back this summer as strong
as ever, making the offense work, cheering on your defense, guiding any new
guys. In the same way Tom Brady has been the offensive leader during this
astounding Patriots run (and believe me, Tedy, for longtime fans, “astounding”
is downplaying it), you have been the head of the defense. We give credit to
Rodney Harrison for the past two years, and Ty Law for the years before this.
Mike Vrabel and Willie McGinest have been huge come playoff time. But when we
think Pats defense, you are the guy. You’re the keystone to this castle. With
Law and Romeo Crennel gone, your leadership will be needed more than ever.
Your fearless leadership on the field and your class off of it have made you a
New England icon on a team that isn’t supposed to have any. Helping bring three
Lombardi trophies to a team that had none will do that. The fact that you took a
pay cut in the process doesn’t hurt your status around the Northeast, either.
For this reason, and for four other reasons I’ll come back to, I’m going to put
my selfishness aside and ask you to do one thing: if your doctor advises against
playing any more, please follow his advice.
I’m not sure how much you know about Reggie Lewis, because he died before you
left Arizona and came up to these parts, but he was the face and the future of
the post Larry Bird Boston Celtics. A Northeastern grad and a great athlete, he
became a great scorer, an underrated defender. He had games when he could put
the ball in the bucket at will, popping a mid-range jumper (this was back when
NBA players could shoot a whole lot better) or slashing to the hoop.
During a game, he collapsed. His doctors told him not to play, that his heart
might not take it. He got a second opinion, the one he wanted, and then one day,
while he was just shooting around, he collapsed again and never got up.
We just don’t want anything like that to happen again.
But we know you’ll make the right decision. We can see how smart you are and the
care you take in your career evaluations, taking less money to provide stability
for your family and your team. With so much that seems wrong in sports these
days, you represent what is right.
Finally, I get to the four other reasons I spoke of earlier. As much as you’ve
done for the Patriots team, there’s your other team who needs you even more:
your lovely wife and three children. During the Super Bowl, the Fox network
played a video clip of you playing on the field with your two sons only hours
before kickoff. In that moment, Tedy, we caught a glimpse of your true wealth
that you seem to appreciate so well.
No matter what happens, we thank you, and - no matter what your decision - we
look forward to seeing you around.
AllSports' NFL News - An open letter to Tedy Bruschi
Sherlock: Please
Tedy, remember football is only a game
By Don Sherlock/ dsherloc@cnc.com
Thursday, March 3, 2005
First, I'm not a doctor.
Second, I'm not a psychologist.
Third, I'm not a family counselor.
Fourth, I never played football more advanced than eighth grade on the sandlots.
So why in the world would anyone listen to what I have to say about Tedy
Bruschi's football future?
Well, I've lived more than three score years; I have a family that I love; my
family has a history of strokes, and I've seen lots of football up close.
And I'm here to tell you Tedy Bruschi should hang up his cleats, enjoy looking
at his three sparkling Super Bowl rings, take whatever front office job the New
England Patriots want to give him, and lavish all the love he can muster on his
young, all-American family.
Tedy Bruschi is one of the good guys in sports today. How many times have you
seen him interviewed on TV after a game? How many times have you read his take
on a situation before a game? And how many times after a game have you read Tedy
Bruschi's quotes?
There's a reason he is the most quoted Pats' player, with the possible exception
of Tom Brady. He's accessible; he's smart; and he's personable. A perfect
combination for TV, radio, newspapers and magazines.
If you didn't know anything about Bruschi's family before the Super Bowl, there
was no escaping it Feb. 6. Camera crews caught him in street clothes,
backpedaling on the ALLTELL Stadium turf, laughing as he dodged his two young
boys while urging them on. Then he purposely fell down and they gleefully jumped
on him, defeating their All-Pro linebacker father.
The camera also caught his beautiful wife Heidi on the field celebrating with
him after the game.
All the tests are not in yet so there's nothing definitive that says Bruschi
should not play football again or that he'd risk recurrence or worse.
But anyone who saw him leave Mass. General Hospital a couple of days after
suffering blurred vision and numbness on the right side of his body, classic
signs of a stroke, did not recognize the same Tedy Bruschi they saw make a
diving interception of a Donovan McNabb pass in the fourth quarter of this
year's Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles.
He walked gingerly alongside his wife. If it wasn't apparent before then that he
should take his memories and enjoy the rest of his life, it certainly was after
watching his tenuous departure.
A 31 year-old bouncing back from football injuries is one thing. A 31 year-old
bouncing back from a stroke is quite another.
No one knows what the chances are of a recurrence. But what we do know is that a
young, intelligent, talented football player may run the risk of permanent
debilitating injury, if not death, if he decides to go back on the field and
into the brutal game of football.
There are no guarantees in life, nor is there a guarantee that he won't suffer a
worse stroke sitting behind a desk or out among people being a goodwill
ambassador for the New England Patriots or the National Football League or for
the American Stroke Association.
But it is a fact that football is a brutal game. It's a fact that concussions
are commonplace in the game. And Tedy Bruschi plays a brutal position in
football; linebacker. He has been at the top of that game for several years.
Playing football again is not worth the risk. It's just a game. Give that
dedication to your family and to the rest of your life, Tedy.
Fellow
Patriots on Tedy:
By Michael Felger/ Patriots Notebook
Thursday, March 3, 2005
Ty Law:
Tedy's upbeat
Count Law among those who think Tedy Bruschi [news] is gearing for a return to
football after suffering a stroke three weeks ago. Law got that impression
during a recent conversation with the Pats linebacker.
``Bruschi is doing just great, from the last time I talked to him,'' Law told
WEEI yesterday. ``I think he'll be back to being the old Tedy Bruschi. . . .
He's going to be back ready to go, I'm pretty sure of that. It was a scare, and
we all have a habit, the media and all, of blowing things out of proportion.
He's looking forward to playing - that's what I get out of him. If he felt he
couldn't come back and be the same guy - he wouldn't even talk about football.''
By Chris Shepard
Patriots Insider
Date: Mar 3, 2005
Jarvis Green
PI: This question might hit a bit closer to the heart. Tedy Bruschi was recently
released from the hospital, have you heard much about Tedy's condition?
Jarvis Green: I went to see him the day he got released from the hospital. I
went to see him and he sat down and talked to me and it was very emotional. His
health comes before the game of football. He's played for nine years. He has
three Superbowl rings, been there four times I mean what else..
PI: Interceptions too. He has played incredible.
Jarvis Green: Yeah he is incredible. But it is tough man. Him and his family
have to make it. They have three kids now and I mean it will be a tough
decision. But hey, everyone knows that football does not last forever but you
want to live as long as you can, you know.
Guarded optimism
While Tedy Bruschi [news] has been leaving his teammates with the distinct
impression that he will be returning to football, many Patriots realize it's
better to be cautiously optimistic regarding that aspect of his recovery.
``Would you expect anything different from Tedy? He's the ultimate high-spirits
guy,'' said Matt Chatham. ``But talking about playing football in (March) is a
lot different than actually going out and doing it. . . . I don't know if we're
really even thinking about football. (But) as an average citizen getting around
and being himself, he's doing great.''
Pats owner Robert Kraft has spoken to Bruschi a couple of times since his Feb.
16 stroke.
``He sounded great. He's feeling well. We hope his recovery continues along as
it has,'' Kraft said. ``His first responsibility is to his family. That's what
we're all looking for. Anything that happens after that is a bonus.''
BostonHerald.com - Patriots
Harrison said he had spoken to Bruschi.
"I'm not even thinking about the football part; I just want his family to enjoy
having Tedy as a husband and a father," Harrison said. "If we have him back on
the field, well that will be even better."
Bruschi
recovering from stroke
By Andy Hart/Patriots Football Weekly
March 9, 2005
For most of the last six seasons Tedy Bruschi has been the heart and soul of the
New England defense. He’s a key producer from his inside linebacker position on
a unit that has helped lead the team to three Super Bowl titles. He has earned a
reputation as an instinct-driven, fan-favorite playmaker. But the importance of
that on-field resume was put into perspective Feb. 16 when the father of three
was taken via ambulance from his North Attleborough, Mass., home to
Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after suffering the effects of a mild
stroke just three days after taking part in his first career Pro Bowl.
“After suffering from headaches earlier today, Tedy Bruschi was admitted to
Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston,” said a written statement released by
Patriots Executive Director of Media Relations Stacey James. “He is in good
condition and will be held for further evaluations. The Bruschi family
appreciates everyone’s concern, but requests that you respect their privacy at
this time.”
After undergoing two days of tests at the exclusive Phillips House building at
MGH, Bruschi was released. Citing an unnamed source, the Boston Globe reported
that Bruschi had suffered from a “leaking blood vessel in his brain,” one type
of stroke, and that “his football future was unknown.” Little new information
has been revealed about the 31-year-old linebacker’s condition as both the
organization and family remained tight-lipped about the matter, although the
team did shed some additional light on the situation in another release sent out
the day after he was admitted to MGH.
“On Wednesday morning, Tedy Bruschi suffered from headaches, blurred vision and
some temporary numbness while at his home,” the second printed release said. “He
was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was admitted and held for
evaluations. It has been determined that these symptoms were the results of a
mild stroke. Tedy is in good condition and, as always, his spirits are high. He
is walking and talking normally and stressed that he would like to thank
everyone for keeping him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. The
outpouring of support has been overwhelming and the Bruschi family is very
appreciative.”
Bruschi’s unexpected health battle comes as a surprise for a guy who’s amazed
onlookers, including Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick, with his dependable
durability despite his aggressive, all-out, sometimes-reckless style of play
over his nine year career. On top of his first Pro Bowl trip, Bruschi was also
named as a second-team All-Pro in 2004, a season in which he finished second on
the Super Bowl champs’ defense with 128 tackles while recording 3.5 sacks, three
interceptions and three forced fumbles.
While many of Bruschi’s teammates have honored the family’s request for privacy
in dealing with the medical matter, and the team has maintained its usual
silence in regards to all medical issues, the New England players have expressed
support for their defensive captain.
“Tedy’s still in our prayers, he’s doing a lot better and getting well each and
every day,” said Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin at the Feb. 28 premier of
New England’s Super Bowl XXXIX DVD at a Boston theater, noting how important
Bruschi is on and off the field in New England. “He was one of the first guys I
met when I got here. He extended his hand out to me and welcomed me with open
arms. Tragic things happen in everyday life and it’s unfortunate that it
happened, but we’re hoping for a speedy recovery and hopefully he can get back
out there playing.”
Fellow Patriots defensive captain Rodney Harrison reiterated Colvin’s thoughts,
while giving a positive report on a recent conversation with the guy who has
earned his reputation as the team’s “full tilt, full time” defensive leader.
“We’re always thinking about Tedy,” Harrison said. “I talked to him a couple of
days ago and he seemed like he was doing a lot better and he was in good spirits
giving me a hard time like he usually does. He’s in good spirits and that’s
what’s important, and that he’s healthy.”
But the continued uncertainty of Bruschi’s health, and questions regarding his
return to football have put a heightened need to add depth to an aging
linebacking corps that was already perceived as a top target area heading into
free agency and the draft. The release of veteran Roman Phifer just before the
start of free agency leaves Bruschi and fellow veteran Ted Johnson, 32, as the
team’s only proven, experienced considerations for the two inside linebacker
spots in the team’s base 3-4 front. But for now, that type of analysis is
secondary to the recovery of one of New England’s most popular and beloved
sports stars.
If there is one thing that came from Bruschi’s stroke, a health scare to the
seemingly indestructible leader of the Patriots defense, it was to show those
enjoying the high times in New England over the last four years how important it
is to cherish the good times because football, and life, can change in a matter
of seconds.
“It makes you think about it every day,” Ty Warren said. “I just wish the best
for him and his family. But he’s a strong guy. He’s going to pull through it
either way and he’ll do what’s right for him and his family.”
Only time will tell where that leaves the Patriots and Bruschi’s football
future. PFW
"Patriots Beat by
Tom Curran: Proceeding with caution on Pats' Bruschi
09:03 AM EST on Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Tedy Bruschi's situation is like the elephant in the middle of the room. It's
getting harder to ignore.
What has happened, when it happened and who it happened to have combined to make
this an incredibly delicate story to pursue.
Imagine, a 31-year-old husband and father of three sons -- one of whom is a
newborn -- suffers a stroke. It doesn't matter if this happens to Tedy Bruschi
or a friend of your third-cousin's tax guy. It still gives you pause.
Then factor in who Bruschi is -- the most visible player on the defense of the
three-time Super Bowl champion Patriots. One of the most introspective and
articulate athletes in the NFL. A self-made player whose style is predicated on
a willingness to sacrifice his body, but also a player whose intelligence and
intuitiveness are unmatched. A professional athlete who doesn't chase every
nickel and treats the fans like they spent hard-earned money to watch him play a
kid's game. A handsome guy with a thousand-watt smile who oozes sincerity every
time he opens his mouth.
Then add in when the stroke occurred. Three days after he returned from his
first Pro Bowl. Ten days after the Patriots won the Super Bowl when his
fourth-quarter interception was one of the game-sealing plays. Three weeks after
he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He had been one of the five most
visible players in America's most popular sport for more than a month before he
was stricken.
For two months, the question that's been dangling but left unasked is, "What
now?"
Inevitably, rumors have surfaced. Yesterday morning on AM-790 The Score, it was
suggested that Bruschi was going to have a procedure to repair a hole in his
heart. Last night on the NFL Network, defensive end Willie McGinest, when asked
about Bruschi, said, "I think he had a hole in his heart."
When called earlier in the day about the alleged heart defect, the Patriots
explained that they intend to make no comment without being contacted by Bruschi
and his wife, Heidi, and that they have not been contacted. Aside from McGinest,
who appeared to offer the information by mistake, other teammates of Bruschi
were in the dark.
So right now, Bruschi himself is the lone official source for his condition.
And, even though he initially planned to hold a press conference days, that's
been canceled and he's not interested in talking to a media that he felt was
invasive in its coverage both when he was hospitalized and when he was released.
Bruschi let it be known in no uncertain terms that the media best back off.
Generally, we have, and there have been good reasons for that. For one thing,
the cause and effects of strokes take time to figure out. For another, Bruschi
has been accommodating and his request for privacy deserves consideration. This
is a matter of public interest, not public safety, so it's not as if anyone can
allege there's a "right to know." And finally, who wants to be the one to
agitate a guy who just had a stroke?
But as rumors surface and the business of football -- the NFL Draft and free
agency -- presses forward, it's becoming harder to stay out of the minefield
that is Bruschi's situation and still say you are effectively doing your job as
a reporter.
For a month, the status and well-being of Tedy Bruschi the father, husband, role
model and human being, towered in importance over the status of Tedy Bruschi,
inside linebacker for the New England Patriots. And how Bruschi performs those
duties will always be more important than how well (or if) he'll be able to
knock people down on Sundays in the fall and winter.
A month ago it wasn't necessary or productive to ask how Bruschi was progressing
and whether he would play football again. And it didn't feel right, either.
A month later, it still may not feel right to ask. But it's getting harder not
to.
Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal | Patriots
Heart patients can
still take a hit -- Don't rule out return
By Michael O'Connor
Thursday, March 17, 2005 - Updated: 06:57 AM EST
Tedy Bruschi can still suit up for the Patriots [stats, news] even if he's both
a heart patient and a stroke victim, local heart specialists say.
According to a television report Wednesday night in Arizona, the Pats defensive
captain was scheduled to undergo a procedure this week to repair a hole in his
heart. There have been conflicting reports as to when and where such a procedure
would take place, though Bruschi was caught on camera by Ch. 7 in the back yard
of his North Attleboro home yesterday afternoon.
Pats spokesman Stacey James said again yesterday that he did not have any
information to offer on Bruschi's condition.
``As soon as the family has something to add, confirm, deny, or has a date of
expectation, we'll pass that along,'' he said.
If Bruschi does require heart surgery, it would not necessarily close the door
on his football career unless other complications develop, even in a
hard-contact sport.
Dr. Carey Kimmelsteil, a cardiologist at Tufts-New England Medical Center, said
such holes ``are in many cases tiny and can in fact be quite common,'' affecting
up to 25 percent of the population.
``In many cases they are just `potential' holes, or weakening in the walls of
the heart,'' Kimmelsteil added. ``They can be very common.''
In Bruschi's case, if surgery was recommended, a tiny wire would be inserted in
a thigh vein, guided by X-rays to the heart. Once arrived at the organ, surgeons
would use ultrasound guidance to assist them in finding and plugging the hole.
According to Dr. Charles Dow of New England Baptist Hospital and Beth Israel
Deaconess Medical Center, the alternative treatment would be a blood thinner
such as Coumadin, which allows for easier circulation.
But blood thinners also make clotting more difficult, which could endanger
anyone who plays sports.
``Obviously Tedy Bruschi [news] playing football, if he gets hit, there's a good
chance he could bleed,'' Dow said. ``It's very doubtful a contact athlete would
be put on Coumadin.''
The Patriots star was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital after suffering
what doctors determined was a mild stroke in mid-February. He had reportedly
complained of headaches and blurred vision at his home just three days after
playing in the Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
According to Dow, Bruschi may be dealing with a ``patent foramen ovale,'' the
most common hole defect.
``And these are much more frequently picked up later in life,'' he said, rather
than at birth.
The surgery, Dow said, ``is performed on young people all the time.''
Post-operative medicine includes simple aspirin.
``There is some related increased risk of minor bleeding, but it wouldn't
prevent him from playing,'' Dow said.
But it has yet to be determined conclusively if surgical repairs of such heart
defects reduce stroke risk, stressed Kimmelsteil, who estimated he has done
approximately 40 such procedures.
Tufts-NEMC and the cardiologist are currently involved in clinical trials
involving a half-dozen hospitals to determine the effectiveness of the
procedures.
Kimmelsteil performed the procedure on a rodeo performer - also involved in a
rugged, hard-contact profession - who has shown no ill effects since, the
surgeon said.
``Hopefully, we'll be able to alleviate the threat of stroke,'' Kimmelsteil
said.
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Heart patients can still take a hit -- Don't
rule out return
Hole may be clue
with Bruschi
By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff | March 17, 2005
When Tedy Bruschi suffered a mild stroke last month, the cause was a mystery --
at least publicly. But a teammate's assertion that the Patriots linebacker is
now being treated for a hole in his heart yielded an important clue into how a
pro athlete in the prime of life could have been felled by a stroke, doctors
said yesterday.
Fellow linebacker Willie McGinest, speaking Tuesday night on "Total Access" on
the NFL Network, said Bruschi had a hole in his heart. Tucson television station
KOLD also reported Tuesday that Bruschi has the defect and that he was expected
to undergo surgery.
Neither Bruschi's family nor the Patriots would provide details yesterday of his
medical condition. A spokeswoman for Massachusetts General Hospital, where
Bruschi was treated for the stroke, referred inquiries about the Pro Bowl
linebacker to the team.
But specialists in cardiology and neurology not involved with Bruschi's
treatment said that when young, fit patients suffer a stroke, one of the first
suspicions is that the patient has what's known as a patent foramen ovale -- a
tiny, oval-shaped hole between the two upper chambers of the heart. The
condition can be treated with minor surgery or blood-thinning drugs.
The specialists said the hole can allow small blood clots that would otherwise
be absorbed in the lungs to pass from one chamber of the heart to another and
then travel to the brain. There, clots that would be innocuous elsewhere in the
body can become wedged in narrow vessels, blocking blood flow to a portion of
the brain and causing a stroke.
"It's a very common explanation for why young people have strokes," said Dr.
David Thaler, director of the Tufts Comprehensive Stroke Center at Tufts-New
England Medical Center.
All developing fetuses have the hole, which allows blood to bypass the
still-forming lungs. Once the child is born, though, there's no longer any need
for the tiny tunnel and in most infants it closes by itself within a few months.
But medical studies have estimated that the hole -- measuring about a tenth of
an inch -- persists in up to one of every four adults, but typically with no or
few consequences. It does not prevent strenuous activity or even a career as an
athlete, and doctors said it's not practical to screen the general population
for the defect.
"On a physical exam, you'll never find it," said Dr. Carey Kimmelstiel, director
of interventional cardiology and clinical cardiology at Tufts-New England
Medical Center. "And why would you? It's not going to lead to a murmur, it's not
anything you're going to hear."
In fact, as far as specialists know, it only becomes a problem when a blood clot
succeeds in squeezing through the opening
Those clots could develop in the leg or in the heart or in other parts of the
body. They might form, for instance, during a lengthy plane flight, when blood
pools in the extremities.
Shortly before Bruschi developed classic symptoms of a stroke -- persistent
headaches, blurred vision, and numbness on his right side -- he had returned
from playing in the Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
"If you're sitting in an airplane from Hawaii to Boston, the blood is just
sitting there," Thaler said. "We make these little blood clots all the time, and
usually they're of no consequence."
Even though clots may travel from the leg into the right chambers of the heart,
those clots in most people are filtered out by the lungs before they can reach
the left half of the heart, which pumps blood back out into the body --
including the brain.
So, Kimmelstiel said, when a younger patient with no traditional risk factors --
high blood pressure, diabetes, history of head trauma -- suffers a stroke,
doctors begin looking for a hole in the heart that would allow a clot to skip
the lung-filtering step.
They find the opening in about half of stroke patients who otherwise have no
underlying condition predisposing them to the potentially lethal attack.
There's no definitive medical research showing how doctors should respond when
they find a hole in the heart of a stroke patient. Studies have offered varying
assessments of the likelihood of a second stroke: from less than 1 percent to as
high as 15 percent in the year after the first stroke.
The hole can be surgically closed, either by implanting a device to plug it or
by sewing it shut. Or doctors can prescribe blood-thinning drugs to discourage
the formation of clots. Right now, two studies are under way to assess the
merits of both approaches.
But this much is sure: Doctors almost certainly would opt to close the gap in
the heart of a professional athlete or any other patients whose professions
place them in substantial peril of regularly bleeding. Once the hole is closed,
there's no reason that the heart condition, doctors said, should preclude a
professional football player from returning to the field.
Instead, a return to play would depend on the extent of neurological damage
resulting from the stroke.
"If [Bruschi's] nervous system is functioning normally and the cause of his
event was thought to be patent foramen ovale and if that gets closed," Thaler
said, "then he should be able to return to a normal life, vigorous and violent
as he likes."
It is the sort of active life cherished by Stran Smith -- both before and after
his stroke. He was 32 and a professional rodeo cowboy when he suddenly lost the
ability to speak.
Diagnosis: a stroke.
"The first specialist said to me, `There's other things that you can do with
your life,' " Smith recalled yesterday during a telephone interview from
Houston, where he was preparing for a rodeo. "He said, `You'll live to an old
and happy age, but you can't do what you do.' And I live to do what I do, which
is the rodeo."
Later tests revealed the true culprit in Smith's stroke: a patent foramen ovale.
"Before all of this, nothing at all was wrong with me," Smith said. "It was hard
to understand. It was pretty amazing to me."
Ultimately, he wound up at Tufts-New England Medical Center to have the hole
fixed. That was two Mays ago, and these days, he's back roping calves.
Stephen Smith can be reached at stsmith@globe.com. © Copyright 2005 Globe
Newspaper Company.
Bruschi story proves
tough to tackle
By Bill Griffith | March 20, 2005
For nine years, Tedy Bruschi has gone out of his way to make reporters' jobs
easier. Not so the past month. Through no fault of his own, he's presented the
media with a story almost impossible to cover.
In fact, just trying to cover the story has become a story.
There have been many questions but few answers regarding the Patriot
linebacker's condition following his hospitalization with a mild stroke the week
after the Feb. 13 Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
The Channel 7 clip showing Bruschi outside his home last Wednesday showed how
far the station will go to advance the story, however slightly. In this case, it
showed that Bruschi was (1) in the Boston area and (2) not in the hospital.
Ed Kosowski, the station's news director, said he was surprised that more
outlets didn't look for similar shots, given the way the story had been advanced
by reports out of Arizona and quotes by Willie McGinest on The NFL Network that
Bruschi apparently had a hole in his heart.
"It can be a difficult story to cover," said Kosowski. "You want to respect the
Bruschis' privacy, but as long as we're not trespassing and ambushing him, I
feel it's appropriate to have people parked outside his home. Our people were
careful to stay on public property and didn't shout questions at the family.
"You have to realize that Tedy Bruschi is a public figure and as well-known as a
prominent politician. That means he can't have the expectation of complete
privacy."
"It's been a frustrating story to cover," said Channel 25 assistant news
director Paul McGonagle. "People are e-mailing us and stopping our crews out on
the street to ask, `What's the real story?' And we don't know. We're walking
that fine line between respecting the family's request for privacy and looking
for answers. But we're not getting answers from anyone."
The Patriots have made an art out of not talking about players' injuries, but
they aren't behind the silent treatment this time.
Patriots public relations director Stacey James said, "The only thing that's
been said to me is: Do what the Bruschis want. Help them all you can."
Right now, what the Bruschis obviously want is privacy.
The Bruschis were accommodating to the media Feb. 18 when they agreed to a
"photo opportunity" as the linebacker left Massachusetts General Hospital.
That wasn't enough for a group of stations that staked out his home, leaving
only when asked by the Patriots, and then only after each was assured the others
would leave, too. Both channels 7 and 25 tracked the Bruschis' SUV leaving the
hospital via helicopter, though not all the way home.
In most newsrooms, reporters cover one event, and then move to the next. In a
sports department, reporters cover many stories generated by the same teams and,
in most cases, try to keep the lines of communication open.
"Bruschi is a classic story, one of those that doesn't come along often," said
former Channel 7 sports producer Frank Shorr, who now teaches at the Sports
Institute at Boston University.
"As a producer or reporter, there are situations where you have to make a
decision to invade space. By and large, especially in this market, the lines are
very clear. So you get into situations where producers and reporters are being
pressured to do things that are good for the moment but in the long run may put
them in a position where they're risking their relationship with the athlete and
the team."
Said Channel 7's Kosowski, "You can put your sports team in an awkward position
in this type of story. Their relationship with sports figures and teams is more
intimate. They see these people daily. But, for the station, while you want to
respect a person's privacy, you also want to do your job."
Several factors ensure that the Bruschi story will have legs.
He's a key member of the Super Bowl champions.
He's extremely popular with fans, and even negotiated a contract extension with
a "hometown discount" that will likely keep him a Patriot for the rest of his
career.
He's dealing with an ailment that seems to be more common than many people
realize, prompting many to wonder, "Is this something that could strike someone
in my family?"
"Fans, even casual fans, identified with him as a family man when they saw him
playing with his kids on the field before the Super Bowl," said McGonagle.
"Then, when they saw that he lived in a modest house, people felt he was one of
them.
"New Englanders are a different breed. They love that kind of stuff. It shows in
the man-on-the-street interviews we've done. Instead of worrying about the
Patriots possibly losing a key player and hurting their chances for chasing
another championship, fans are saying, `Tedy, if you don't come back, we
understand.' That says a lot about the viewers and fans."
This much is certain: Bruschi will talk to the media again. On his terms. When
he reaches a comfort level, he'll say, "Let's do it." If not for the media, then
certainly for his fans.
Trouble is, Bruschi doesn't know when that day will come.
Which means this story isn't going to get any easier to cover.
He has nowhere to
hide: Ailing Bruschi not happy with `invasion' by media
By Kevin Mannix/ NFL Notes
Sunday, March 20, 2005
You're Tedy Bruschi [news] and you're upset, disappointed and more than a little
ticked off. And it has nothing to do with your physical condition and the
reported upcoming surgery you face to close the reported hole in your heart that
allegedly caused the ``mild stroke'' you suffered a month ago.
It has to do with the lack of respect for you and your family's privacy shown by
segments of the media in the immediate aftermath of your hospitalization.
You've been a playmaker with the Patriots [stats, news] since 1996 when you came
here as a third-round draft pick from Arizona. You've been to four Super Bowls
and you have three NFL championship rings. You had just returned from your first
Pro Bowl appearance when you suffered the stroke.
The words ``reported'' and ``allegedly'' are used because there has been nothing
official announced. You've put up a roadblock along this particular information
superhighway, a sign of your unhappiness with the media.
People can't understand why you won't allow the Patriots to release any
information about your medical condition/prognosis. You've always been one of
the most recognizable Patriots and one of the legitimate ``go-to'' guys in the
locker room. During the week and after practice, you've always been there in
front of your locker, answering any and all questions long after the rest of the
players have escaped.
That spirit of cooperation continued right up to the point when you left Mass.
General Hospital after suffering the stroke. You agreed to let the media know
when you were leaving the hospital so the cameras could get their quick shots.
But that's where things changed. Some members of the media went too far. You
found out on your way out of the hospital that three television crews had
already visited your home, even though they knew that you and your wife were in
Boston. Were they trying to get comments from your sons Tedy Jr. or Max, or get
a shot of infant Dante with a babysitter?
One television helicopter actually hovered above you as you drove home from the
hospital
In the words of the poet Popeye, ``That's all I can stand, and I can't stands no
more.''
You shut off the media totally. You blew off the ``press conference'' that had
been tentatively scheduled for the following week and haven't been heard from
since then.
You were seen one more time, when a Ch. 7 news crew played paparazzi and arrived
at your house unannounced and uninvited, filming you walking in your back yard.
Unfortunately that won't be the last time you'll have your privacy violated.
It's a regrettable part of the price you pay for stardom. You'd like to be left
alone, but your success on the field, the power of your personality and your
stature in the community won't allow that. One downside of gaining fame is the
loss of privacy.
Bruschi may sit out
'05 season
By Ron Borges, Globe Staff | March 23, 2005
KAPALUA, Hawaii -- For the first time since his rookie season, Patriots
linebacker Tedy Bruschi has retained the services of an agent to represent him,
and they are discussing the possibility of Bruschi sitting out the 2005 season
for health reasons, similar to the way Carolina linebacker Mark Fields sat out
2003 after being diagnosed with cancer.
As of yesterday morning, Boston-based agent Brad Blank was listed as Bruschi's
representative on the NFL Players Association website. A source with knowledge
of the union's operation said the NFLPA received a signed form from Bruschi
Monday designating Blank as his agent. For the past five years, Bruschi served
as his own agent in contract negotiations.
With three years remaining on his current contract, the defensive captain would
seem to have little need for representation unless he was contemplating
retirement, but Blank insisted no such decision had been made.
"I can relate to you only that Tedy is considering not playing next year," Blank
said. "Beyond that, I cannot comment on anything."
On Feb. 16, Bruschi was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital after having
a mild stroke. He was released a couple of days later, but reports from an
Arizona television station had him reentering Mass. General recently to have a
hole in his heart repaired.
Asked yesterday about Bruschi's medical condition, Blank said, "I'm not allowed
to comment on his medical status. All those comments come from the Bruschis."
Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who is here for the NFL owners meetings, also
declined comment, saying, "Tedy has made all the comments. I leave it at that."
A year ago, Bruschi negotiated an $8.3 million deal that paid him a $3.5 million
signing bonus and a $700,000 salary last season. He is scheduled to earn
$850,000 in 2005, $1.35 million in 2006, and $1.70 million in the final year.
If Bruschi retires, the deal would be voided, but if he sits out 2005, he could
be paid his full salary if the Patriots place him on the physically unable to
perform list. If they put him on the non-football-related injury list, they
would not be obligated to pay him his salary but still might choose to do so, as
the Panthers did with Fields in 2003.
If Bruschi retired before June 1, the Patriots would face a daunting salary cap
escalation of more than $2.6 million, the pro-rated portion of the signing
bonus, which could not be spread over the four-year length of a nonexistent
deal.
Sitting out a year may work in the best interest of all parties, because the
immediate salary cap hit would be avoided by the Patriots, while Bruschi would
have a year to regain his health and receive his $850,000 salary.
On a team that won its third Super Bowl in four years this past season, Bruschi
had 122 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 3 1/2 sacks. He
was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time. It was only three days after
playing the Pro Bowl that he was stricken with the stroke symptoms.
Boston.com / Sports / Football / Patriots / Bruschi may sit out '05 season
Tedy's agent to fill
in blanks
By Kevin Mannix
Thursday, March 24, 2005 - Updated: 07:09 AM EST
Tedy Bruschi obviously has some serious questions about his status with the
Patriots [stats, news]. That's why he hired an agent to represent him for the
first time since coming into the league as a rookie in 1996.
Prior to retaining the services of Brad Blank, the Pats linebacker had been his
own agent. He negotiated his own contract last year, a four-year deal worth $9.1
million, including a $3.5 million signing bonus and $1 million in incentives. He
also handled contract talks for his previous deal, a two-year agreement worth $3
million.
But his situation has changed. His current concerns go far beyond the language
in the standard player contract.
After suffering a mild stroke a month ago that threatens his career, Bruschi
needs to be advised of his legal rights.
``There are a number of questions that need to be answered,'' said Ralph
Cindrich, a prominent agent who was a linebacker with the Pats in 1972. ``I'm
sure Tedy doesn't have enough knowledge of the language in the Collective
Bargaining Agreement on his own to understand all the possibilities and
potential problems involved with his situation. An experienced lawyer like Brad
would. That's why having him as his representative makes sense.''
Blank will know the practical difference between a player being on the
``physically unable to perform list'' and being on the ``non-football injury
list.''
He'll also know how to negotiate a hard line if the Patriots decide to risk some
serious public relations fallout and not honor Bruschi's contract if he's not
able to play again.
Questions abound. Do the Patriots have to pay Bruschi his base pay in 2005 if he
can't play? If it's determined that the cause of his stroke was congenital, and
not because of anything that happened on the field, can the team demand a
portion of his signing bonus back? Can they withhold his salaries for the next
three seasons ($856,000 this year, $1.855 million in 2006 and $2.206 million in
2007) if his career is over?
And those are just the obvious ones.
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Tedy's agent to fill in blanks
Linebacker’s fans
hoping for the best
A Telegraph Column By Tom King
Published: Thursday, Mar. 24, 2005
It’s time for the issue of New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi to
become a lot clearer than it is now.
Whether that means his new agent, Brad Blank, or Bruschi himself should issue a
statement regarding his health and his football future, that’s up to them.
But something has to be said by somebody or all the rampant speculation will get
totally out of hand, if it hasn’t already. True, Blank took a step in published
reports Wednesday by saying that the popular player may sit out next season.
How secretive has this all been? Bruschi hasn’t even shared his health and
career questions with his biggest fans, including Nashua’s Randy “Zip” Pierce.
Pierce, who routinely keeps in touch with the linebacker, has yet to communicate
directly with him since his post-Pro Bowl stroke.
“I haven’t spoken to him,” said Pierce, the former Patriots Fan of the Year. “He
asked that people respect his privacy so I haven’t even corresponded by e-mail
with him.
“But I know there’s no doubt he wants to play. . . . If not, he would have
already retired.”
Pierce feels that Bruschi hired Blank to deal with a lot of the issues
surrounding his playing/contract status, and likely deal with the public as
well. Meanwhile, media helicopters fly over the player’s home. Players like
Willie McGinest speak for him in other interviews. Speculation can get out of
hand when the truth is hidden.
“(Blank’s hiring) certainly says that something’s going on,” Pierce said.
Pierce wouldn’t share anything with the media that Bruschi would have told him,
if that was ever the case. That, he says, is up to Bruschi. “He’s a pretty
private guy,” Pierce said.
Bruschi is usually in Arizona this time of year, Pierce said.
“So the fact that he’s here means he’s getting medical care,” Pierce said.
“That’s clear as a bell. . . . But if he had surgery, I believe I would have
heard about it. And I did not. . . . But for him still to be here, he has to be
having something done.”
It’s ironic, because for years Bruschi has become one of Pierce’s biggest
boosters in his own health struggles. Pierce is blind and confined to a
wheelchair because of problems with balance. He listened to the Super Bowl from
a hospital room. But lately, he’s been doing much, much better.
“The last month my health has been pretty solid,” he said.
Solid enough to field phone calls from media outlets all over. They started
phoning him when news first broke about Bruschi’s stroke and, while the calls
have tapered off, they’re still coming. Pierce says he spends about an hour a
day communicating with fellow fans and media about Bruschi’s condition.
Still, Pierce’s inside information is limited. He says although there’s a
special bond with Bruschi, they aren’t friends socially.
“I understand that,” he said. “I’m a Patriots fan in their prime time. I’m a fan
of Tedy’s. That’s it. I consider Tedy and I to be fan and player.”
So the speculation continues. Pierce continues to dig. He believes he will hear
from Bruschi when the time is right. He also believes the linebacker will play
again.
“I figure by the draft we’ll hear something real,” he said. “But I’ll tell you
this – If he shows up and starts that first game, whether it be this year or
next or whenever it is, that crowd, when they see Tedy Bruschi run out onto the
field, will be a fun thing to hear.”
It’s a day all Patriots fans hope for. Until we hear more from Bruschi or Blank,
that’s all they can do.
The Telegraph Online
Patriots' Tedy
Bruschi in first-pitch ceremony
By Associated Press
Monday, April 11, 2005 - Updated: 05:00 PM EST
BOSTON - New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi threw out a ceremonial
first pitch at the Boston Red Sox [stats, schedule]'s home opener on Monday
nearly eight weeks after suffering a mild stroke.
``I am feeling pretty good,'' he said in a statement issued by the Red Sox.
He walked with a slight limp from the left-field wall along with three others
who threw out first pitches - former Boston Celtics great Bill Russell, former
Boston Bruins star Bobby Orr and New England defensive end Richard Seymour. All
received a loud ovation as they walked to the mound.
``I have firsthand knowledge on why the fans of New England are the best in the
world,'' Bruschi said in a statement issued by the Red Sox. ``It's because of
all the support they've given me - all the letters, all the e-mails and all the
flowers that have been sent.
``I want to tell them the most sincere `thank you' because they've helped me get
to where I am today.''
Bruschi, wearing a white Red Sox jersey with manager Terry Francona's No. 47 on
the back, threw his pitch to Francona.
``This is an extreme honor for me because this is a historic day - the Red Sox
championship solidifying the championships of the Patriots, the Celtics and the
Bruins,'' Bruschi said.
Last Friday, Francona was released from Massachusetts General Hospital where he
had been taken for tests to determine the source of chest tightness. Red Sox
team physician Dr. Thomas Gill said the tightness probably was caused by ``a
recent viral illness.''
Bruschi suffered the stroke 10 days after the Patriots won their third Super
Bowl in four years and three days after playing in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii for
the first time. He's been working out at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro but there
has been no announcement of his prospects of playing next season or beyond.
Bruschi, 31, left Massachusetts General on Feb. 18, two days after his wife
Heidi, called 911, saying her husband was experiencing ``blurred vision,
numbness on the right side of his body.''
BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox: Patriots' Tedy Bruschi in first-pitch
ceremony
A Championship
Flavor at Fenway Park
Bryan Morry, Patriots Football Weekly
Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour joined legends Bobby Orr and Bill Russell in
throwing out the ceremonious first pitch Monday afternoon at Fenway Park as part
of the Red Sox opening day championship celebration. But just as thrilling were
the behind-the-scenes moments that included Tedy Bruschi's first public comments
since he suffered a stroke in mid-February.
BOSTON -- Someone once said that since we have two ears and one mouth we should
listen twice as much as we talk. Well when the legendary Bill Russell is
speaking about winning championships, the listening ratio increases beyond 2:1.
His Celtics teams won 11 NBA titles including eight in a row in the 1960s, but
his words on this day weren’t prepared for a speaking engagement as they might
have been back in the summer of 2002 when Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick
invited Russell to speak to his first defending championship Patriots team.
No, the setting Monday was completely informal. It was a small room inside
Fenway Park where Russell, donning a Celtics cap and his signature high-pitched
laugh, recalled some of the elements and players that made his teams great while
Patriots Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour, three-time champs themselves, soaked
it all in alongside another Boston sports legend, Bruins icon Bobby Orr, he of
two Stanley Cup titles.
The championship quartet was on hand on a brisk, sun-splashed afternoon to help
the Boston Red Sox celebrate their first home opener as defending World Series
champion since 1919. But a couple of hours before the four would emerge from
underneath the massive American Flag draped over the fabled Green Monster to
throw out the ceremonial first pitch preceding another Red Sox-Yankees duel,
they sat around a long wooden table eating cold cuts, sharing anecdotes, talking
about golf and about winning, laughing and tossing a baseball around in somewhat
nervous preparation for their on-field undertaking.
Actually, it was the smoothest and niftiest skater and stick handler of our
time, Orr, who battled the butterflies in what was surprisingly his first trip
to the Fenway mound to fire a baseball ceremoniously toward home plate. “My son
said, ‘Dad don’t embarrass us and don’t throw it underhand,’” Orr relayed.
The clutch Orr did neither when his 3 p.m. curtain call came, firing a strike
from the pristine infield grass in front of the mound. “I’m honored to have been
invited to take part today as really a highlight of my career,” Orr said. “I’m
thrilled, my children are thrilled and my friends are thrilled. They think it’s
the greatest as I do.”
The sellout Fenway Park crowd was treated to a glorious experience, especially
when the Sox went on to pound the Yankees, 8-1, but the magnitude of the pregame
events couldn’t have been lost on anyone in attendance and certainly wasn’t on
the two Patriots champions on hand.
“I feel like a little kid,” an upbeat, smiling Bruschi said from beneath the
left field seats in what marked his first public words since suffering a
mid-February stroke.
Speaking about neither his health nor football future, but rather his day at the
ballpark, Bruschi put the experience in perspective. “Bobby Orr, Bill Russell
and me and Richard? The Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox all together.
We’re all champions now. What the Red Sox did last year was historic and it sort
of solidified all the championships together and it seems like they’re coming in
bunches. Hopefully there can be more.
“It’s different than the previous two times [we were here],” he added. "We had
the whole team out there a couple times before and that was great, but this is
Boston history here … especially with Bill Russell and Bobby Orr and the guys
you’ve heard all the stories about and watched all the highlights of, and it’s
an honor to be next to them.”
“It’s fun, being a younger player, to be around some of the guys that won
championships and see what it took and the things that it takes to stay at that
level and to see the mindset they have,” Seymour said. “It’s an honor to be a
part of this city and everything the fans, the sportswriters and the players are
going through at this point. Growing up, I never thought I’d be in this
position. All I knew was that I was just putting in hard work.”
Seymour spent plenty of time with Russell throughout the day. As a slew of
former Red Sox greats including Yaz, Dewey, Rice, Lynn, Gedman, Oil Can, Lomborg,
Lee and so many more marched on to the field a few feet away, Seymour and
Russell engaged in a lengthy one-on-one conversation off to the side while
occasionally being interrupted for a picture by a stray fan or admiring United
States Marines decked out in full dress blues.
“He’s a great guy,” Seymour said of Russell. “You can see why he’s a champion.
He’s a guy with a lot of insight, a lot of wisdom, and I try to hang around guys
like that. I told him I’m trying to get his record and then he said, ‘which one?
Eight in a row or 11 in 13 years?’ I told him, “I’m three-for-four right now.
That’s not bad.”
Bruschi, who grew up a Celtics fan in Northern California, also was a willing
Russell listener. “[It was] spending time with him and picking his brain a
little bit and now we sort of have something we can relate to. We have three
[championships] and I think he had 11. I don’t know if we’ll get eight more but
at least we were able to put a couple more on there so we could sort of be in
his company a little bit.”
He was in that elite company Monday. It was championship company and a
championship party for all of New England. But the champs representing the Pats,
Celts and Bruins recognized that the day was about their latest championship
brethren, the 2004 Boston Red Sox.
“What this team has done is incredible,” Orr said. “Going back to last year to
the championship series, everyone said, ‘they’re gone,’ but they fought back and
showed a lot of character and they’re true champions.”
And Monday they celebrated their amazing accomplishment one final time. It was
truly a Championship Monday celebrated by and with legendary champions. Bruschi,
Seymour, Russell, Orr, and now the ring bearing Red Sox from 2004.
Official Website of the New England Patriots
White House Visit:
(A/P)
About 30 players attended, including quarterback Tom Brady and linebacker Tedy
Bruschi, who is recovering from a stroke suffered just after he played in the
Pro Bowl in February. Bush saluted Bruschi, saying, "I congratulate you on
showing such incredible courage on the field and off the field. There's a lot of
people that were praying for you, I know."
Washington Post/Mark Maske, NFL Insider
No Decision Yet for Bruschi
It appears that linebacker Tedy Bruschi won't make a decision about whether
he'll play next season for at least a few more weeks, and New England Patriots
officials are doing their best to support him without pressuring him. They
continue to refuse to discuss the matter publicly.
"Tedy has requested that any information about his situation come from him
personally or through his family, and we respect that," Patriots front-office
chief Scott Pioli said during an interview late last week. "Tedy's situation is
for him to handle, really, just out of respect to him."
Bruschi reportedly is considering sitting out the season as he recovers from
what the team called a mild stroke that he suffered in February, just after
helping the Patriots to their third Super Bowl title in four seasons and
participating in his first career Pro Bowl in Hawaii. He reportedly underwent
surgery for a hole in his heart that might have caused his stroke. It's unclear
if Bruschi would attempt to play in 2006 if he sits out next season.
He threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches for the Boston Red Sox' home
opener on Monday, and received a warm ovation from the crowd at Fenway Park. He
thanked fans for their support in a written statement released that day, but did
not discuss his football future with reporters.
The Patriots signed a linebacker, Monty Beisel, as a free agent last week,
bolstering the position in case Bruschi decides not to play next season. But
Pioli declined to call linebacker a position of need for the club.
"Last year, with our linebackers, we had a very good group of guys, particularly
on the outside," Pioli said. "We have some young guys, too."
It has been an offseason of significant roster retooling for the Patriots. They
released cornerback Ty Law and linebacker Roman Phifer, and declined to exercise
an option in the contract of wide receiver Troy Brown, making him a free agent.
But Pioli said the team is taking the same offseason approach that it always
takes.
"The priorities haven't changed," he said. "The priorities are to find ways to
make our team better and younger. Some teams are built to go for the best player
available. Some teams go strictly on needs. We try to combine the two. Any way
that we can find to make our team better, we'll do it. We're looking two or
three years down the road. We may be fine at a position right now, but you need
to take into account where you have players that are going to be free agents, if
you're getting old at certain positions."
NFL Opts for Only Two Games on Christmas (washingtonpost.com)
Feted by president,
Pats stars laud troops
By Andrew Miga
Thursday, April 14, 2005 - Updated: 07:08 AM EST
WASHINGTON - The Super Bowl champion New England Patriots [stats, news] -
including recovering Tedy Bruschi [news] - savored another White House victory
ceremony yesterday, but said the real heroes of the day were wounded soldiers
they met at local military hospitals.
``What a great story Tedy is,'' lineman Matt Light [news] said. ``To see Tedy in
the hospital with these guys who had strokes, who had these things happen - he
can relate to these things.''
Quarterback Tom Brady [news] said, ``He's the same old Tedy. Hopefully, we'll
see him back out there on the field.
Bruschi, whose career is in doubt after a stroke earlier this year, joined
Brady, Light and four other players who spent four hours visiting wounded
soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical
Center in nearby Bethesda, Md.
``It makes what we do seem so unimportant,'' said Brady, who led his team to
three Super Bowl titles. ``You see people whose arms are blown off, legs. It
puts everything in perspective. We try to go in there and express gratitude.''
``These guys are really our heroes,'' Light said. ``They should be everybody's
heroes.''
After their hospital visits, the team was honored by President Bush in the
sun-splashed Rose Garden for their third Super Bowl win in four seasons.
Pats owner Robert Kraft injected some humor in the ceremony, saying if his team
returns to the White House to celebrate another championship, he planned ``to
follow Senator Kennedy's advice and bring the cheerleaders.'' Sen. Edward M.
Kennedy (D-Mass.) reportedly had suggested the cheerleaders would be
well-received by the hospitalized soldiers.
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Feted by president, Pats stars laud troops
Bruschi preparing
for uncertainty
Pats LB hires Brad Blank to represent and counsel him
Patriots Pulse
By Bryan Morry/Patriots Football Weekly
Tedy Bruschi is safe at home with his family, which all would acknowledge is
most important after the Patriots star inside linebacker suffered what was
classified as a “mild stroke” in mid-February. But with the draft fast
approaching and the full-tilt, full-time fan favorite uncertain about his
football playing future, the Patriots have to prepare to find a replacement.
Bruschi hired Boston-based agent Brad Blank last month to represent him moving
forward in case some kind of settlement needs to be reached regarding Bruschi’s
salary and his financial and/or playing future.
Blank told the Boston Globe that while no decision has been finalized, Bruschi
is contemplating sitting out the 2005 season while he recovers from the stroke
and the reported surgery to repair a hole in his heart that apparently may have
contributed or even caused the stroke symptoms he felt a few days after
returning from his first Pro Bowl.
Bruschi has represented himself in all contract negotiations since entering the
league in 1996 and his decision to seek Blank’s counsel shows that he is putting
his ducks in a row in the event he walks away from the game either temporarily
or permanently.
It’s one thing to sit down and talk about money, but Bruschi’s financial
situation could change significantly if he doesn’t play, and Blank is now in
place because of his 25 years of experience as an agent and his knowledge of the
collective bargaining agreement along with other legal issues, such as worker’s
compensation. Bruschi, while negotiating his own contracts, did not need to have
a detailed knowledge of the CBA, but now needs to be clear on what he is
entitled to under the agreement.
If Bruschi decides to simply sit out the 2005 season because of his medical
condition, the Patriots have a couple of options in terms of his roster status.
The first is that he could be placed on the physically unable to perform list at
the start of training camp and then either left on PUP or moved to injured
reserve (IR) at some point. Either way, he would be guaranteed to receive his
scheduled $800,000 salary for 2005.
The second involves placing Bruschi on the non-football injury list (NFI) where
the team would not be required to pay him all or any of his 2005 salary.
It seems unlikely, although that’s pure speculation, that the Patriots would
withhold Bruschi’s pay given there was no known egregious behavior on the
player’s part that caused this medical condition. But Bruschi clearly felt he
needed legal representation to protect his rights and advise him about other
options or any litigation issues that might arise possibly independent of the
team.
This is no easy decision since replacing Bruschi would come at a cap cost and
the team could use the relief to improve the roster. But electing not to pay
Bruschi could be perceived as cold and callous in the court of public opinion
given what he’s accomplished and the rare loyalty he has shown.
The more likely scenario is that the Patriots place him on NFI and continue to
pay him despite the fact that the $800,000 would then count against the 2005
salary cap.
The Carolina Panthers did that in 2003 while linebacker Mark Fields was
recovering from cancer, and the Patriots actually paid running back Robert
Edwards bonus money it could have withheld back in 1999 after Edwards suffered a
horrific knee injury playing in an NFL-sanctioned beach flag football game
during Pro Bowl week in Hawaii. The team apparently took a sizable cap hit for
doing so.
The Patriots could also hire Bruschi in some other capacity within the
organization if his playing days are indeed over. But a front office job would
almost certainly pay Bruschi far less than his playing salary calls for. That’s
one of many issues for which Bruschi is likely to rely on Blank’s experience,
legal background and negotiating skills.
In any event, this latest development should push the Patriots to aggressively
pursue a replacement for their star middle linebacker, who may sit out 2005
before deciding on his long-term future.
Back in June, Bruschi signed a four-year contract extension that’s worth $8.1
million and included a $3.5 signing bonus. If Bruschi retires, the unamortized
signing bonus money would accelerate and count against this year’s cap, leaving
the Patriots with $2.63 million in dead money for the player. His cap charge for
2005, if healthy, would be in the $1.6 million to $2 million range.
He could wait until June 1 to make any decision regarding retirement, and that
would allow any cap acceleration to be spread out over two years leaving the
club with a $1.3 million hit in 2005 and again in 2006. PFW
New England Patriot
Tedy Bruschi chairs the sixth annual VHPC
Tedy Bruschi will ride alongside 400 cyclists for the sixth annual Volvo Hyannis
Port Challenge (VHPC) on May 21.
The VHPC is a world-class, cycling fundraiser that takes riders from the John F.
Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston to the Kennedy Compound on Cape Cod.
Celebrities and professional athletes join the ride's true stars - Best Buddies
participants and supporters from across the nation who work year round to
further the organization's mission to enhance the lives of people with
intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships
and integrated employment.
"I am honored to be a part of Best Buddies' Volvo Hyannis Port Challenge," said
Bruschi. "I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than to
participate in a great sporting event that brings people together to support an
organization so influential in the lives of people with intellectual
disabilities."
Riding for Rosemary
This year's VHPC is dedicated to Rosemary Kennedy, whose life prompted a global
movement advancing the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. The
eldest sister of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Senator
Edward M. Kennedy and Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Rosemary,
who died in January, inspired the creation of many important firsts in the field
of intellectual disabilities, including the President's Committee on Mental
Retardation.
Buddy Pairs, consisting of one rider with intellectual disabilities and a
non-disabled partner, will attend the VHPC representing everywhere from Maryland
to Ireland. The pairs will ride 90 miles on tandem bicycles to complete what
will be for many of them their first experience participating in an athletic
event of this magnitude and difficulty. Riders can rest and refuel at manned
stops in Hingham, Duxbury, Plymouth and Sandwich, Massachusetts. The event
culminates at President Kennedy's Hyannis Port home where a celebrity tandem
race is followed by a lobster clambake and private concert performed by
best-selling musical artist Ashanti.
Best Buddies International
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant,
international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than
1,000 middle school, high school and college campuses across the country and
internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50
United States. Furthermore, the organization has accredited international
programs on six continents; with additional country programs under active
development. Our six formal programs - Best Buddies Middle Schools, High
Schools, Colleges, Citizens, Jobs and e-Buddies - will positively impact more
than 250,000 individuals this year. Best Buddies also is systemically
implementing its 2010 initiative that will witness the organization's continued
growth, both domestically and overseas.
The Dolphin - News - 04/28/2005 - New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi chairs the
sixth annual VHPC
The interview
appeared in the newsletter of the NA Public Schools, TRUE NORTH
----------------------------------------------
NORTH’S #1 PATRIOT
TEDY BRUSCHI
Michael Cavallaro, a fifth grade student at the Martin School, recently had the
opportunity of a lifetime when he was granted an interview with New England
Patriots player, Tedy Bruschi. Mr. Bruschi, an 2004-2005 All-Pro middle
linebacker and North Attleboro resident, graciously gave of his time to thank
the community for their well wishes and answer some thoughtful questions of an
eleven year old.
M.C.: What’s your favorite memory as a child growing up in San Francisco, CA?
BRUSCHI: The city life, the ease of getting around on the bus and traveling
around as a city kid. I just liked experiencing the city and hanging out with my
buddies for the time that I was there until I moved at fourteen. I really
enjoyed fishing at Pier 39 and crabbing with my brother. We really liked to do
that.
M.C.: I noticed that you have a unique middle name, Lacap. Does it have any
special meaning?
BRUSCHI: It happens to be my mother’s maiden name. Her name was Juanita Lacap
before she married my dad. My sister, my brother and I all have the same middle
name. It’s sort of a way of showing respect to your mother’s family. That way
the Lacap name can live on.
M .C.: What’s your favorite pre-game meal?
BRUSCHI: A little filet mignon, a baked potato, broccoli and a glass of water.
That’s pretty much my pre-game meal. A lot of times we eat at the hotel, but I
don’t like to get really stuffed before a game. Sometimes I’ll add a little
pasta, but a home my wife Heidi makes our family meal of steak with potato or
rice and broccoli. It’s always broccoli, I don’t know why? It’s good .
M.C.: How do you get fired up before a game?
BRUSCHI: Some people listen to music, some people sort of bang around, I just
sit in front my locker. In my locker are pictures of my kids and my family and I
sort of look at them and draw my inspiration from them and I think about what I
have to do. Then I say to myself, “ O.K., Daddy has to go to work and then I go
take care of business.”
M .C.: Have you considered any other careers after football?
BRUSCHI: I am going to want to stay in football because that’s what I have been
involved with my entire life. I do football better than anything else that I
would probably do, whether it’s coaching or going into the media. Having
graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in communications, maybe
I will do some type of football commentating. I would really like to stay with
an organization that I can experience football.
M.C.: What do you hope your children learn from you and your wife?
BRUSCHI: In general, that the most important thing in life is your family. That
no matter, thick and thin, you can draw strength from them and no matter what
they do their parents are going to be behind them. We hope we do a good job
raising them to the point that when they do go out on their own, they can draw
from the love we’ve given them and realize that we will always be there for
them.
M .C.: I know you’re moving. Why did you choose to build in NA again? Is there
something about this community?
BRUSCHI: North Attleboro’s my town. It’s just my town. I’ve been here since 1996
and I’m a guy that doesn’t like change too much. If it’s somewhere I like and
somewhere I feel comfortable, why move somewhere else. You can sometimes think
there’s somewhere better but I am very happy where I am. The community is very
friendly and nice!! With my recent experience with my health and the wonderful
marquis at Martin School that said “We love you 54.” It made me feel so good. I
see it when I’m coming home. Why would I want to leave a town like this? It’s
just been great to my family and me.
M.C.: How are you feeling today? How did you explain what happened to you to
your children?
BRUSCHI: I’m feeling really good today, thanks for asking. I’m getting better.
As far as how I explained it to my children...T.J., my 4 year old, asked what
happened and I explained to him the best I could that Daddy got an “owwie” in
his head. That’s the best I could do to explain it to him right now.
Mr. Bruschi was quick to add that first and foremost he thanks everyone for the
well wishes and all the support during this time of recovery. He has found the
amount of concern by the citizens of North Attleboro to be incredible and it has
truly helped boost his spirits. Mr. Bruschi ‘s passion for the game, his family
and the community is a true testament to the man that sat down to talk with me!!
Thank you, Mr. Bruschi.
Bruschi tells kid
newsie he's sticking with pigskin
By Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa
Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - Updated: 03:02 PM EST
New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi has finally broken his post-stroke silence. And
who got the exclusive interview with the sidelined linebacker? If you guessed
ESPN or Sports Illustrated, you would be wrong.
The winner is: Michael Cavallaro, an 11-year-old fifth-grader at North
Attleboro's Martin School!
``Well, I pretty much just asked if I could interview him and he said, `Oh,
sure, why not,' '' Michael told the Track.
Although Bruschi didn't answer the money question - Will he play this season or
sit it out? - he did give the pint-sized sports scribe insights on how he's
doing since suffering a mild stroke Feb. 16. (Bruschi also reportedly had
surgery to repair a hole in his heart in March.)
``I'm feeling really good today, thanks for asking,'' Bruschi told Cavallaro.
``I'm getting better.''
The enterprising young scoop also asked if Bruschi has considered any
post-football career options and apparently, the Pro Bowler has been mulling
over the matter.
``I am going to want to stay in football because that's what I have been
involved with my entire life,'' Tedy told Michael. ``I do football better than
anything else. . . . whether it’s coaching or going into the media. Having
graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in communications, maybe
I will do some type of football commentating.''
Michael said he copped his big scoop for the True North school newsletter after
running into Bruschi at his dad's kitchen design studio in Plainville. Michael
Sr.'s M.C. Designs is redoing the linebacker's kitchen and while Bruchi's bride,
Heidi, picked out cabinets, young Michael seized the opportunity to chat up No.
54.
``He was probably bored,'' Michael told us. ``But I had brainstormed some
questions and he didn't seem like he was having too much trouble answering
them.''
Bruschi has refused all requests to discuss his health since being rushed to
Mass. General Hospital in February. (Although he did speak to patriots.com about
throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day at Fenway Park.)
But he told Michael he was really touched by the outpouring of support from his
hometown, especially a marquee outside the Martin School that read, ``We Love
You 54.''
``It made me feel so good. I see it when I'm coming home,'' he said. ``Why would
I want to leave a town like this? It's just been great to my family and me.''
Our spies at Gillette Stadium say Tedy has been coming in a couple of times a
week to work out, but the team hasn't been given any indication whether he'll be
cleared for training camp come July.
``Tedy will make the right decision for him and his family and we're just
waiting for him to make that decision,'' said team spokesguy Stacey James.
File under: Tedy Bared.
Pats' moves add
up: Shed light on Tedy's future
By Michael Felger
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Tedy Bruschi may have kept his silence regarding his football future, but the
maneuverings of the Patriots over the past month could be doing the talking
for him.
If actions speak louder than words, then it's clear the Pats have prepared
themselves for life without Bruschi in 2005.
Bill Belichick will tell you not to read anything into any one personnel
decision, but when you string a series of moves together as the Pats have at
inside linebacker recently, it's hard to come to any other conclusion.
The signings of free agents Monty Beisel and Chad Brown (whose deal has yet to
be officially announced) were not scrap-heap pickups. Both players are big,
versatile and experienced, prerequisites to playing inside in the 3-4.
Second-tier free agent Wesley Mallard was added for depth and special teams.
The Pats have also talked with free agent Anthony Simmons. And the drafting of
Ryan Claridge not only brought more depth, it was a noticeable departure for
Belichick, who avoided the inside linebacker position over his first five
Patriots drafts.
The Pats are also factoring in the release of fellow inside linebacker Roman
Phifer in February (even though Phifer's locker stall remains intact at
Gillette Stadium). But in signing Beisel and Brown, the Pats added
starting-quality linebackers, not rotational players.
Meanwhile, word is that Bruschi has been cleared by doctors to run, lift and
break a sweat. He's been at Gillette Stadium regularly for workouts. The fact
that Bruschi has received such clearance so soon after his mild stroke on Feb.
16 (not to mention a reported procedure to repair a hole in his heart in
March) is an excellent sign for his overall well-being. Sources say a return
to the NFL has not been categorically ruled out by Bruschi's doctors.
In other words, whether to attempt to play or not rests with Bruschi and his
family, and Bruschi is said to be taking all the time he needs to get to a
point (mentally and physically) where he can best make that decision. He
hasn't tipped his hand to anyone.
``If you look at what he's accomplished over the last nine years, if you look
at his career and what he's meant to this team, if he decided he didn't want
to play I don't think anyone would have anything but support for him,''
quarterback Tom Brady said. ``And the support would be there the other way,
too, because I know there are guys who would like to see him back.
``Tedy is the only person who knows what he's doing,'' Brady added. ``He and
his wife and family. But the bottom line is that he's got 100 percent support
from us whatever he does.''
Bruschi will have to reach a decision by the opening of training camp, July
27. That's when the Pats would include him on the 80-man roster or place him
on a pre-camp PUP or a non-football injury list. In all likelihood, his
decision will be reached before then. No one expects to see Bruschi on the
field when the Pats hold their mandatory minicamp June 10-12.
The Pats have covered themselves in the meantime. Beisel said he is already in
the process of putting on 5-10 pounds so he can get into the 245-pound range
and better stand up to guards as a first-down linebacker. He's been studying
the defense in the film rooms with veteran (and incumbent starter) Ted
Johnson.
As for Brown, there's no doubt the three-time Pro Bowler is coming to New
England to play, not ride the bench. He wouldn't have turned down offers in
New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Denver otherwise. It's a fair bet assurances have
been made. Steelers coach Bill Cowher said as much after Brown called to
notify him of his intentions to sign with the Pats.
``I very much understand the opportunity (Brown) has in New England,'' said
Cowher. ``With the uncertainty of Tedy Bruschi, I think they're looking at an
opportunity for him to go there and step into the lineup.''
DailyNewsTranscript.com - Sports Coverage: Pats' moves add up: Shed light on
Tedy's future
Peter King,
Monday Morning QB, Tuesday Edition
5/10/05
Mailbag:
KING, YOU ARE A MANAGEMENT LACKEY. From Terry Brown of Chicago: "Nothing gets
me crazier than your repeated endorsement of players taking less than they
deserve 'for the sake of the team.' What a load of nonsense! In fact, the Tedy
Bruschi story is exactly why they should fight for every dime. If that poor
guy can never play again, are you telling me he couldn't use the couple of
million more of signing bonus he could have received from a team willing to
pay fair value? Let us know the next time you waive a raise from SI so they
can use the money to retain other great writers and beat the pants off of
ESPN. What a joke!!''
Fair enough, Terry. But there are two things you're forgetting. One: Bruschi
wasn't a free agent last year. He would have been one this year. He did his
contract with the Patriots last summer, before the final year of his old deal
expired. So he actually earned a signing bonus before last season. Had he been
a free agent this year, he wouldn't have earned a dime from anyone until the
team verified he'd be healthy enough to play. So by signing the "undervalued''
contract last year, Bruschi actually made more money than if he'd gotten
stiffed this spring. Two: In baseball, contracts for, say, Yankees players
exist in a vacuum. What Gary Sheffield gets really has no bearing on Jaret
Wright's salary, because George Steinbrenner can afford it if he can stomach
the luxury tax. In football, what Tom Brady earns absolutely has a bearing on
what his teammates make. By Brady taking less than he could have, the Patriots
can build a better team. Do you not see that?
MORE PATRIOT FALLOUT. From Russell Levine of West Orange: "Peter, love your
writing and usually agree with your opinions. While I concur that Tom Brady is
in a perfect situation and may have been wise to sign the deal he did, I can't
say the same about Bruschi. If he can never play again, do you think some
small part of him might wish he'd taken the money that was out there in free
agency? I'm sure he'd say no, but if the stroke leaves him unable to play,
he'll be figuring out how to live the rest of his life on a contract that was
half as big as it could be. We love team-first guys who show they aren't just
about the money, but it doesn't mean it was necessarily the right decision.''
Russell, see my answer to the question above. And understand, too, that
Bruschi is a normal guy. I talked to him at the Super Bowl about it and he
knew that he was making a life choice by taking less to stay in an ideal
situation. It was tough to leave money on the table, but he knows he's
dependent on others to win.
SI.com - Writers - Peter King's MMQBTE: Browns' Winslow deserves pay cut after
accident - Tuesday May 10, 2005 4:20PM
Brown on verge
of return; Bruschi remains uncertain
12:41 PM EDT on Monday, May 23, 2005
BY TOM E. CURRAN
Journal Sports Writer
Troy Brown may be back with the Patriots as early as tomorrow. Tedy Bruschi
still doesn't know what he's going to do.
Bill Belichick, a commencement speaker yesterday at his alma mater, Wesleyan
University, indicated that Brown, the longtime wide receiver the Pats released
in February, would be back with the team.
Tomorrow, a passing camp begins at Gillette Stadium and Brown will likely be
there, according to team sources.
Meanwhile, Bruschi told WBZ-TV of Boston yesterday that he still doesn't know
if he'll play again.
Asked how he was doing, Bruschi, who suffered a stroke 10 days after the Super
Bowl, said, "How do I look? I'm doing fine, I'm doing great. That's the
question people want answered, 'What am I gonna do?' That's a big decision I'm
not going to rush to make. At this point, I'm trying to get my health back.
I'm feeling great. In the season, we take it one day at a time, and this is
how I'm taking this decision."
Bruschi confirmed that he's been at Gillette working out. When asked what his
conversations with Belichick have consisted of, Bruschi said, "It's about
football; it's about life."
"I'm going in (to the stadium), getting my health back in order, working out,
and that's my step right now -- just testing myself physically, seeing where I
am, seeing where I am tomorrow," he said.
Bruschi also said that sitting out this season and returning in 2006 was an
option.
Bruschi's agent, Brad Blank, said in March there was a possibility that
Bruschi would sit out the 2005 season and return in 2006. Bruschi, who had not
had an agent since his rookie season and negotiated his own contracts, hired
Blank after the stroke.
"That's one of the options. I have a lot of options," Bruschi said yesterday.
Bruschi is scheduled to earn $850,000 in 2005, $1.35 million in 2006 and $1.70
million in the final year of his contract. His deal would be voided if he
retires, but he could earn his full salary if the team elects to place him on
the physically unable to perform list.
The Patriots originally released Brown in a contract move. He renegotiated
during last offseason and his 2005 salary cap hit was slated to be massive.
Brown wasn't warm to the Patriots' contract offers for this season, so he
entered the open market. As it turned out, there was almost no interest in
Brown. Only the Saints and Panthers reportedly made efforts to speak with him.
Earlier this offseason, the chances of his return were deemed by sources to be
"remote." With the team signing free-agent wide receivers David Terrell and
Tim Dwight, it seemed that Brown's chances of coming back for a 14th year with
New England were even more dim.
Seen at a Celtics-Pacers playoff game early this month, Brown gave no
indication he would be back with the team, saying he was, "Just chillin'."
What prompted the Pats to bring him in from the cold is unclear. Perhaps it's
the fact that Dwight has been injury-prone the past two years and Terrell is
still a bit of a wild card after four somewhat tumultuous seasons in Chicago.
Brown saw his role with the offense diminish in 2004 as he caught just 17
balls. But the team put him to work in the secondary as a cornerback and he
acquitted himself pretty well as the season wore on.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal | Patriots
Inside the NFL:
Coming Back?
As he makes one more run in '05, the Steelers' Jerome Bettis hopes to see the
Pats' Tedy Bruschi across the line
By Peter King
It was the first play of the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game at
Heinz Field. The Patriots led the Steelers 31-17, but Pittsburgh had a
first-and-goal at the New England four-yard line. On three occasions earlier
in the game, Jerome Bettis, the fifth-leading rusher in NFL history, had met
Patriots linebacker and leader extraordinaire Tedy Bruschi mano a mano, with
Bruschi stopping Bettis after gains of just three, one and two yards.
Bettis, at 5'11" and 255 pounds, is the best jumbo back in NFL history;
Bruschi, at 6'1" and 245, is smallish for an inside linebacker. This time
Bettis, the centerpiece of the NFL's top-ranked rushing attack, tried to power
behind Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca, and you-know-who was there to meet
him. Bruschi stopped Bettis for a one-yard gain, and three plays later the
Steelers settled for a field goal. New England went on to win 41-27.
"What I recall about that day is that Tedy made some pretty big plays
throughout the game," Bettis said last Saturday from his Pittsburgh home.
"He's incredible. As much as you might say he's this or that, or he's too
small, he's the kind of guy who's always in the right place, who makes plays
that help his team win every game. Selfishly, I hope I get another chance to
compete against him this year."
Achy knees and all, Bettis, 33, will be back for a 13th and final NFL season.
He decided recently that he felt good enough to play this fall, as long as he
could split the rushing job with Duce Staley and not be relied on to carry the
ball 300 times (including the playoffs he had 294 rushing attempts last
season), and his decision was cemented when he didn't get a firm offer to work
as a TV analyst. That's where the glib Bettis hopes his future lies. But now
the question is, Will he get his wish and collide with Bruschi on Sept. 25
when the two teams meet in Pittsburgh for the third time in 11 months?
Bruschi suffered a mild stroke on Feb. 16, two days after a 13-hour flight
home from the Pro Bowl. Though they can't be sure, doctors think that
dehydration, brought on in part by the long flight, in addition to head trauma
from his job, may have played a part in the stroke. In March he also underwent
a procedure to close a hole in his heart. Bruschi, who turns 32 on June 9, has
said he is undecided about his football future and noted in a public
appearance on May 21 in Boston that he wasn't sure when he would make his
decision whether to play.
But those who saw him at that appearance were encouraged about how good and
football-fit he looked. "I'm feeling great," he told reporters. Bruschi's
primary neurologist has reportedly cleared him to play. Now, after he appeared
to be leaning toward retirement early in the off-season, Bruschi seems to be
thinking hard about playing again.
Though the Patriots stocked their roster in the off-season with veteran
free-agent linebackers Monty Beisel, Chad Brown and Wesly Mallard, they didn't
do it to push Bruschi into retirement, but as an insurance policy. Expect the
mystery to last until close to the start of New England's training camp, in
late July. Bruschi, who, following his stroke, hired an agent after previously
handling his own contract negotiations, is in no hurry to make his decision,
and the Patriots aren't pushing. Bruschi probably could have a job in the
team's front office if he decides to retire. And owner Bob Kraft has even
brought up the case of Panthers linebacker Mark Fields when discussing
Bruschi's situation. Fields was stricken with Hodgkin's disease in 2003,
missed the season while recovering, then earned Pro Bowl honors last fall. So
another possibility would have Bruschi recuperating this year with an eye
toward playing in 2006.
Peter King's
Far From Finished
06/06/05
Now for the biggest question: linebacker Tedy Bruschi. If he doesn't return,
the Patriots will sorely miss his leadership, though he likely will be working
with the organization in some capacity this year. His replacement could well
be Monty Beisel, the free-agent inside 'backer signed from Kansas City.
Beisel's no franchise player. But the Giants had a Beisel type a generation
ago named Gary Reasons. Not a famous guy, particularly when his peers were
Harry Carson, Carl Banks and Lawrence Taylor. But he was in the middle of 20
plays a game, fighting and clawing and being a factor. You need Beisels to
help you win in the NFL -- guys who might start some, guys who might be
special-teamers. Guys who win. If the Patriots are right on Beisel, he'll be
an asset with or without Bruschi on the team.
TEN THINGS I THINK I THINK
5. I think a little birdie called me a few days ago with some interesting
thoughts. I wrote last week that I thought Tedy Bruschi would be back with the
Patriots this year. Just a gut feeling. And the little birdie -- I stole that
from Myron Cope -- told me he thought it was a wise thing to write. "Tedy's
playing," the little birdie told me. "Mark it down." Well, OK. But in the
immortal words of Bill Parcells, I reserve the right to change my mind. I
think he's playing, but I'm not betting the mortgage on it.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cnnsi-farfromfinished&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns
Bruschi sits
this one out: LB has eye on future
By Michael Felger
Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - Updated: 02:00 AM EST
Tedy Bruschi may not be on the field this weekend when the Patriots [stats,
news] hold their only mandatory on-field camp of the offseason, but that
doesn't change the big picture.
The linebacker's status for 2005 remains very much up in the air.
Bruschi, who suffered a mild stroke Feb. 16 and reportedly underwent a
procedure to repair a hole in his heart in March, is not expected to take part
in the minicamp. While the veteran inside linebacker has been cleared by
doctors to work out at Gillette Stadium, Bruschi was not actively involved in
the recent full-squad passing camp, and that's not expected to change when
practices resume tomorrow in Foxboro.
However, sources say Bruschi's level of participation this weekend should not
be taken as a harbinger of his plans for this year. As Bruschi said two weeks
ago, he is taking his time with his decision. Nothing has to be officially
determined until training camp begins in late July, which is when the Pats
will have to include Bruschi on the 80-man roster or put him on a non-football
injury list or preseason physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Bruschi's condition is said to have steadily improved, and sources say that he
continues to weigh all of his options, including playing this year. Most
importantly, doctors have not categorically ruled out a return to football for
Bruschi, who turns 32 tomorrow.
Bruschi's agent, Brad Black, declined comment.
One thing is for certain: The Pats have covered themselves while Bruschi
contemplates his future. Whatever happens, they'll be well-stocked at inside
linebacker in 2005 - and this weekend will provide the media (the practices
are not open to the public) their first glimpse at the Pats' revamped lineup.
The marquee free agent signing came the second week of May, when the Pats
inked Chad Brown. The Pats outmaneuvered at least three teams to land the
three-time Pro Bowler, so Brown figures to play a prominent role in the
defense this year regardless of Bruschi's status.
Brown's signing came three weeks after the Pats made their initial move by
landing Monty Beisel. While Beisel was a situational player with Kansas City,
he has the frame to play at 250 pounds and start next to Ted Johnson [news] in
the 3-4. And at 26, Beisel projects as the future.
BostonHerald.com - N.E. Patriots: Bruschi sits this one out: LB has eye on future
Ask PFW: A
little bit of this and that
By Bryan Morry, Patriots Football Weekly Editor
Hey guys, you really help cheer me up in the offseason. Keep up the good
work!!! My first question is that I see we have 101 players listed on the team
is that a high amount compared to other teams at this time of year? My second
question is have you any new insight about Bruschi, especially since peter
king says he heard from a little bird that Bruschi is going to play? Bruschi’s
health is first but that aside I want to see him lead us to another
championship! GO PATS!!!
Alty
The Pats have 91 players listed on the roster as of Tuesday, June 7 and will
have to be down to 86 by training camp. The reason they can be over now is
that the draft picks have yet to sign contracts. As they do, some players will
have to be released. As far as Tedy, I don’t talk to any small birds, but I
have believed since speaking with Tedy in mid-April that he would play this
season. He said nothing that day at Fenway Park to indicate that he would or
wouldn’t play, but I just came away from that conversation thinking that if
you didn’t know he had a stroke, you wouldn’t have known. He seemed like the
same energetic Bruschi to me and knowing him as I think I do as a football
player, if he is cleared to play by doctors, then he will line up and strap
’em on.
Official Website of the New England Patriots
Thursday, June
09, 2005
Tedy Bruschi and New England's Defensive Woes.
The New England Patriots know that they have a problem and they know that it’s
big.
On February 16th, LB Tedy Bruschi, the closest thing the Pats have to a
superstar on the defensive side of the ball, had a mild stroke. About a month
later he had surgery to repair a hole in his heart. He’s also 32 years old.
Young for we non-NFL playing humans, but that’s Shady Acres for guys like
Bruschi who make their living on the field.
So Tedy’s options seem limited at best. Attempt to come back this season and
almost certainly be at less than optimum health -- guaranteeing a loss of his
starting job and a drastic slip in performance -- or sit out of football for a
year and try to come back in ‘06 at the age of 33.
In early May the Pats signed 34 year old LB Chad Brown away from the Seattle
Seahawks, hoping he can step in and take over for Bruschi. So let’s do a
little head to head and see how the two stack up.
Last season Bruschi played in and started 16 games, made 120 tackles (76 solo,
and ranked 2nd on the team), had 2 forced fumbles and 3 INTs on a team that
ranked 9th overall defensively.
Over the past 3 seasons Bruschi has missed 5 games. (all in ‘03).
In ‘05 Brown played in and started 7 games, had 37 tackles (26 solo, and
ranked 15th on the team), 1 forced fumble and 0 INTs on a team that ranked
26th in overall defense.
Over the past 3 seasons Brown has missed 19 games (8 in ‘03, 2 in ‘04, 9 in
‘05).
If Brown could have stayed healthy and on the field all season last year, he’d
still only have made about 84 tackles, which would have put him at 3rd on his
team.
Brown is older than Bruschi. Brown is less talented than Bruschi. Brown is far
less durable than Bruschi has been.
Brown is not going to step in and replace Bruschi.
If Brown can’t get the job done and gets pulled for a younger guy, who steps
in to pick up the slack? Will it be Monty Beisel who wasn’t even good enough
to stick around in KC where they finished last season ranked 31st overall
defensively and are in desperate need of quality players at every defensive
position?
The Pats desperation has led them to snatch every scrap LB they can find. They
currently have 15 bodies in the LB stock room and one of them is Bruschi. You
can bet that even head coach Bill Belichick isn’t quite sure where help is
coming from. He’s just signing the guys who will play cheap and crossing his
fingers.
Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is gone, moved on to a well deserved head
coaching job of his own in Cleveland. Will his replacement, former DB coach
Eric Mangini, match Crennel’s ability to teach and motivate?
I’m betting that things have worn a little too thin and the Pats are in for a serious drop off in defensive production. Don’t expect another title in ‘06. New England will be lucky to just make the playoffs.
The Post Game:The Best Damn Sports Blog ... Period
Brown ready to step in
BY MARK FARINELLA / SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
FOXBORO -- You'd figure that no matter what the future holds for Tedy Bruschi,
Chad Brown is going to get his share of playing time in the New England
Patriots' linebacking corps.
But Brown, one of the Patriots' newest additions, said he's learned from
personal observation that it's not yet time to count Bruschi out.
``You don't come to meetings and you don't lift weights if you're not going to
try to keep playing,'' Brown said Thursday at the start of the Patriots'
three-day minicamp. ``That's the most boring part of football. It's fun to
come out to practice and play and run around with the guys, but he's doing the
most difficult part, sitting in meetings, which is boring, and lifting weights
by himself, which is also tough. It's got to require some internal
motivation.''
Bruschi was one of three veteran Patriots not present for the start of
minicamp, the others being defensive tackle Richard Seymour (``unexcused,''
according to Patriots' coach Bill Belichick) and wide receiver Bethel Johnson
(undisclosed). Although Bruschi has received medical clearance to work out at
the stadium in the wake of the stroke he suffered in February, he still has
not received clearance to practice or play.
Brown, a 12-year veteran who signed a two-year, $4 million contract early last
month, said that just by listening to Bruschi in meetings, his own adaptation
to the Patriots' defensive system has gotten a big boost.
The Sun Chronicle NewspaperThe
Sun Chronicle Newspaper
Bruschi also absent
By JIMMY GOLEN, Associated Press writer
FOXBORO -- Richard Seymour wasn't the only recognizable face missing f
SuperDome
minutes before Super Bowl XXXVI. It was June 17th, 
Bowl.”
s
now, I’ve just been playing alone. I have really enjoyed listening to other
people play and working on some harmonies.” 
