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2008

Bruschi back with Patriots

By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff | February 29, 2008

When assessing his football future in recent years, linebacker Tedy Bruschi has often said he likes to take inventory after each season. Then, after consulting with his loved ones, he'd make a final decision.

The inventory is complete. So, too, are the important discussions with his family.

And with that, Bruschi has decided he's ready to play some more football, agreeing to terms on a multiyear contract with the Patriots yesterday, according to a league source.

The decision gave the Patriots some positive momentum heading into the start of free agency early this morning. Bruschi would have been a free agent as his contract was set to expire.

Bruschi, who turns 35 in June, started every game for the Patriots in 2007. He led the team in tackles during the regular season (99), as well as solo tackles (69). One of his top performances came in the AFC Championship game against the Chargers when he tied for a team-high eight tackles, while diving to deflect a pass intended for tight end Antonio Gates at the goal line.

In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLII, Bruschi talked about how he planned to approach his future.

"I'm 34 years old and in my 12th year. After my season's over, how does my body feel? Do I still have the passion to play? I sit down with my wife and we discuss those things and we go from there," he said.

The 2008 season will mark Bruschi's 13th in the NFL, all of which have been with the Patriots. His fiery play on the field has earned him respect from teammates and foes, and his return from a stroke in 2005 has made him an inspirational presence to many off it. Teammates voted him a defensive captain last season.

From a football perspective, the 6-foot-1-inch, 247-pound Bruschi adds an important veteran presence to a linebacking corps that only has seven players under contract. Bruschi joins returning starters Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas, as well as backups Eric Alexander, Larry Izzo, T.J. Slaughter, and Pierre Woods.

In the Patriots' 3-4 alignment last season, Bruschi played both inside spots, starting the season on the weakside paired with Thomas. When Thomas shifted to the outside, Bruschi moved to the strongside to form a 1-2 punch with Junior Seau.

Although Bruschi's return is solidified, Seau's situation remains up in the air.

The 39-year-old Seau told the Associated Press yesterday he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left rotator cuff after the Super Bowl, noting he suffered the injury in the fourth game of the season.

A 12-time Pro Bowler and 18-year veteran, Seau has played the last two seasons for the Patriots. Asked about returning for a third, he said: "I know that it's a structure of what coach [Bill] Belichick and the Kraft family have to partake in, to put together a great team that can follow up what we did last year. That takes time. There really isn't anything on the table for me to look at except me getting healthy and being ready to go whenever anything that is a liking to me surfaces."

For now, Seau remains in San Diego, where he's a regular on the beach.

"I have a choice of playing or a choice of surfing," he said. "Those are great choices to have."

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.

Bruschi returning to Patriots - The Boston Globe

Courant.com
Bruschi Not Ready For Goodbyes
Linebacker Plans To Stick Around With Patriots

By DAVID HEUSCHKEL

Courant Staff Writer

February 29, 2008


The question was never whether Tedy Bruschi, who was set to be a free agent at midnight Thursday, would play for another team. It was whether he wanted to continue playing for the Patriots.

As Bruschi has said, winning another championship is more important to him than making money at this stage of his career. So he never intended to find out what other teams were willing to pay for his services.

Bruschi, who will turn 35 in June, has decided to keep growing older with the Patriots by agreeing to a multiyear contract, a source said Thursday night. The terms were not available.

Bruschi has continued to play at a high level as an inside linebacker. He has led the team in tackles the past two seasons.

In 2007, Bruschi had 99 tackles (69 solo) in 16 regular season games in 2007 and 23 tackles in three playoff games.

Bruschi wasn't even the oldest linebacker on the team last season. Junior Seau, 39, isn't sure he will return after having arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder after the Super Bowl.

"I have a choice of playing or a choice of surfing. Those are great choices to have," Seau told The Associated Press Thursday from his home in Oceanside, Calif.

The Patriots have other issues regarding personnel as the free agency period begins today. The priority is to re-sign wide receiver Randy Moss and find a replacement for cornerback Asante Samuel, another free agent who is expected to test the market.

The thinking is Moss, 31, will return because he wants to stay and Samuel, 27, will leave because he is seeking a long-term contract the Patriots can't afford.

Some believe the Patriots' decision to not put the franchise tag on Moss was a sign the sides have agreed to a deal that could be announced today. But if that's not the case, there is no guarantee Moss will catch a pass from Tom Brady in 2008.

After catching 23 touchdown passes to set an NFL single-season record, Moss could be the primary target of another team willing to pay huge dollars.

That's the route many expect Samuel to do take. He is unquestionably the top free agent cornerback and looking to cash in on the last two seasons, in which he had a combined 16 interceptions. So the Patriots may look at ways to replace him. Brandon Meriweather, the team's top draft pick last year, could step into that role.

The Patriots will probably lose two cornerbacks. Randall Gay, like Samuel, is an unrestricted free agent who might sign with another team after the Patriots offered much less than his asking price.

Veteran cornerback Ty Law, released by the Patriots three years ago, spoke of returning after being cut by the Chiefs this week. But he is 34 and probably more suited to a reserve role.

The Patriots don't have as much salary cap space to work with as last offseason, when they went on a spending spree. Their free agent signings included linebacker Adalius Thomas, tight end Kyle Brady and running back Sammy Morris right away, and later added wide receivers Kelley Washington and Donte Stallworth. Wes Welker and Moss were acquired in trades.

Washington has re-signed, the Boston Globe and Boston Herald reported on their websites early this morning. Terms were not disclosed.

After releasing linebacker Rosevelt Colvin this week, the Patriots are projected to be $12 million to $15 million under the 2008 salary cap of $116 million heading into the free agency period. Assuming they re-sign Moss, some of that cap space will decrease. But the team, as it has in the past, could ask some of its highest-paid players, including Brady, to restructure their contracts to get more cap flexibility.

Bruschi Not Ready For Goodbyes -- Courant.com

MONDAY MARCH 3, 2008 Last modified: Friday, February 29, 2008 11:53 PM EST
Tedy Bruschi has decided to put off retirement for at least one more year.

Bruschi, Paxton stay put

BY MARK FARINELLA / SUN CHRONICLE STAFF

FOXBORO - Some free-agency goals are easier to fulfill than others.

For instance, the Patriots found it much easier on the first day of free agency to come to terms with fan-favorite, linebacker Tedy Bruschi, and their long-time long-snapper than it was to get their best wide receiver under contract.

Lonie Paxton, who is more famous for the snow angels he created on the Foxboro Stadium turf after the "Snow Bowl" victory in 2001 than for anything he has done on the field, has agreed to a one-year contract to take him out of the unrestricted free agent rolls.

Terms of the deal were not announced.

According to published reports, Paxton drew some interest from at least two other NFL teams. But his agent, Paul Sheehy, said the eight-year veteran from Sacramento State has a goal of being able complete his career with the team that originally signed him.

"He is so emotionally entrenched in the Boston community and the Patriots organization that it would have taken a contract of epic proportions from a team that has a chance to compete in the postseason every year for Lonie leave at this time," Sheehy told the Boston Globe. "Ultimately, Lonie is exactly where he wanted to be when this process started."

As of midday Friday, there had been no indications that the Patriots and Randy Moss are prepared to announce an agreement despite widespread rumors that the record-setting wide receiver was virtually assured of returning to the team.

Cornerback Asante Samuel wasted no time in finding a new home, agreeing to a six-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, reportedly worth up to $57 million.

Other moves have yet to be announced by the team, but are reportedly finished.

Bruschi has accepted what's been termed a "multi-year" pact that will ensure that the 35-year-old veteran will have played for only the Patriots in his career. Bruschi started all 16 regular-season games and all three playoff contests last year, and led the Patriots in total tackles (99) and solo hits (69) in the regular season (99).

There has been no further word on his fellow inside linebacker, Junior Seau, who told the Associated Press earlier in the week that he underwent shoulder surgery a few days after Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants.

The Patriots have also reportedly reached an agreement with wide receiver Kelley Washington to return for a lower salary than he made with the team last year. Terms of that agreement have not been announced. Washington did not catch a pass last year after having been signed as a free agent following four years with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he became a special-teams standout.

With the decision to let Donté Stallworth depart, and other possible moves among the receiving corps, Washington could receive more of a chance to prove himself in the passing game next year.

The Patriots are allowing backup defensive tackle Rashad Moore, a restricted free agent, to depart without offering him a tender. They also gave veteran safety Eugene Wilson their blessings to depart, while apparently retaining the services of linebacker and special-teams captain Larry Izzo.

The team also released tight end Kyle Brady. Brady, a 13-year veteran, caught nine passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns last season after being signed last March.

There has been no reported movement in the cases of unrestricted free agent receivers Troy Brown and Jabar Gaffney, safety Mel Mitchell and cornerback Chad Scott. Cornerback Randall Gay has a visit scheduled for the weekend with New Orleans.

The Patriots also reportedly tendered contracts to four exclusive-rights free agents, linebackers Eric Alexander and Pierre Woods, offensive tackle Wesley Britt and safety Ray Ventrone, assuring their return for the 2008 season.

The Sun Chronicle Online - Sports

Tedy Bruschi follow-up
 Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff March 3, 2008 11:54 AM

Following up on the contract agreement between the Patriots and LB Tedy Bruschi:

Bruschi inked a two-year deal, and received a $1.2 million signing bonus. His base salary for 2008 is $1 million.

Bruschi's base salary increases to $1.9 million in 2009.

There are workout bonuses in each year.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/03/tedy_bruschi_fo.html

New blood coming to linebacker corps?
By Douglas Flynn
GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE
Posted Mar 08, 2008 @ 11:44 PM
FOXBORO —

Tedy Bruschi signed, Rosevelt Colvin was let go, Junior Seau’s status is in limbo; will the team will break tradition and draft a linebacker early.

It’s the age-old question facing the Patriots. Is their aging linebacking corps just too old?

The Pats’ top five linebackers last year boasted a combined 58 years in the league and averaged 33 years of age.

The Pats played up the benefits of that experience during the season.

“Any time you get older players that have a lot of knowledge about the game, that experience is going to pay off,” said defensive coordinator Dean Pees the week before the Super Bowl. “You might want them to be faster, but a lot of times that knowledge overcomes any lack of speed or decline in speed. I love coaching these guys. It’s like coaching coaches.”

Still, it wasn’t shocking when one of those five — outside backer Rosevelt Colvin — ended up on injured reserve with a foot injury suffered in late November.

Bruschi stays

Without Colvin, Adalius Thomas moved outside and 39-year-old Junior Seau and 34-year-old Tedy Bruschi were forced into full-time duty inside. While both provided leadership on and off the field and continued to come up with some clutch plays, neither was well-suited to that kind of workload at this stage of their careers.

“You don’t really compensate,” said Bruschi. “You still go out there just to try to perform the best that you can. As you get older, experience absolutely comes into factor. Yes, I was maybe faster or quicker when I was younger. I’m not 24 anymore. I mean that was 10 years ago. But did I know as much then? So is it an advantage or a disadvantage?

The Pats will keep their emotional leader around a little longer, as Bruschi put off retirement and signed two-year deal with a $1.2 million signing bonus and base salaries of $1 million in 2008 and $1.9 million in 2009.

Seau, who underwent shoulder surgery after the season, hasn’t committed to come back yet, but he’s certainly left open the possibility.

“I’ve always loved the game,” Seau said before the Super Bowl. “I love it as much now as I did in my rookie year. I couldn’t love it any more than I do. I believe I was born to be a football player and I’m going to hold onto it until the day comes where I can’t anymore.”

Colvin let go

The Patriots did cut Colvin, however, as he was as much a casualty of the cap system — he was due to count $7.6 million against the cap next year — as the lingering effects of his season-ending foot injury.

That helps give New England some needed cap space to start injecting some new blood in the linebacker corps. There’s still plenty of experience with Mike Vrabel, Thomas and special teams captain Larry Izzo back, but there’s also opportunities for third-year man Pierre Woods on the outside and fourth-year vet Eric Alexander inside to take on bigger roles.

Vrabel is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, having led the Pats with a career-high 12.5 sacks. But he failed to bring down the quarterback in seven of the eight games after Colvin went down, and will need another pass rusher on the other side to emerge to help keep offenses from keying on him too much.

Thomas could fill that role. He started his first season in New England playing inside, but moved outside to replace Colvin and seemed more comfortable out there, culminating in his best game as a Patriot in the Super Bowl.

Where Thomas lines up next fall will likely be determined in the coming weeks, as New England finishes its free-agent shopping and makes its draft selections. If they go for help inside, Thomas will likely remain as an outside backer. But his ability to man an inside slot could also allow the Pats to target better value with additions on the outside.

That versatility is a trademark of anyone who plays linebacker in a Bill Belichick defensive scheme.

Shopping for help

Not surprisingly, New England has been in the market for even more veteran help at the position. The Pats brought in Zach Thomas for a meeting after he was released by the Dolphins, but he opted to sign with Dallas instead.

They could also take a run at recently released Takeo Spikes, another former star who might just have enough left in the tank to make a significant contribution along the lines of other Patriots additions like Seau and safety Rodney Harrison.

But even if they hit paydirt again with a veteran like Spikes, the Pats have to get some young blood into the organization at the position. That’s why they also met with restricted free agent Adam Seward this week. He drew interest from New England in the 2005 draft, but was plucked by Carolina in the fifth round.

He’s been limited to mostly special teams action with the Panthers, but could be a better fit in New England 3-4 base than Carolina’s 4-3 system. He has the size at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds and is just 25, and since the Panthers tendered him at the lowest level, signing Seward would cost the Pats just a fifth-round pick in compensation.

That, interestingly, is the highest round New England has ever chosen a linebacker in the draft under Belichick, as Seward’s UNLV teammate Ryan Claridge was picked in the fifth round in 2005.

Drafting up a plan

The Pats might finally have to take a linebacker on the first day of the draft this year, and there are plenty of solid candidates to choose from. They’d love to land Virginia’s Chris Long (son of Howie), but he likely won’t be available when they pick at No. 7 and could actually go first overall.

If they do use their first round pick on a linebacker, Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston would be the top candidate. A defensive end for the Buckeyes, the 6-3, 266-pounder projects as a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the pros and could be a longterm replacement for Colvin.

If the Pats address another need with their top pick, they still have a second rounder and two thirds to go after a linebacker. Penn State’s Dan Connor, Maryland’s Erin Henderson, Oklahoma’s Curtis Lofton, Miami’s Tavares Gooden, Tennessee’s Jerod Mayo, Georgia Tech’s Philip Wheeler and Vanderbilt’s Jonathan Goff, who is soaring up the charts after finishing second in the bench press and fifth in the 40 among linebackers at the combine, are possibilities at inside linebacker, with Jeremy Leman of Illinois a sleeper for the later rounds as he was unable to run at the combine following ankle surgery.

There’s no shortage of potential help at the position for the Patriots. Now they just need to go out and get it, or these questions about their linebacking corps will really get old.

http://www.patriotledger.com/sports/x147850057

News and Notes:

--New England-area stroke survivors were invited to the visitors' locker room at Gillette Stadium to meet Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, himself a survivor of a stroke. Bruschi joined the group as they posed for photos, which will be used by the American Stroke Association as part of what they're calling "a large-scale stroke awareness campaign." Bruschi and his new friends also filmed a public service announcement to help this important cause.

 LB Tedy Bruschi, also took some time this offseason to help a cause that’s important to him – surviving a stroke.

A number of New England residents who survived strokes were invited to Gillette Stadium’s visitors’ locker room recently to meet Bruschi, himself a stroke survivor.

There, they also posed for photos with Bruschi, which will be used by the American Stroke Association as part of what they’re calling “a large-scale stroke awareness campaign.” Bruschi and his new group of friends also filmed a public service announcement for the campaign.

PAPA GINO’S HONORS 26 NE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES ‘FEED YOUR TEAM’ WINNERS

Papa Gino’s and 18 high schools throughout New England honored their “Feed Your Team” winners with a luncheon with New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi Saturday, March 1, at Gillette Stadium. The event, hosted by Papa Gino’s, honored outstanding student-athletes in Papa Gino’s communities for feeding their teams, schools and communities. Each student-athlete received a photo with Bruschi and spent some quality time with the linebacker. In addition to dining with Bruschi, students were able to ask Bruschi questions about his achievements both on and off the field.

The winning “Feed Your Team” athletes honored include Plymouth North High School’s Kevin Broderick. Congratulations Kevin!

“Papa Gino’s was thrilled to collaborate with New England high school athletic directors and provide them with an opportunity to recognize their student-athletes that perform in the classroom, community, as well as on the field,” said Michael McManama, senior vice president of brand development for Papa Gino’s. “We are pleased to have Tedy Bruschi as our spokesperson for the way he ‘feeds’ his team and community and the example he sets for all student-athletes. We thank Tedy for taking time out of his schedule to meet these deserving students and answer their questions.”

Around town: Happy Easter - Plymouth, MA - Wicked Local Plymouth

Pats' Bruschi lobbies for stroke awareness funds

BOSTON -- Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is joining stroke survivors to push for more spending on stroke awareness programs.

Bruschi visited the Massachusetts Statehouse on Tuesday to meet with Gov. Deval Patrick and legislative leaders. Bruschi recalled waking up with a headache just 10 days after the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2005. He said he didn't realize he was having a stroke and went back to sleep. When he woke up later, he was rushed to a hospital. He said the key to his recovery, and the ability to save the lives of others, is to be able to quickly realize the symptoms of a stroke and get immediate care. -- AP

http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/552944.html

Northeastern Athletics: Teaming up with Tedy
By: Amara Grautski
Posted: 3/31/08

Last Marathon Monday, Katie Jerdee was on the 49th floor of the John Hancock Tower gazing down at the crowded finish line.

This year, Jerdee will run the Boston Marathon for Tedy's Team, a charity founded by the New England Patriots' Tedy Bruschi. Bruschi suffered a stroke in February 2005 and set up the organization that raises money for stroke research and awareness. Jerdee, a middler on the club women's soccer team, found inspiration after suffering a stroke last year, during a routine run to practice.

"I was running with the team and I immediately veered off to my right [and] grabbed a stop sign," Jerdee said.

Concerned teammates got the attention of a nearby security guard from Simmons College, who called an ambulance. Jerdee was rushed to Brigham and Women's Hospital.

"In the first half hour I was fully conscious," she said, but her capacities diminished shortly after. "I couldn't remember what year it was, or my birthday or anything."

The next day, Jerdee awoke around 9 a.m. to find she couldn't move her right hand.

"I asked the doctor, 'Am I ever going to use it?' and he said he didn't know," she said

Although seemingly healthy, tests concluded that Jerdee had suffered a stroke that affected her cerebellum and caused temporary paralysis on the right side of her body. She spent the next few months at the Spalding Rehabilitation Center near Massachusetts General Hospital, undergoing occupational, physical and speech therapy, but Jerdee said she considers herself lucky.

"My brother had cancer and my mom had cancer, so they know how to deal with stuff really well … and were all supportive in what I chose to do," she said.

Jerdee said her family helped her maintain a positive outlook.

"Whenever I felt the least bit discouraged, they were there to be like, 'What are you doing? Get going!'" she said.

While recovering, Jerdee read "Never Give Up," by Bruschi, who wrote the book after suffering a stroke in 2005. Although Bruschi's circumstances were different then her own, Jerdee found herself identifying with the NFL star.

"It was different than talking to my friends, family or doctor, because he actually went through it and I can definitely relate to everything," she said.

After reading the book, an inspired Jerdee said she realized she didn't just want to get well, she wanted to get better. She began working with the American Heart Association and applied to run the Boston Marathon for Tedy's Team - a large leap for someone who has never run a marathon and had just re-learned how to do simple daily tasks like walk and write.

Tedy's Team was created because Bruschi felt compelled to raise stroke awareness and also give back to the community, said Zachary Blackburn, the senior director for the organization.

"We had an existing marathon program and Tedy said, 'You know, this sounds really great. I'd like to be a part of this,'" Blackburn said.

Jerdee got in contact with Bruschi through the organization. The two exchanged stories and quickly formed a bond. While most of the runners on Tedy's Team admire Bruschi, Bruschi admires Jerdee, Blackburn said.

"I think everybody on the team does look up to Tedy as a hero and as a figure for the organization and the cause," Blackburn said. "The great thing about him is he looks at Katie [Jerdee] as a hero. They play off each other."

Together Jerdee and Bruschi decided to launch a warning signs campaign, which will help educate the public about stroke symptoms, like dizziness, slurred speech, facial changes and arm numbness.

Jerdee said these advertisements and public service announcements from Bruschi and herself began earlier this week.

"I would say, because I'm running for Tedy's Team and I'm doing all these ads, it's definitely a way to inspire people and show that things can be done after bad things happen," she said.

Since Jerdee's stroke, she said her outlook on life has changed and she's now toying with the idea of working for a nonprofit after graduation. She said she believes in the power of positive thinking and the power to overcome.

"I just want to say I had a stroke, I returned to soccer and now I'm running a marathon. Just to show people, even if it does happen to you, you can get the best out of it," she said.

Jerdee has raised more than $3,000 for Tedy's Team but has not yet met her goal of $5,000. To make donations visit http://tedysteam2008.kintera.org/boston/jerdee.

Northeastern Athletics: Teaming up with Tedy - Sports

Local marathoner teaming with Tedy Bruschi
BY PHYLLIS BOOTH PBOOTH@HOLDENLANDMARK.COM

The four Sues - Sue Lauring, Sue Manero, Sue Sullivan and Sue Devaney will be running the Boston Marathon as part of Tedy's team.
Sue Manero of Princeton and Susan Lauring of Worcester are running the April 21 Boston Marathon for Tedy's Team to support the American Stroke Association's Train to End Stroke program.

Manero's goal is to raise $7,000 and Lauring's hopes to raise $5,000.

Both women have notified family, friends, and business associates seeking donations.

"My dad died from a stroke and two of my aunts have had strokes," Manero said. "Then a 59-year-old cousin had an aneurysm. I was running before to stay healthy but I decided to put my running to good use and join Tedy's Team. It's always been in the back of my head what can I do to inspire someone else and at the same time give something back to a community or give to a charity."

Lauring is a personal trainer and had done a lot of competitive running when she was younger. "I don't need to compete anymore and decided it was now time to give something back," she said.

Tedy's Team was created in 2005 and is led by New England Patriots linebacker, and stroke survivor, Tedy Bruschi.

This year Tedy's Team is allowed 43 runners in the Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon Association decides how many runners each group can have, Manero said.

Both Lauring and Manero have run the Boston Marathon before and also ran the Kona Marathon (26 miles) in Hawaii in June 2007.

"In August we ran 12K in Falmouth to raise money for Tedy's Team," Manero said.

The women applied to run for Tedy's Team and learned in November they had been selected.

"Tedy sits down with representatives from the American Stroke Association and goes over all the applications," Manero said. "They look at your commitment to both fundraising and training."

"The training and the fund raising is very difficult," Lauring said.

Once they found they had been selected the women immediately started training. That meant two days a week doing cardio workouts, weight training, stretching and going on a long run every Saturday.

"We recently did 18 miles in Maine. Sometimes we run shorter runs and one day did seven miles on cross-country skis. It's every day of the week. I don't consider myself a runner," Manero said. "I'm an athlete. I do rugby, cycling, hiking and skiing. I started running for health reasons. I contacted Susan and she got me on a running program. We have a lot of hills around here to train on."

The Boston Marathon has to be completed in six hours, said Manero. To be eligible to run, you must qualify timewise and also have run a marathon before, she said. Qualifying times are determined according to age.

"There are two other Sue's running so our group is known as the 'four Sues'," Manero said.

"We'll be training right up until April 12 then give our bodies a chance to recover before the race on April 21," Lauring said.

"We're ready. Once we start we always finish. We're not out for time but we do have an idea where we'd like to finish," Manero added.

Stroke is the third largest cause of death in the United States. Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke and every 3.1 minutes someone will die of a stroke.

The warning signs can include sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or confusion, sudden severe headache with no know cause or sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body.

"I think about what Tedy and what he's done and what he's come through," Manero said. "We've met Tedy and his wife Heidi and they are very appreciative of people giving up their time to run for this cause. We've heard so many stories about stroke victims, including stories from teammates whose kids have problems."

People can donate online at www.tedysteam2008. kintera.org/boston/manero or www.tedysteam2008.kintera.org/boston/ lauring. Both runners encourage donors to check with their place of employment to see if they offer matching funds.

Local marathoner teaming with Tedy Bruschi

VAGazette.com
Commentary
Patriots' Bruschi held in high regard
Even Pats haters must respect linebacker
Bill Ordine

March 1, 2008

The first time I noticed Patriots Hater Nation rear its head, I was in an out-of-town sports bar in October. New England, 6-0 at the time, was playing against Miami in Week 7.

The Dolphins were roadkill from the opening kickoff.

The Patriots scored the first five times they had the ball. I didn't notice any obviously partisan Patriots or Dolphins fans in the place, but there was a palpable sense that the crowd was hostile toward New England.

In my blog the next day, I wrote about this growing undercurrent of anti-Patriots sentiment - a neo-Damn Yankees mentality. And some folks wrote back to tell me I was nuts, that I was making it up.

Of course, by the time the Super Bowl rolled around, Patriots Hater Nation was pretty much a national movement. But whether the Patriots deserved the rancor they engendered, one of those guys elicited nothing but respect.

Thursday, linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who will turn 35 by the opening of training camp, agreed to more time in New England.

Under normal circumstances, a guy who has played 12 NFL seasons is pretty much on his way to the golf course. And Bruschi's medical history represents anything but normal circumstances.

He reportedly agreed to a multiyear contract, and anyone familiar with the NFL knows not to put too much stock in the notion of long-term deals. But it still has to make even the most cynical among Patriots detractors smile to see the gutsy Bruschi return.

This is a guy who had a stroke after the Super Bowl in 2005, had surgery to fix a hole in his heart and came back to play the last half of the 2005 season and make 62 tackles. He broke a wrist in training camp in 2006 and missed one game. This past season, he led the Patriots in tackles and had a couple of sacks while helping form a geriatric linebacking corps that contributed to one of the greatest seasons in NFL history.

A couple of recent personnel developments might have facilitated Bruschi and the Patriots coming together for this contract that kept him off the free-agent market. New England missed out on free-agent linebacker Zach Thomas, who was cut by Miami and signed with the Dallas Cowboys. And the Patriots waived linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, whose season ended with a foot injury in November.

Since New England lost in the Super Bowl, some of the edge may be off Patriots Hater Nation next season. That type of rooting interest based on raw emotion ebbs and flows.

But for Bruschi, the respect will endure because of the way he has earned it.

bill.ordine@baltsun.com

Patriots' Bruschi held in high regard -- VAGazette.com

Tedy takes part in 3 part video interview with NECN

Watch embedded videos here.

(NECN) - In a wide-ranging, one-on-one interview with Mike Giardi of NECN, New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi discussed the Patriots, his career, and his efforts to raise awareness about stroke prevention.

Bruschi and his wife, Heidi, founded 'Tedy's Team' in an effort to educate the general public about the risk factors, symptoms and effects of stroke, and on Saturday, April 19th, the Bruschis are co-hosting 'A Night of Inspiration' (learn more) at the Seaport Hotel to raise money and awareness.

In this part of the interview, Bruschi talks about his recent efforts to educate Massachusetts lawmakers about stroke, discusses his own struggles, and says that out of all of his accomplishments and titles, the badge that means the most to him is that of 'stroke survivor.'

(NECN) - Tedy Bruschi says that once upon a time, his life as a football player was all about winning championships. That all changed on the day he was rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening stroke.

Today, Bruschi says he plays football with a second purpose - to use that opportunity as a platform to raise awareness about stroke.

In this portion of his one-on-one interview with NECN's Mike Giardi, Bruschi discusses his change of perspective, and looks ahead to the New England Patriots 2008 season, as they recover from a disappointing Super Bowl defeat.

And he admits, the loss this year to the Giants isn't the only one that still bugs him to this day. For more on Tedy and Heidi Bruschi's fundraiser, 'A Night of Inspiration' to raise money for stroke awareness, click here.

(NECN) - New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi says the team has had a productive off-season as they prepare to launch another effort at a fourth Super Bowl title, and that the 'Spygate' controversy won't be much of a distraction for a team that has picked up critics for doing one thing well - winning.

"When you're a World Champion, there isn't anything anyone can do or say that will take that away from you. No matter what's said, or what's done, we won those games. That's what I'll always know," Bruschi told Mike Giardi of NECN.

Bruschi credited the team with re-signing some key parts of last season's undefeated team, calling the off-season slower, but productive. "It's quality," Bruschi said.

Bruschi and his wife Heidi are sponsoring "A Night of Inspiration" on Saturday, April 19 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston to raise money for stroke awareness. 'Tedy's Team' will also feature a group of runners raising money for charity at this year's Boston Marathon. 

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Sports/Bruschi-Productive-offseason-for-Patriots/1207243713.html

Tedy's Team Runs For Stroke Victims

(NECN: Leslie Gaydos, Foxboro, Mass.) - New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is headed into his 13th season with the Pats this year, but he hasn't forgotten what he went through three years ago when he suffered a stroke. Bruschi continues his efforts to educate the public about strokes. He'll have help doing that on Marathon Monday when Tedy's Team hits the pavement.

Tedy's Team is a group that will run the Boston Marathon to raise awareness fro the stroke warning signs and raise money for stroke research.

While he won't run with them, Bruschi, who suffered a stroke in 2005, provides the inspiration. He has motivated Katie Jerdee, a 21-year-old Northeastern student, who was in rough shape last spring -- in speech therapy and physical therapy after suffering a stroke.

Steve Hamilton runs for the four stroke survivors in his family.

Many of the members of Tedy's Team are running their first marathon and after what some of them have already been through, they're not worried about it.

Tedy's Team hopes to reach as many people as possible to get them to recognize stroke warning signs like sudden dizziness, numbness or headache and educate them to call 911 immediately.

For more information please call Charlene Bemis at 508-656-2000.

Link to video here.

Tedy's Team runs for stroke victims | NECN

Tedy's Team

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi hosted runners from "Tedy's Team" today at Gillette Stadium. The runners, who are set to conquer the Boston Marathon course later this month, are helping raise awareness and funds for the American Stroke Association.

Bruschi took time to answer questions from reporters, speaking about the cause before addressing a few football questions.

The Q&A:

In 1996, you were a rookie finding your way in the NFL. Now you’re 34 years old, a multiple Super Bowl champion and a top spokesman for stroke awareness. When you think of that progression, what does that mean to you?
“I think I only had one goal at that point of my career – and that was to win championships. Now it’s changed. Now I have two goals. The other goal I have, besides winning championships, is to make a difference. I really didn’t have something I was passionate about in my life back then, where I could help someone or make a difference out in the community somewhere. I think after my stroke it was obvious to me what I needed to do – raise awareness about stroke and its warning signs.”

You are here today with runners from Tedy’s Team, who will be at the Boston Marathon later this month. Can you provide an idea of how the team has grown over the last three years?
“At first, it was trying to scrounge to get numbers for the Boston Marathon. We wanted to have a presence in it. People at the American Stroke Association talked to me about forming Tedy’s Team – a group of runners that really focused on raising awareness about stroke. We had to scramble that first year for [runners], but as the years have gone on, the numbers sort of accumulate. The Boston Athletic Association has been very kind in providing us with more numbers every year, and now our team is up to 50. Not only do they have to raise awareness, but they have to fund-raise for the things we want to do, and also they have to train to run one of the toughest races in the world and that’s a lot of time. I wanted to make it hard, so to be a part of Tedy’s Team isn’t a walk in the park. Every one of the members of my team has a direct correlation with stroke, because I wanted everyone to be able to relate with each other. Relationships are formed, friendships are formed on this team, and it serves as a little bit of bouncing your thoughts about what you went through, or what your mom went through, so I think it’s very therapeutic also.”

Do you have runners that have come back to join the team a second time?
“Yeah, I know a lot of runners who have run twice, and we may have one or two that have run all three. We have this race, which is 26.2 [miles], but we also have the Falmouth Road Race, which is in the fall and is around 7 miles. So, of course, we have a lot more participants in that [laughs]. But we do have a lot of people who stick with the team for years.”

When you go on the field now, does the stroke ever cross your mind?
“No. When I first came back, that first hit, I got up thinking ‘Am I OK?’ That first tackle, that first time there were a couple 300-pound guys on top of me and -- ‘Am I going to get up?’ – sure, you think that. Those are firsts I had to re-live over and over again. But it was part of what I had to go through to make the comeback complete. It was tough, but I think what anyone will tell you when they’re coming back from something, a devastating sort of occurrence in their life, all those things, those firsts again, you’re not sure of. Especially when you have to strap on all that equipment to play football, that’s a little bit different also. I wasn’t just coming back to work at a job behind a desk. It was sort of a hazardous job at that. But it’s something that I had to work through and I felt it was my responsibility to do it.”

Can you provide an idea of what the atmosphere has been like at the offseason program; I believe this is entering the third or fourth week?
“It’s getting going. At first, I think it starts slow. Especially after we ended the year last year it isn’t like ‘OK, we’re here, we’re ready, let’s go.’ Everybody is sort of just trying to get back going again. It was a long season, ending in early February, so the longer the seasons go, the less time you have off. You take it a little bit slow, but now that we’re in the third, getting into the fourth week, guys are really starting to work hard and getting ready to do it again.”

What are your thoughts on Victor Hobson, the new linebacker the team signed? Do you have any background with him?
“I don’t have any background with him. I know he was with the Jets. I don’t know him personally and just met him for the first time today. So I look forward … I’m here all the time also, and it looks like he’s going to be here, so I think him and I are sort of forming a working relationship. We’ll start now.”

Tedy's Team - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

Get with the program

Tedy Bruschi said he met newly signed linebacker Victor Hobson for the first time yesterday at the team's offseason program. Bruschi said he looked forward to forming a bond since both are planning to be regular participants in the team's offseason program. Bruschi added that the program, which officially began March 24, has shifted into another gear. "At first, I think it starts slow," he said. "It was a long season, ending in early February, so you take it a little bit slow, but now that we're getting into the fourth week, guys are really starting to work hard and getting ready to do it again." . . . Hobson will wear No. 59, last donned by Rosevelt Colvin . . . Bruschi hosted a group of runners from "Tedy's Team" at Gillette Stadium yesterday. This marks the third straight year Bruschi has organized a team to run in the Boston Marathon to raise stroke awareness through the American Stroke Association.

Patriots will find out their 2008 schedule today - The Boston Globe

Tedy’s Team is gearing up for the long run

Tedy Bruschi wants everyone to know he won't be running the Boston Marathon on Monday. "I train for eight-second bursts, not 26.2 miles," the Patriots linebacker said yesterday. Still, he's got a lot riding on the outcome of the annual trek from Hopkinton to Boston and will be cheering for the nearly 50 members of Tedy's Team, who are running to raise money for the American Stroke Association. "To train for the marathon is impressive. To do that while raising money for a cause is a lot to take on," Bruschi, who suffered a stroke in February 2005, told us yesterday while meeting with members of his team at Gillette Stadium. "I'll be tracking them and cheering loudly for them." Among those running is 23-year-old Ashley Girard, who underwent open heart surgery two years ago to correct a problem that could have led to a stroke. "It means a lot to be on his team," said the Northeastern University alum. "Everyone here has a personal connection to someone who has been affected by a stroke. We're not just running for ourselves." After starting his Marathon team three years ago with about a dozen runners, Bruschi has expanded his Patriots Day events to include a pre-run fete on Saturday with several of his Pats teammates.

http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2008/04/15/new_new_york_rivalry

http://www.patriots.com/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=31631&pcid=41&rss=1 

News and Notes

Inspiration for Tedy's Team

Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi was joined Saturday night by Trisha Meili, author of the best-selling memoir "I Am the Central Park Jogger" in providing some inspiration to the 50 members of Tedy's Team running in today's Boston Marathon to raise money for stroke research. Also at the sold-out Seaport Hotel soiree that raised an additional $300,000 for the American Stroke Association were Bruschi's teammates Eric Alexander and Pierre Woods, and former Pats players Joe Andruzzi and Christian Fauria.

Inspiration for Tedy's Team - The Boston Globe

SBLI announces first annual contest to win a chance at attending a football clinic for kids hosted by Tedy Bruschi


Woburn, Mass (PRWEB) April 29, 2008 -- The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts (SBLI) today announced the inaugural SBLI Kids Football Clinic with Tedy Bruschi. This one-of-a-kind clinic will take place on June 26, 2008 at Gillette Stadium and will give children ages 8-12 the opportunity to dress in the locker room, enjoy a blackboard session with the New England Patriots star, and participate in on-field drills with Bruschi. Parents or guardians may enter their child for a chance to win Here.

"We are pleased to provide children with such a unique experience. Not only will kids learn football fundamentals from the very best, they will also get to see Tedy in a different light," said SBLI President & CEO Robert K. Sheridan. "As a father of three young boys, Tedy understands and embraces his role as a mentor and role model for kids everywhere."

As SBLI's spokesperson, Bruschi has stressed the importance of families preparing for the unexpected with dependable life insurance. He became an SBLI policyholder earlier this year.

About SBLI
Conceived by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, the Savings Bank Life Insurance system was established in Massachusetts in 1907. T he Massachusetts company is currently licensed in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Its products are now available through 200 financial institutions in New England; Plymouth Rock Assurance Corp. and Mt. Washington Assurance Corp. property and casualty agents; the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Societies of CPAs; and AAA Southern New England, AAA Merrimack Valley, and AAA Pioneer Valley.

In addition, the Company's products are offered to New Jersey residents through members of the New Jersey League of Community Bankers; to consumers in Virginia through an alliance with the Virginia Bankers Association; and to consumers in Tennessee through an alliance with the Tennessee Bankers Association. It is also endorsed by the Massachusetts Bankers Association.

Consumers may also deal directly with Savings Bank Life Insurance in California, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

SBLI and The No Nonsense Life Insurance Company are registered trademarks of The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts, Woburn, MA, which is in no way affiliated with SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. ©2008 All rights reserved.
For more information about SBLI's product offerings, please visit www.sbli.com or call 1-888-GET-SBLI.
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Savings Bank Life Insurance
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