Bruschi Sits out

[Pharos04]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2112630

frankly i think it's for the best, though we'll be losing probably the biggest heart on the team. but i wouldn't be surprised if he sticks around all season be like a player-coach type thing

BOSTON -- New England Patriots Tedy Bruschi will sit out this season because of a stroke he suffered 10 days after helping the Patriots win their third Super Bowl in four years.

"Tedy ... has declared his intentions to forgo the 2005 campaign," Patriots spokesman Stacey James said in a statement. "The Bruschi family wanted to express their heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous outpouring of support they have received from fans throughout New England and others around the country."

Bruschi, 32, suffered a mild stroke on Feb. 16, three days after playing in the Pro Bowl and 10 days after helping New England beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in the Super Bowl. James said Bruschi has made daily progress in his rehabilitation.

He has attended team meetings, helped new players learn the defense and worked out in the Patriots' weight room. But didn't practice during the team's June mini-camp.

Training camp begins July 28.

"All offseason, we have seen and felt Tedy's strong and upbeat presence," coach Bill Belichick said. "As usual, we will keep the focus on the short term and address the future in due course. We are pleased Tedy continues to be part of the team and he has our complete support."

Bruschi had said it was possible that he could sit out the 2005 season and return in 2006.

"Football to me, it's something I love and it's something I'll always want to do," the Patriots linebacker said last month at a party to pass out the latest Super Bowl rings. "But I've got to think about my wife and my sons and just make sure things are right."

Bruschi not only was a star player for the Patriots, but he was an inspirational leader on the team, an overachiever who was an example to the players around him. A 250-pound defensive lineman at Arizona who was converted to linebacker as a rookie in 1996, he was usually around the ball, making game-turning plays on a unit known for them.

Since the stroke, he been largely silent about his status and had not indicated whether he would return. But with training camp approaching, he was forced to make a decision.

"The organization has been so supportive for me," Bruschi said at the ring ceremony. "I'm not pressured with any timetable. My family and I are worried about my health and we're just making sure I'm getting better and that's the only thing we're focusing on right now."

Bruschi was scheduled to earn $850,000 this season, $1.35 million in 2006 and $1.7 million in the final year of his contract. That deal would be voided if he retires, but he could earn his full salary if the team puts him on the physically-unable-to-perform list.

Bruschi's agent, Brad Blank, told The Associated Press that he had no comment at this time on his client's decision.

It is rare for someone of Bruschi's age to have a stroke, but not unheard of, said Dr. Robert Adams of the American Stroke Association. It's even more unusual for someone in peak physical condition, such as a professional athlete, to suffer a stroke.

"Physical fitness and being physically active is certainly helpful to prevent heart disease and stroke," he said. "Unfortunately, it's not complete prevention."

[Brass]

Still gotta love someone that even after he has a stroke, still comes to training camp to help the new comers on the team, over someone who will remain nameless and doesn't come to camp because he wants more money.

[HatCityEnforcer]

Even though I'm nowhere near a Pats fan (my loyalties lie with the Jets and all), I'm gonna miss Bruschi being out there. I'll admit it, the guy grew on me a bit I'd take him on my team in a heartbeat...and that's saying a LOT for me to admit that of a player on a team that's considered the Jets archrivals...

Here's hoping he makes it all the way back and is out there in the LB corps soon.

[VitaminD]

Not only the biggest heart on the team, but The Guy who always made The Play at the right time. Like Robert Horry in shoulder pads.

I too am no Patriots fan (Super Bowl XXXIX crushed my midnight green and silver soul), but I loved watching him play. Most of all, I am glad that common sense prevailed, and he chose to do the smart thing by not playing. He'll be able to watch his kids grow up, leave his legacy intact - and be alive to enjoy it.

[PeytonManningRocks]

Although a Colts fan who has strong dislike for what Bruschi has done to us on the field, I certainly wish him the best and hope he comes back to football. Get well quick, Tedy!

[FiddySicks]

Total, respect for the Beer man. Way smart move. I know how it feels to not be able to do what you love but you gotta take care of yourself. I hope to see him back.

[Cujo]

I am not a Pats fan at all, but i totally feel for Teddy. As much as I'd not like to see it happen as a Jets fan, I truly hope he suits up for the Pats some day down the road when he gets back to full strength.

[KCScout76]

What a class guy - but that's says also a lot about the players/teammates who play for New England. As a coach, I admire players like that. What a great 'program' Bill B. has going there.

[Bleujayone]

Tedy Bruschi did what was best for his well being. He might be missed on the field but I think it would be worse if he came back early and something tragic happened.

He's already had a career that many people would gladly trade for. He's played in 4 Super Bowls and won 3 of them, he's forever part of the New England sports lore. He's known for being a hard worker, a team leader, and the heart of a champion even before he won. If he had to retire, there would be no shame in it and I have no doubt he'd have full support from everyone especially the fans. And as this board has shown even non-Patriots fans respect him. My favorite memory I have of him is the inteception he ran back for a touchdown in the snow versus Miami in 2003.

Tedy is still a young man at age 32. He has a very supportive wife, he has 3 young boys ages 4,3, and 6 months (the image of him wrestling around on the field the day of the Super Bowl with the two older ones forever sticks out in my mind). He has money and he'll be paid for this year too. My advice for the man would be this, he can work to rehab himself, be a part of the team in a mentor kind of way, and try to work safely to return if it's possible.

In the meantime, he might want to also make some business investments with his money, perhaps enrole in a few college courses, and maybe just enjoy getting to know his sons. In any event, most fans are understanding, if he can come back next year, great, but if he cannot, that's okay too

[NJTank]

He wont come back nobody has ever comebackl in prosports from a stroke.

[Brass]

I also love how some people on sports shows say they Patriots won't rebound from this. Didn't they say that when they let Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Drew Bledsoe, and various others walk? The Patriots by far have the best management, team, and coaching in the NFL, IMO.