Bruschi Back
Tedy Bruschi has been an integral cog in the Patriots' defence. His reptutation has come from his ability to make crucial plays a the right moment.
Bruschi wants to meet his goal of being back on the field on Sunday night against the Bills.
Eight months ago the nine-year veteran went from reading Peyton Manning's pass plays to losing vision in his left eye from a stroke. A blood clot slipped through a tiny hole in his heart, found its way to the 32-year-old's brain and left the father of three barely able to walk.
Despite recovering quickly, Bruschi said that a comeback would have to wait until 2006. Last week, however, he announced that he had medical clearance to play and his decision to return.
"Unanimously, every doctor and physician that's seen me has given me clearance," he said. "This isn't something you just go for. I mean, come on, I lost my sight. ... It was a traumatic experience. It's been a long road back. I'm not going to jump into something without being absolutely 100% positive, and I am."
Larry B. Goldstein, director of the Duke Stroke Center said:
"The most rapid recovery period is over the first few weeks, and it continues rapidly for two to three months....getting immediate treatment, preferably within three hours of the stroke, can significantly reduce the chance of being disabled. ... we say time lost is brain lost."
Bruschi was at home when he had his stroke and his father-in-law, who is a physician's assistant, quickly called the medics.
