Bruschi’s Remembrance: Inconceivable Comeback, Incredible Career

On February 16, 2005, Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke. Life resumption would have been sufficient. Football was an unchartered extravagance. Bruschi never separated the pair. He simply resumed his career.

On Monday, Bruschi retired. “The thought of playing professional football after experiencing a stroke. I mean, is that a statement you hear everyday?” he asked. “It's not. I was retired. I didn't think it was possible.”

According to Coach Bill Belichick, Bruschi epitomized work ethic. “We [Bill Parcells and Belichick] didn't really know what to do with him,” said Belichick. All along the way he heard, 'too small,' 'too slow,' 'too this,' 'too that,' and just kept getting better and better and working harder and outworking and outcompeting pretty much everybody that he faced.”

During his career, Bruschi recorded 1,065 tackles and 30 ½ sacks. He registered five one hundred-plus tackle seasons. He also registered twelve interceptions. “Tedy embodies everything we want the Patriot brand to stand for,” said Owner Robert Kraft. “Hard work, perseverance, overachievement, and selfless commitment to team first.”

Bruschi’s skill was evident. His statistics were impressive. Unfortunately, his remarkable resurrection supersedes each. Bruschi’s interceptions merit acclamation. His tackles merit praise. His return’s objective was not remembrance.