New England's Tedy Bruschi retires

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who played 13 years for the New England Patriots, including four seasons after suffering a stroke, retired Monday.

Brusch, 36, was considered a key segment of a Patriots defense that helped the franchise to three Supers Bowl titles in four seasons. Bruschi amassed 1,138 tackles, 30 1/2 sacks and 12 interceptions in his career.

His career seemed over shortly after he played in the 2005 Pro Bowl when he suffered a mild stroke and was partially paralyzed. He said he would sit out the 2005 season but returned to the team that October and played in nine games. He was voted the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, an honor he shared with Carolina's Steve Smith, by Pro Football Weekly.

"I had a different career. I have moments that I'll remember for the rest of my life, the Patriots, the fans," Bruschi said at a news conference. "Being a Patriot my entire career, I'm very proud of. When you come in this facility there's a sign -- it says do your job. I did my job for 13 years and my job is done."