Welcome back, Tedy

Getting ready to watch Sunday Night Football on ESPN. The Buffalo Bills come to Foxboro to play my New England Patriots. This is a must win game for the struggling World Champs, who are 3-3.

They get a lift by the return of #54 Tedy Bruschi (pronounced BREW-ski), who eight months ago suffered a mild stroke due to a hole in his heart. Surgery in March repaired the hole and he physically rehabbed to the piont where he could play for the first time this season.

There has been much speculation in the print and broadcast media about his return, whether his health can take the poounding that an NFL Linebacker takes during a game. In repeated interviews he has stated that all of the doctors he has visited, none told him he was medically at risk to return to the field. He was asked today by a reporter if the Patriots had asked him to sign a medical release waiver, in case he suffers another injury. Bruschi's answer was an emphatic and unhesitated NO.

He is, I think, in uncharted water as far as coming back from this kind of non sports related injury. Can he do it? If anyone can he can.

Do I agree with his decision to come back and play such a violent game? Sure. Obviously he doesn't feel it's a risk and I can only go by what he says, not having the detailed medical reports of the doctors. Also, I don't really think the team ownership and coaches would put him out on the field if they had any questions about his health. Of course he is at risk for injury as is any other player.

He has nothing to prove as a player, winning three Super Bowls. He loves the game, which is obvious by the passion that he brings to the game. Does the Patriots defense need him? Absolutely. Hey, I'm not judging you Tedy. Let's see how you do in tonight's game.

As a Patriots fan and a football fan in general, it's good to have you back.

Update: The Patriots came from behind to win, 21-16. Tedy Bruschi played most of the game for the defense. Not a bad first game back. Bring on the Colts a week from Monday.

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On a side note, this will be my last post until after my surgery tomorrow. See you all on the other side.