New England Patriots linebacker Teddy Bruschi decided yesterday that 13 years in the NFL was enough by announcing his retirement. Bruschi was the leader of the Patriots defense that helped win the franchise three Super Bowls. He was the consummate professional who showed up to work everyday and did what was asked of him with no questions asked. Bruschi suffered a mild stroke in February 2005 and he made his return to the NFL eight months later but his football health has been declining the last few years and he missed most of this year's training camp. Patriots coach Bill Belichick referred to the linebacker as the "perfect player."
Bruschi is the epitome of a Belichick player, he was versatile, smart, displayed leadership, and was willing to do whatever it took to win. As important as Tom Brady is to the Patriots and their offense Bruschi was just as crucial to the defense putting the other linebackers and lineman in the correct positions to make plays. As a fan you have to respect Bruschi and the way he played the game, with little flash and all substance. He did played the game the right way and in the era of free agency he began and ended his career as a Patriot, which is very rare and speaks volumes about what the organization thought of him. I don't think Bruschi is a hall of famer but he definitely deserves to be discussed that way and he should have his number retired by Patriots.
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