It Is What It Is
NEED TO KNOW
Follow WEEI.com football writer Christopher Price at twitter.com/cpriceNFL. In addition, get the latest WEEI.com updates at twitter.com/WEEI.
A WEEI.com Patriots Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
RSS

Bruschi will announce his retirement Monday

 08.30.09 at 10:11 pm ET
By
Patriots Camp Football

Tedy Bruschi is one of the most beloved players in franchise history. (AP)

WEEI.com has confirmed the news that Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi will announce his retirement at a 10:45 a.m. press conference Monday.

The news was first reported by Al Michaels at the start of the second half of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” broadcast of the Chicago-Denver preseason game. Shortly after Michaels’ broke the story, the Patriots issued a statement saying an “important player announcement” would take place at Gillette Stadium at 10:45 a.m. Monday.

One of the most beloved players in the history of the franchise, Bruschi was a third-round pick out of Arizona in 1996, and played the last 13 seasons for the Patriots. Over the course of his career, he was a part of nine playoff seasons, eight division championships, five conference titles and three Super Bowl titles.

The 36-year-old linebacker suffered a stroke 10 days after New England’s win in Super Bowl XXXIX. After a lengthy rehab, he returned to play in the final nine games of the 2005 season, and was named The AP Comeback Player of the Year.

However, Bruschi’s play had started to slip in recent years. He saw his playing time decrease significantly last season, and eventually ended up splitting snaps with young linebacker Gary Guyton at inside linebacker. This summer, his presence was a rare sight during training camp. With the continued emergence of young linebacker Jerod Mayo — and the Patriots going with Mayo in the middle of their 4-3 defense — he was clearly a man struggling to forge a new identity. He touched on some of the challenges he faced in an interview with reporters after a training camp session on Aug. 16.

Patriots Camp Football

Bruschi was a part of three Super Bowl title teams. (AP)

“I look at today. I look at today, and the challenge I faced today was to come back after a long layoff and sort of feeling like it was my first day again,” he said. “That’s the number one challenge in terms of getting back to playing football the way I want to play it, and also with myself and all the other linebackers in our room. It’s about establishing yourself as a member of this team that has a role on this team.”

Bruschi started his New England career as a special teams player and situational linebacker. He became a starter in 1999, a role he would have for most of the rest of his career. In all, he played in 189 regular-season games, more than any linebacker in the history of the franchise. A 2004 Pro Bowler, he also had a sack and an interception in that year’s Super Bowl win over the Eagles.

However, his value to the team went above and beyond numbers. He was respected by almost everyone in the Patriots’ locker room — he was one of a precious few players left on the roster who could trace his pro football lineage back to the cold showers and cramped locker rooms at Foxboro Stadium. And few players were more beloved by the fan base.

“A terrific football player, a great friend of mine, one of the hardest-working guys that I’ve ever been around,” said former teammate Rodney Harrison, currently an analyst for NBC Sports who sat in for part of the Sunday night telecast. “A tremendous leader in that locker room, a guy that was an integral part of that 2003-2004 Super Bowl run that we had.”

“Tedy’s meant so much to this organization, to this team, and really to the entire community,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of Bruschi in 2008. “If I were to open the dictionary to ‘football player’ and see Tedy Bruschi’s picture there, that would be fitting. He’s all about football.

“He’s a great leader, he’s a great worker, he’s very unselfish. There isn’t a player on our team, I don’t think, that doesn’t look up to Tedy Bruschi’s attitude, toughness and consistency as a football player. We’re really lucky to have Tedy on our team, and the comeback he’s made since the beginning of the calendar ‘05 year after the ‘04 season has truly been remarkable. He’s a special guy.”

Read More: retire, Tedy Bruschi, Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Andy

    I hope we all realize how lucky we have been for the last 13 seasons to have a guy like Teddy on our team. He was a core player for the patriots for so many years, and nobody was more passionate and dedicated to the game as he was. To come back from a major stroke to play professional football is unheard of and only shows the heart this guy has. Happy retirement, and thanks for the great years ted!!!!!

  • Mike

    As a die hard Pats fan I have say Tedy I will miss you. Watching you tear up and down the field all these years was an honor indeed. I and my family wish you the most blessed of days from this day forward. God knows you’ve earned it.

    Pats fan for life,

    Mike

  • james tweedie

    A moment please !!!!!!!! To all New England – Ted Bruschi retires today . Absolutely the End of an Era …….. He was the ” life and sole ” of all that is PATRIOT RED WHITE AND BLUE ( and silver now of course ) . He epitomized the ” Blue Collar Ethic ” here in our small corner of the globe ………….. Teddy , you will be missed by all . You were ” wicked Gooood ” !!!!!!!!!

  • Jerry

    Ted,

    I have two words for you. THANK YOU!

  • c.merch

    Number 54 should be retired immediately… The heart and soul of a defense that pretty much won the 2001 super bowl by itself. Full Tilt Full Time was the only way he knew how to play. We’ll miss ya Tedy!

  • Will

    All this praise is great, but if you’re going to praise him, please spell his name right! It’s Tedy! I agree that his number 54 should be retired immediately. Thanks for all you’ve done on and off the field. Tedy is truly someone to look up to.

  • beauli7

    Thanks for everything, Tedy!

  • http://www.spiele4.com spiele kostenlos

    Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you However I am experiencing issue with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  • http://www.superbaccessories.com/best-hidden-cameras-spy-watch-camera-c42.html spy watches for sale

    I admire the useful info you provide within your posts. I’ll bookmark your web site for sure. keep it up!!

  • http://skypefxtraders.blogspot.com/ Deanne Rauls

    Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your articles.

  • http://sigmakom.com/ Grover Drenner

    I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

  • http://www.bestvacuumreviews.co.uk Marivel Wentz

    I not to mention my guys came checking out the excellent thoughts from the blog then before long I got a terrible suspicion I had not thanked the web site owner for those strategies. The guys appeared to be for that reason stimulated to study all of them and have without a doubt been using those things. I appreciate you for simply being simply accommodating and for deciding upon this kind of brilliant subject areas most people are really wanting to understand about. My very own sincere regret for not saying thanks to you earlier.

  • http://sugar.crmformbuilder.com/forums/member.php?u=473 be naughty reveiws

    Absolutely adore your blog. The lord bless I discovered you. It seems that your Rss feed is not online, test it out.

  • http://privatejetchartersx.com/ private jet charters

    There are some attention-grabbing deadlines on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity however I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as properly

  • http://dietrine.myhealthstoreonline.info carb blocker

    Can One just say just what a relief to locate somebody that can tell what theyre discussing on the net. You discover how to bring an problem to light rendering it important. A lot more people have to understand this and see why side in the story. I cant believe you are not popular since you certainly hold the gift.

  • http://www.evoparts.ro/pages/Livrare.html magazin online piese auto dacia

    Useful information shared..Iam very happy to read this article..thanks for giving us nice info.Fantastic walk-through. I appreciate this post.

  • http://www.directsoccer.org/ mercurial cristiano ronaldo

    Spot on with this write-up, I really assume this website needs way more consideration. I’ll in all probability be once more to learn rather more, thanks for that info.

  • http://www.manantialwater.com.mx/ purificadoras

    This particular is definitely an great site you’ve going here. The difficulty is extremely beneficial along with immediately to the level. Thrilled to read simple things more details on your blog the next occasion.

  • http://www.superbaccessories.com/best-ipad-stand-ipad-floor-stand-c13.html iPad Floor Stand

    Great work suitable right here. I undoubtedly loved what you needed to say. Keep likely for the reason that you undoubtedly carry a new voice to this topic. Not lots of people would say what youve said and nevertheless allow it to be interesting. Correctly, at the very least Im interested. Cant wait to find out additional of this from you.

  • http://bestscales.org/ Best Scales

    I’ve often wondered about that.

  • http://www.katalog.rosse.pl/katalog,firm/porownanie,kredytow,hipotecznych,s,1377/ Santander oferta

    Spot on with this write-up, I actually assume this website needs rather more consideration. I’ll probably be again to learn much more, thanks for that info.

  • http://www.stumbleupon.com/to/A31Cea/satilamofa.com/2011/09/natural-healing/why-is-fatty-liver-homeopathy-cure-a-better-alternative/t:4eba5f7db4598;src:all homeopathic medicine for anxiety

    I just had to take a moment to thank you for sharing this with us. As a average citizen I’ve really appreciated the great insights and content obtained from visiting your blog. I hope you will continue to develop a intelligent community here as I will…

  • http://perfectradiancesite.com perfect radiance reviews

    I’m no longer positive the place you’re getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend some time finding out much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful information I used to be on the lookout for this info for my mission.

  • http://pacquiaoversusmarquez3live.blogspot.com pacquiao vs marquez

    I was very pleased to seek out this net-site.I wished to thanks on your time for this glorious read!! I positively enjoying every little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.

  • http://memori.ru/simport7/ facebook password hack

    There will be more and more traffic to this blog .Its very interesting spread the word.

  • http://www.jocuri.blog.zgs.ro/ Miquel Gralak

    Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

  • http://ipad3-release-date.blogspot.com/ Dagmar Harrey

    I realize this really is random, but who’s thrilled for the ipad 3 release date?! I know I am!

  • http://www.vtwin-hd.com/5007847 Best Harley Motorcycle Oil

    Not to change the subject, but I noticed that you do not have the Growmap Anti Spambot Plugin for WordPress. I would highly recommend installing that to stop bots from posting bogus comments on here. Just my two cents.

  • http://www.sportstvlivestreaming.com/pacquiao-vs-marquez-live-streaming/ pacquiao vs marquez live streaming

    This website is really a walk-by way of for the entire info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll undoubtedly discover it.

  • http://purasilkreview.net Pura Silk Reviews

    morago economics cetrnaesti housemartins halitosis chloroform blockage sultry gamore

  • http://www.amazonfires.com Corrie Dzuro

    I am experiencing a problem with your rss feed Dont know why I am not able to subscribe to it Is there anyone getting equivalent rss problem Anybody who knows kindly respond Thanks

  • http://berith.pl Humor

    Wooow man you are my master, i love your blog it’s the best on the world.

  • http://www.pornhub4u.com/vid_video_rodriguez_belen_21742.php Collen Gantner

    I love more this simple website http://mobile.pornhub4u.com, just the perfect videos from the web.

  • http://www.favorgolf.com golf equipment

    Brown and gray are also popular because it is easy to match them with different outfits.

  • http://homeincomecashmachine.net Home Income Cash Machine Scam

    Try the NEW Forever Fizz from Forever Living! african mango tablets StrongDietPills.org

  • http://kindle.ewoosh.com/ kindle vouchers

    Wonderful website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get comments from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Cheers!

  • http://blackhatrealm.com blackhat seo forum

    Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting equivalent rss drawback? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  • http://www.yapperz.com/rodrigoconwa24/blog/this-is-our-overview-of-the-h-miracle Antwan Bilbro

    I not to mention my friends have been looking at the great ideas found on your website then suddenly I had a horrible feeling I never thanked the blog owner for them. All the boys are actually joyful to learn them and now have sincerely been having fun with these things. Many thanks for indeed being really thoughtful and also for making a decision on variety of impressive information millions of individuals are really wanting to know about. My personal honest apologies for not expressing gratitude to sooner.

Latest on Twitter

2013 PATRIOTS DRAFT PICKS

2013 NFL DRAFT

Patriots Headlines
NFL Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify