Posted on 02/18/2005 11:25:33 AM PST by Jimmyclyde
Tedy hangs tough -- Pats star on mend after mild stroke By Michael Felger Friday, February 18, 2005
Tedy Bruschi, the Patriots [stats, news]' heart and soul, is fighting back after suffering a mild stroke.
The popular linebacker, who complained of blurred vision and headaches, may be released from Massachusetts General Hospital as early as today.
``It has been determined that these symptoms were the results of a mild stroke,'' team spokesman Stacey James said last night. ``Tedy is in good condition and, as always, his spirits are high.''
Bruschi, 31, was said to show marked improvement from Wednesday, when he entered the hospital suffering blurred vision and a loss of feeling in his right side.
``He kind of snapped out of it (yesterday), but he was in rough shape on Wednesday,'' one source said.
Bruschi's football future remains in question. Sources say Bruschi, with the help of his doctors, will determine that over the coming weeks and months.
Bruschi was taking phone calls and e-mails from his hospital bed alongside his wife, Heidi. Bruschi also received visitors, including Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife, Myra, and at least one teammate, in the private suite tucked away in a corner of MGH's exclusive Phillips House.
``He is walking and talking normally and stressed that he would like to thank everyone for keeping him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and the Bruschi family is very appreciative,'' James said.
Although Bruschi is ready to check out of the hospital, a source said his eyesight has not returned 100 percent.
It's still not known what triggered the episode that led to Bruschi being rushed via ambulance to the hospital from his North Attleboro home Wednesday morning. Heidi Bruschi called 911 and reported her husband was experiencing ``blurred vision'' and ``numbness on his right side,'' according to a transcript of the call released yesterday.
Bruschi played in his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Sunday with no apparent problems. He also played all 19 games for the Patriots during the season (including three playoff games), recording 128 tackles and three interceptions.
Bruschi has long been a favorite among coaches, fans and teammates for his fiery play on the field and his emotional nature off of it. Last summer, Bruschi turned down a chance to go to free agency when he signed a four-year, $8 million extension with the Patriots.
Bruschi realized he could have earned more on the open market, but his first priority was remaining a Patriot.
``How much is enough?'' Bruschi said in reference to the money he earns as a pro athlete. ``I couldn't stand the thought of having all those fans who come to the games wearing my jersey seeing me in another uniform.''
( Laura Raposa and Steve Ryan contributed to this report. )
I wonder how his football career is going to be affected?
I remember when hockey player Brian Mullen had a stroke at 32. I believe it ended his career. Luckily both Bruschi and Mullern survived it.
Just not right. With a name like "Bruschi", he should play for da Bears, or Packers.
In every game he played in he went full tilt full time. Great to watch.
PING
Fox showed a clip of Bruschi playing on the football field with his two sons (twins, I think) earlier in the day of the Superbowl game. It really warmed my heart to see this man being an effective father.
It's just not right. Life is precious, even to an otherwise tough, no nonsense football player.
Didn't Bruschi come out of the Superbowl with a mild knee strain at one point of the game? (obviously okay to play later in the Pro Bowl).
Prayers sent to him for his full recovery, and a successful long, healthy career.
Prayers for this great player who is a Model for the other players.
He was hurt but did go back in.
He is real flexible. They call him "gumby" on the team.
Two teams well known for their Filipino/Italian players...
Praying that he'll be fine.
If he has any sense he'll retire regardless of what the doctors say. However, I do believe that the doctors will nix any possible comeback.
Didn't Lyle Alzado have a stroke at a pretty young age too ?
Brain cancer.
****************
My husband gave me a Bruschi football jersey for Valentine's Day. I love it.
I just hope Tedy recovers and lives a long and happy life. If he can continue to play football, all the better, but first things first.
Dunno... He's American born (San Fran - don't hold it against him) to an Italian dad, Filipino mom (or is that Filipina?)
My prayers for Teddy. I really enjoy watching him play, and I'm a Steeler fan! He's a tribute to game of football.
Good point. Depends if they put him on a blood thinner. Would be unsafe to play.
On the other hand, this is the NFL. Logic in medicine doesn't always follow in some cases.
With three Super Bowls rings and a reputation that will last as long as football, I see no need for him to return to football after something as scary as this.
This Patriot fan thanks Tedy Bruschi and his teammates for the best run of pro football the Patriots have ever had.
I believe Tedy Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Mike Vrabel and Willie McGinest, the Patriots' four linebackers all deserve induction into the Hall of Fame. They're the best linebacker unit since the late 1970s Steelers.
Retiring on top is not a bad way to go. Let's hope the Hall of Fame recognizes this great line.
A thank you to the two classy fans of Eagles and Steelers ( great teams also ) for the comments about Teddy. Knowlegable football lovers appreciate great football players on all teams.
Patriot fan.
Teddy Bruschi...Sounds like a nickname for Fat Teddy Kennedy
True. Might not like them all that much during the game, but after the final whistle, you're not a fan, or a man, if you can't tip your hat to a great performance. And Bruschi has had more than his share of great performances. I hope and pray all works out good for him.
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