Pats’ ‘perfect player’ Bruschi announces retirement
By Ian R. Rapoport | Monday, August 31, 2009 |
http://www.bostonherald.com | N.E. Patriots
Photo by Gretchen Ertl
FOXBORO - The Patriots said goodbye today to a man coach Bill Belichick called “the perfect player.”
Linebacker Tedy Bruschi announced his retirement after a decorated 13-year career during an emotional, heart-felt news conference at Gillette Stadium. With his wife Heidi watching from the front row, Bruschi thanked the organization, owner Robert Kraft, teammates, the fans and especially coach Bill Belichick.
Bruschi spoke of feeling like an extension of Belichick.
“I didn’t know how to win until Bill came here,” Bruschi said. “I hope everyone in New England realizes what they have.”
Bruschi said he always wanted his retirement announcement to be a celebration. With stellar play on the field, goals met, and a successful recovery from a stroke, today was.
“This would have been so much harder for me if there was more I wanted to accomplish,” Bruschi said. “I think of everything I wanted to achieve, and I have.”
As for being a Patriot his entire career, Bruschi said while fighting back tears, “That’s something I’m extremely proud of.”
Belichick displayed similar emotion, lauding Bruschi for his play and the way he lived his life.
“What you see in the media, that’s what we get every day,” Belichick said. “He always did the right thing. I’ve had the privilege of coaching a lot of great players and leaders in the NFL. I’ll just put Tedy up with there all of them. Above all of them.”
Following a star-studded career at Arizona, Bruschi was a third-round pick for the Patriots in 1996. All he did once arriving was earn three Super Bowl rings, one Pro Bowl appearance, and become the face of the franchise after playing 189 regular-season games.
A starter during most of 13-year career, Bruschi won a reputation as a play-maker for making 30.5 sacks. He has averaged 105 stops over the last six seasons.
Off the field, Bruschi became an inspiration.
In 2005, Bruschi suffered a stroke. Yet it only sidelined him for the first six games of the season, and his recovery is widely lauded by those in the NFL and outside it.
“Tedy embodies everything we want the Patriots brand to stand for,” owner Robert Kraft said. “He’s handled every stage of his career with great class. I’m mindful of the example he’s been for the young people who’ve been here. A true iconic legend.”
This season, Bruschi missed the first two weeks of camp and would likely have held a reserve role behind Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton. Mayo has said he’d love to follow Bruschi’s example with a long career with one team.
“I did my job for 13 years,” Bruschi said. “Now, my job is done. I’m looking forward to living the rest of my life.”
Article URL:
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?articleid=1194458*************************
Thanks for the terrific contribution as a Patriot.
A true warrior
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