tedy bruschi

Al Michaels just announced on NBC's Sunday Night Football telecast that New England Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi will announce his retirement tomorrow.The Patriots have not confirmed the news but did issue a press release saying "The New England Patriots have called a press conference for an important player announcement at 10:45 Monday morning.New NBC analyst Rodney Harrison, a former Patriots safety who also retired this offseason, had this to say about Bruschi on the telecast:A terrific football player, a great friend of mine, one of the hardest-working guys that I've ever been around, a tremendous leader in that locker room, a guy that was an integral part of that 2003-2004 Super Bowl run that we had.Bruschi, who entered the league under Bill Parcells as a third-rounder out of Arizona in 1996, has played in five Super Bowls with the Patriots.

A one-time Pro Bowler, he also came back from an offseason stroke to play nine games in 2005.The Patriots have shown more 4-3 defensive looks this preseason with Jerod Mayo playing middle linebacker, an indication that the 36-year-old Bruschi, an inside backer in the 3-4 defense, was being phased out. Gary Guyton started next to Mayo in the last two preseason games when the Pats opened in their base 3-4.But while preparing for what would have been his 14th NFL campaign this offseason, Bruschi, who knew he had more yesterdays than tomorrows in pro football, was also ensuring the next generation of Patriots was embracing the franchise's philosophy.

This summer, he told USA TODAY's Sean Leahy of the young Pats that he wanted to "show them the right way to do things how I am in the meetings, in the weight room and on the field. They get a very strong message from (head coach) Bill Belichick. If there's ever a reinforcement that's needed, there's guys like myself and (quarterback) Tom Brady to deliver the message.We did have a quick discussion about that,” Mornhinweg said of McNabb’s criticism. “We all do our jobs; that’s it. I understand, but that’s secondary to what we’re trying to do.Vick’s first series was a three-and-out that netted 4 yards — on his shovel pass to LeSean McCoy. His second drive, in which he completed a 13-yard pass to Hank Baskett, resulted in a field goal. The third and fourth series were also three-and-outs.He completed four of four passes for 19 yards.

I set that up on purpose that way for that game,” Mornhinweg said of Vick’s playing time. “I wanted to get him a certain amount of snaps early in the game to get him going.Vick, but not McNabb, will play Thursday night when the Eagles face the Jets in their final preseason game.BRUSCHI SAID TO BE RETIRING New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is reportedly retiring, Al Michaels told viewers watching NBC’s broadcast of the Denver-Chicago game Sunday night. The Patriots did not comment, but scheduled an “important player announcement” for 10:45 a.m. Monday at Gillette Stadium.Bruschi’s 13-year career was highlighted by three Super Bowl championships and an inspiring return to the team as a starting linebacker eight months after having a stroke.

CUTLER LEADS BEARS TO WIN Jay Cutler, the Pro Bowl quarterback who forced a blockbuster trade out of Denver to Chicago, returned to Invesco Field and led the Bears to a 27-17 preseason win over the Broncos.Cutler endured thousands of hecklers in leading Chicago on three scoring drives, including a 12-play, 98-yarder just before halftime that gave the Bears a 17-3 lead.Denver’s new quarterback, the former Bear Kyle Orton, sustaining a cut on his right index finger, ending his middling performance against his former team.BULGER MAKES PROGRESS St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger has taken the first step toward returning to the field. Bulger, who has been out since Aug. 17 after fracturing the pinkie on his throwing hand, threw 21 passes in a side session at the morning practice.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo was noncommittal about Bulger’s status for the Rams’ final preseason game, Thursday against the Chiefs.FAVRE STILL ADJUSTING Brett Favre is expected to play the entire first half when the Minnesota Vikings face the Houston Texans on Monday night. He completed 1 pass for 4 yards in two series in his debut Aug. 22.That was not a great start to the year last week, but yet what did you expect?” he said. “Believe me, I was 1 for 4, but I would have loved to be 4 for 4 with four touchdowns and walk off and say, it’s great.It’s the things that people don’t see that to me are the most important,” he said. “No one wants to see the ball on the ground, calling plays wrong, going the wrong way. Things like that. The other stuff will come. Maybe it all comes this week, I don’t know.

BENGALS SIGN HOLDOUT Cincinnati offensive tackle Andre Smith, the sixth overall pick, signed a four-year contract with $21 million in guaranteed money, ending an impasse that dragged on a month into the preseason. Smith’s contract leaves Michael Crabtree, drafted by San Francisco with the 10th pick, as the only first-round selection yet to sign.