Tedy Bruschi

Tedy Bruschi, a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, played all 13 years of his NFL career (1996-2008) with the New England Patriots. He played in five of the Patriots franchise's six Super Bowl appearances and in 189 career regular season games (and 22 playoff games). Captain of the New England defense for seven seasons, Bruschi helped lead the Pats to nine playoffs, eight division championships, five conference titles and three Super Bowl crowns (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX). He also helped guide the Patriots to the first undefeated 16-0 regular season record in NFL history in 2007.

A 2004 Pro Bowl selection, Bruschi finished his career with 1,134 tackles, 30.5 sacks and 12 interceptions. He is the only player in NFL history to return four consecutive interceptions for touchdowns.

In addition to his relentless worth ethic and intensity, Bruschi is equally as well known for his determination and professionalism off the field. After suffering a stroke in February 2005, he endured months of rehabilitation before being medically cleared to play football and returning to the lineup in October. Bruschi was named the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and the recipient of both the Ed Block Courage Award and the Maxwell Football Club's Spirit Award.

Bruschi wrote the memoir Never Give Up: My Stroke, My Recovery, and My Return to the NFL in 2007 about his personal experience. One of the Patriots' most active players in the greater Boston community, Bruschi remains a spokesman for the American Heart Association and he founded Tedy's Team, a foundation that raises funds for stroke research and awareness. Tedy traveled to Washington DC on May 15, 2007 to raise awareness among the Congressional community about stroke and its impact on stroke patients and their families and our nation as a whole. He met with Congressman James McGovern, Senator John Kerry and the late Senator Ted Kennedy. His voice helped to generate support and momentum for the STOP Stroke Act in Congress with both member and staff when he was part of a expert panel for a Congressional briefing.

The American Stroke Association hosted a stroke legislative briefing on March 25, 2008 to educate lawmakers on the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke. The briefing brought together an inspiring and expert group of speakers to share important information about stroke. Tedy shared his story and passion for the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke. In addition to the briefing Tedy met with various legislative leaders, including Governor Patrick, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House. In 2006, he received the Senator Paul E. Tsongas Award for Exemplary Public Service.

A native of San Francisco, Bruschi attended the University of Arizona where he was a two-time consensus All-American "1994 College Football All-America Team" and "1995 College Football All-America Team" and winner of the 1995 Morris Trophy as the PAC-10's best defensive lineman, compiling 185 tackles (137 solos), with 74 tackles for loss, and tying the NCAA Division I-A sack record (52). He received his degree in communications in 1996. Bruschi is also an accomplished saxophonist who has played in Boston Symphony hall. He is currently an NFL analyst for ESPN.