Perhaps no player better represented the gridiron gestalt that defines the Belichick-era Patriots than Bruschi.
“Tedy embodies everything we want the Patriot brand to stand for: hard work, perseverance, overachievement, and selfless commitment to team first,’’ said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. “He has handled every stage of his career with great class.’’
With his wife, Heidi, looking on and flanked by two of his No. 54 jerseys hanging behind him, the fiery Bruschi appeared completely at peace with his decision during a 40-minute news conference/career retrospective yesterday at Gillette Stadium.
“When you come into this facility there is a sign . . . 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, ‘Do your job.’ Well, I did my job for 13 years and now my job is done,’’ said Bruschi. “My job is done, Bill. I’m looking forward to living the rest of my life, I really am.’’
It was typical Tedy Bruschi, going out on his own terms. When he told teammates of his retirement on Sunday, the one word Bruschi kept using was fulfilled.
Few thought that Friday night’s 27-24 exhibition win over the Redskins would be the last time Bruschi was seen in a Patriots uniform, but Bruschi said that retirement had been in his mind, and his all-out, all-the-time style let him walk away with no regrets.
With the retirement of Bruschi two weeks before the 2009 season-opener Sept. 14, just five players remain who have been with the Patriots for all three Super Bowl championship seasons (2001, 2003, and 2004): Tom Brady, Matt Light, Kevin Faulk, Richard Seymour, and Stephen Neal.
If there was one theme to Bruschi’s career it was consistently overcoming the odds and outperforming expectations. A third-round pick by the Patriots out of the University of Arizona in 1996, Bruschi made the conversion from standout college defensive end - he tied the NCAA Division 1 (now Football Bowl Subdivision) record for career sacks with 52 - to Pro Bowl NFL linebacker.
