Bruschi Retires

Tedy Bruschi retired from the Patriots today, ending a remarkable 13-year career.

Bruschi was drafted by the Patriots in 1996 out of the University of Arizona. He transformed himself from a pash rushing defensive lineman in college to a versatile linebacker in the NFL.

He was the rare football player to play his entire career with one team. Bruschi played for Bill Parcells ('96), Pete Carroll ('97-'99), and Bill Belichick ('00-'08). He was a member of five Super Bowl teams and played a key role on the championship teams of 2001, 2003, and 2004.

Bruschi represented what it means to be a "Patriot" under the watch of Belichick. Belichick called him the "perfect player" at today's press conference.

He played hard, he played hurt, he played to win. A popular sign at Gillette Stadium hung by Bruschi fans read "Full Tilt/Full Time." It was the perfect slogan to describe the style of Bruschi.

After winning Super Bowl XXXIX, Bruschi was named to his first Pro Bowl. On his way home from Hawaii, Bruschi suffered a stroke. Many believed it was the end of his career but Bruschi was back on the field in 2005. He continued to play at a high level and helped lead the Patriots to the AFC Championship Game in 2006 and an undefeated regular season and Super Bowl appearance in 2007.

Guys like Tedy Bruschi can never be replaced. He will never be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but like his former teammate Troy Brown, Bruschi's game was always about more than statistics. He was a true winner. The joy he brought to football fans in New England can not be quantified.