New England Patriots Links 9/01/09 - The Torch Has Been Passed

Tedy Bruschi, in his own words

The one word that I used, I found myself using this word with all of my teammates pretty much, is fulfilled - fulfilled with my career, fulfilled with all of the moments that I had. A feeling that – man, I did everything I set out to do. It’s a good feeling. To me, this is a celebration today for my wife, for myself, for my family, for my sons, right now, who are at home – who would rather play with their transformers than come and sit in the front row – it’s a celebration. I’m in a great place. I’m in a great place. I feel great today.

When you come in this facility there's a sign, there's a sign and the most important part of that sign I read. I read it all, but there's one part of it that's important and Bill does a great job of always emphasizing this and you've heard him say it. It says, 'Do your job.' Do you job. Well, I did my job for 13 years and now my job is done. My job's done, Bill. I'm looking forward to living the rest of my life, I really am. Thanks.

Bill Belichick on Tedy Bruschi

"I guess, if you ask me to sum up how I feel about Tedy Bruschi in five seconds . . . he’s the perfect player. He’s helped create a tradition here that we’re all proud of. The torch has been passed, and we’ll try to carry it on. It’s a high standard. . . . I’m proud of everything he did and the payout that he’s paid for all of us going forward."

Robert Kraft on Tedy Bruschi

"For the past 13 seasons, Tedy Bruschi helped define what it means to be a New England Patriot.  The heart and soul of the defense during the most successful era in the history of the franchise, Tedy also served as an example to every new Patriots of what it takes ot be a champion on and off the field.

Tedy's tenacity as a player made him a fan favorite long before he helped bring three Super Bowl championships to New England.  His remarkable and courageous return to the field following a stroke only added to his legend as one of the most significant and memorable athletes in the history of New England sports.

We are blessed in so many ways to have had Tedy Bruschi as a career Patriot."

TEAM TIDBITS

• Bruschi announces his retirement.
• Tedy Bruschi Press Conference, plus transcripts of Robert Kraft's and Bill Belichick's remarks.  (38 min. video)
• Patriots Today: Bruschi leaves a legacy.  (13.41 min. video)
• Locker room Uncut: Reaction to Bruschi's retirement. (3.43 min. video)
• Patriots announced three roster adjustments:  ILB Tyrone McKenzie was placed on IR, OT Mark LeVoir was placed on reserve/PUP list, and WR Brandon Tate placed on reserve/non-football injury list.

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss informs us that Tom Brady was present for the start of practice yesterday, but the media only saw him handing off.
• Mike Petraglia notes backup QB Andrew Walter says his role is pretty clear — continue to learn and develop and just do what the coaches say.
• Mike Reiss reports RB Kevin Faulk was named the 2009 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award winner this evening at the team’s annual Kickoff Gala.
• Mike Reiss breaks down the disappointing nickle defense used in the team's third preseason game.
• Chris Gasper notes Tedy Bruschi looked completely at peace with his decision, during his 40-minute news conference/career retrospective yesterday at Gillette.
• Bob Ryan writes "If ever any Boston athlete has earned our thanks, and our best wishes for a contented career/life, it is Tedy Bruschi. He’s embodied all our ideals about what a pro athlete should be and can be."
• Tony Massarotti says Bruschi "walks away now in good conscience, knowing he has given the Patriots everything he has, and that he can no longer give them enough."
• Christopher Price lauds Bruschi, saying his spirit sparked the Patriots' success.
• Karen Guregian focuses on Tedy Bruschi as a role model for Patriots and fans.
• Ian Rapoport writes about Tedy Bruschi, the consummate Patriot.
• Chris Gasper talks about passing the torch, and who will pick up the leadership void left by Bruschi.
• Tedy Bruschi and his wife Heidi join Dale and Holley on WEEI following his retirement announcement.  (17.32 min. audio)
• Bill Belichick joins Glen Ordway and the Big Show crew on WEEI following Tedy Bruschi's Press Conference.  (30.24 min. audio)
• Christopher Price offers some quotes from the Patriots locker room yesterday.
  

NATIONAL NEWS

• Fox Sports A 'perfect' ending: Top Tedy Bruschi moments in photos. Nice.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Might Bruschi come back if Pats needed him?
• Aaron Wilson (Nat'l Football Post) Brady expects to play in opener.
• Stephen Oh (AccuScore) New England is projected to finish ahead of the Chargers and Steelers for the AFC's best record.
• Bob Brookover (Philadelphia Inquirer) Ellis Hobbs talks about how he played hurt in 2007, but other players were faking injuries and dogging it.
• Shutdown Corner (Yahoo! Sports) Donovan McNabb has never enjoyed the kind of universal support that Brady has in New England, Manning has in Indianapolis or Roethlisberger has in Pittsburgh.
• Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) NFL adopts game day social media policy. (Twitter, facebook)