Patriots Pro Bowler Tedy Bruschi suffers a stroke

[jmcclain19]

Terrible story out of Boston today

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/8201480

Pats Pro Bowl LB Bruschi hospitalized; stroke reported
Feb. 16, 2005
SportsLine.com wire reports

BOSTON -- New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Wednesday after complaining of headaches, while some reports indicate he might have suffered a minor stroke.

"He is in good condition and will be held for further evaluations," the team said in a statement. "The Bruschi family appreciates everyone's concern, but requests that you respect their privacy at this time."

Bruschi was to spend the night at the hospital and more tests were scheduled for Thursday morning, team spokesman Stacey James said.

A spokeswoman for Massachusetts General Hospital would neither confirm nor deny that Bruschi had been admitted and referred all questions to the Patriots.

According to the Boston Herald, several sources said the player had been rushed to the Boston hospital by ambulance from his home in North Attleboro and might have suffered a stroke. One source told the paper that Bruschi had suffered a stroke, but it appeared to be minor since he was being treated at the Phillips House rather than in a critical care unit.


One source told the Herald that Bruschi lost some vision in one eye, but the sight was returning. A team official said he was up "walking and talking."

WBZ-TV in Boston reported Bruschi also suffered partial paralysis.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who was attending the men's college basketball game between Boston College and Rutgers on Wednesday night, declined comment.

Bruschi, a 6-foot-1, 247-pound nine-year NFL veteran, is a key member of New England's defense that has helped the team win three of the past four Super Bowls, including a 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 6.

Bruschi, selected in the third round of the 1996 draft out of Arizona, was second on the team in tackles during the regular season with 122, behind only safety Rodney Harrison with 138. He also had 3½ sacks and three interceptions during the regular season.

He had two fumble recoveries in the team's 20-3 divisional playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts, and an interception in the Super Bowl.

He has 753 tackles, 25 sacks and 11 interceptions in his career.

He also played in last weekend's Pro Bowl in Hawaii for the first time.

[pedro]

Wow. That's scary. He's a young guy.

[pedro]

espn is reporting that he has a broken blood vessel in his head.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1993188

[Johnny Footstool]

espn is reporting that he has a broken blood vessel in his head.

That's a stroke.

[KronoRed]

Sad

[WebScorpion]

Originally Posted by Johnny Footstool

That's a stroke.

I thought a broken blood vessel was an aneurism and a collapsed or blocked blood vessel was a stroke? A technicality, 'cause they all are no laughing matter.

[jmcclain19]

Tedy's home now, but it seems that the prognosis for guys returning to playing sports after suffering a stroke is not good.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1994631

Wearing a gray sweat suit, Bruschi smiled and waved to reporters and fans as he walked with his wife, Heidi, to a waiting sports utility vehicle outside Massachusetts General Hospital. He did not comment.


Bruschi was reportedly walking and talking normally a day after the stroke. Doctors said positive reports so soon after the stroke were good indicators that he could continue his football career, but his prognosis remains uncertain.


Bruschi, a nine-year veteran, is one of the team's most popular players and a key member of the defense that helped New England win three of the last four Super Bowls.


He was selected as the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week three times last season, including after a playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He ranked second on the team with 128 tackles and tied for second with three interceptions. On Sunday, Bruschi played in his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii.


Heidi Bruschi called 911 on Wednesday, saying her husband was experiencing "blurred vision, numbness on the right side of his body.'' The Patriots later confirmed that he had suffered a mild stroke.


Team spokesman Stacey James visited Bruschi at the hospital Friday to deliver hundreds of printed e-mails from well-wishers around the country.


"The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and the Bruschi family is very appreciative,'' James said.


An estimated 700,000 people per year in the United States suffer strokes, the vast majority resulting from clots that block the brain's arteries.


Brian Mullen of the NHL's New York Islanders attempted a comeback two years after suffering a mild stroke and undergoing surgery to correct the heart problem that caused it in 1993. He had a seizure while training for his comeback and retired when no team would take a chance on him.


Houston Astros pitcher J.R. Richard, one of the most dominant right-handers of the late 1970s, had his career cut short when he suffered a blockage-caused stroke in 1980 at age 30. His comeback attempt was also unsuccessful.


Unlike heart attacks, strokes usually cause no pain, so the warning signs often are missed by victims and people around them. Symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness, dimness or loss of vision, difficulty or inability to speak and severe headaches.

[TeamBoone]

Oh man. I hate it when stuff like this happens.

[RedsBaron]

If he was a baseball player, that would be one thing, but returning to play linebacker in the NFL, with all the hits to the head that involves....man, I hated to read this.

[GoReds]

I can't stand the Patriots, but you can't help but have respect for a guy like Bruschi who gave all to his team and his sport on the field. Hope he makes a full recovery even if that means his football career is in jeapardy.

[jmcclain19]

Local radio stations here in town are a reporting today that Bruschi has a hole in his heart either thanks to the stroke or caused it.

Also conflicting reports on whether he's getting the surgery done right now or is going to have it done this week.

Sadly, looks like his career as a football player may be over.

Here's the latest on it from the Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal..._with_bruschi/

[jmcclain19]

Update - Looks like Bruschi may sit out the '05 season.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3486614

Health concerns may sideline Bruschi
FOXSports.com
Posted: 32 minutes ago


According to a report in the Boston Globe, Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is considering sitting out the 2005 season for health reasons.

"I can relate to you only that Ted is considering not playing next year," Bruschi's agent Brad Blank said. "Beyond that, I cannot comment on anything."
Bruschi was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Feb. 16 after having a mild stroke. He was released two days later, but according to reports from an Arizona television station, Bruschi has since returned to the hospital to have a hole in his heart repaired.

Bruschi has three years remaining on a five-year, $8.3 million deal. If he retires, the deal will be voided. But if he only sits out 2005, he could receive his full salary if the Patriots place him on the physically unable to perform list.

If Bruschi retires before June 1, the Patriots will face a cap hit of more than $2.6 million — the pro-rated portion of his $3.5 million signing bonus.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Retire now, Tedy. Easy for me to say, I know. I am sure you are rich beyond most people's dreams. Your life is more important than a dumb game. I would assume that there is a good job waiting for you somewhere... announcer, Pats club official, etc..

Do it for the people who care about you.