Trouble for Teddy?

Its being reported this morning that New England Patriot inside backer Teddy Bruschi checked into a Boston Hospital last night suffering from stroke-like symptoms. Initial reports suggest that Bruschi was suffering from a severe headache, some paralysis and blurred vision. The team put out a statement saying Bruschi is in good condition, although he will undergo some additional testing today.

This doesn't sound too good to me. Knee injuries are bad, but they pale in comparison to neurological irregularities. ACLs can be reconstructed but I don't recall many stroke victims getting back on the field. How can you call out the plays when you can't speak? Perhaps Teddy just ate some bad shell fish, but it seems more likely that ten years of violence may be beginnning to take its toll on the heart and soul of the Pats defense. If this turns out to be serious, and I think it may, the Pats have some big questions at middle linebacker. Roman Pfeffier is a candidate for retirement and Teddy Johnson isn't getting any younger. The depth chart says Klecko and Chatham are next in line but lets be serious - neither is ready to step in for Teddy. With Bruschi now a possible question mark, the Pats list of off-season priorities has certainly changed.

Bruschi has been a warrior since joining the Pats in 1996 and there is no disputing his contributions to the recent success of this organization. He is the comsumate team player and who other then Willie McGinnest has made more "big plays" for this defense over the past two years. As a fan, I am hoping we will see Teddy playing football next year, but if this is indeed the end of the road, I will miss number 54.