Uh-oh. NOW I'm a little worried Tedy might retire.

From http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...7&format=&page=2&listingType=pats#articleFull

That doesn't HAVE to mean what it sounds like. These guys aren't 100% precise in how they speak. But then -- it MIGHT also mean he's been thinking a lot about the end of his playing career.

I still think he loves the game, and will play as long as it makes physical sense for him to do. He's one of the loudest guys about the importance of accepting diminished roles. So that's still the base case for me. Besides, how much money has he made in his life? $20 million? Each 5-10% added to lifetime earnings is still a good reason to work another year at that point.

But I'm a little more worried than I was.

I hope he isn't done, that's for sure. I think he will be back.

19-0, 4-time superbowl champ... i think it is the proper send off for an illustrious career for tedy... maybe its time to bring in new blood or give opportunities to the young lbs to perform... if he retires, he will be missed...

i could not imagine that tedy, rodney, junior, or troy would come back after a perfect season... why would they? to be less successful than this year (a near certainty)? they will all retire as pats legends.

He has said that every uear he evaluates things...but maybe yes..maybe no

I think he should actually. I don't want to see a punch drunk Bruschi who gradually deteriorates year after year, and this would be a great ending for him o transition into Pats LB coach

Players are going to come and go every year. I've gotten used to it. I don't know that antbody is leaving because I don't know what's in the mind of others. But it's possible there'll be some new starters next year in a number of spots.

PatsWorldChamps said:

i could not imagine that tedy, rodney, junior, or troy would come back after a perfect season... why would they? to be less successful than this year (a near certainty)? they will all retire as pats legends.

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My thoughts exactly. I've actually assumed this would be their last season since preseason.

PatsWorldChamps said:

i could not imagine that tedy, rodney, junior, or troy would come back after a perfect season... why would they? to be less successful than this year (a near certainty)? they will all retire as pats legends.

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Troy Brown and Seau are near certainties IMO. Bruschi is 34 and Harrison is 35. Harrison is playing like a Pro Bowler so he has a few good years left. Bruschi is more iffy, he's really the face of the defense and it would be hard for him to walk away from this. Plus Seau played until he was 39 so it wouldn't be unprecedented for Bruschi to continue. However, the stroke changes everything. It's probably 50/50 in Bruschi's case.

Bruschi is the greatest linebacker in Patriots history. He walks into the HOF. He'll have 4 superowl wins. He'll have a perfect season. He's had a stroke. He has young kids. He will be missed not only in the Pats locker room but in the NFL. Enjoy life, Tedy, but don't be a stranger.

If Teddy retires , I'd be willing to bet he stays with the Pats in some capacity, probably coaching. The same with Troy.

How can Tedy be on "Patriots 5th Quarter" next year if he's playing?

In all seriousness, I love everything Bruschi has done, but it's clear that his skills have eroded and it's probably time for him to hang 'em up now, rather than try to squeeze out another year or two, mainly from the bench or on the ST squad.

He won't be far; and he won't suck at 5th Quarter like Teddy Johnson.

PatsWorldChamps said:

i could not imagine that tedy, rodney, junior, or troy would come back after a perfect season... why would they? to be less successful than this year (a near certainty)? they will all retire as pats legends.

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Because they enjoy playing football.

And because they like making money.

I believe Rodney will be back next year, he has one more year left on his contract and still has some left in the tank. I would definitely say Seau and Brown will retire next year. Bruschi is the tough one, but if the Pats win the Superbowl I think its the right time for him to hang em up.

I think this is Tedy's last year, when he retires he will not coach, but move into the front office and work with Tippett and he will be the face of the Patriots for a very long time.. Bob Kraft knows his value and will take very good care of this career Patriot.

I do think it's more like 50/50...and either way..it's his decision and I respect that. I think he might return to help next year with the changes at LB and to help with whoever they get to plug the middle...but..at this point who knows..he has had a big year..just think he'll come back for another..

PatsWorldChamps said:

i could not imagine that tedy, rodney, junior, or troy would come back after a perfect season... why would they? to be less successful than this year (a near certainty)? they will all retire as pats legends.

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I agree 19-0 means a mass exodus to retirement... and Who can blame them.

PatsWorldChamps said:

i could not imagine that tedy, rodney, junior, or troy would come back after a perfect season... why would they? to be less successful than this year (a near certainty)? they will all retire as pats legends.

Click to expand...

I agree with 3 out of the 4 retiring but I don't think Rodney Harrison will this off season. Rodney just enjoys hitting people too much to walk away now. He will have to be carted off the field and have a(nother) serious injury before he hangs up his cleats. Just one mans opinion for what its worth.

wistahpatsfan said:

Bruschi is the greatest linebacker in Patriots history. He walks into the HOF. He'll have 4 superowl wins. He'll have a perfect season. He's had a stroke. He has young kids. He will be missed not only in the Pats locker room but in the NFL. Enjoy life, Tedy, but don't be a stranger.

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As great a linebacker as he is, he probably doesn't break into the all time Patriot starting line-up. Tippet rules in terms as the greatest. I think Tedy is probably the most revered and popular in Patriot history. Why would he continue playing after this year? There will be a number of open positions on the roster next year, two LB's, and one receiver, at the very least.

Anyone know the dates for free agency etc for the off season, it's going to be an exciting time and intimidating time for all the new guys coming in if we go undefeated.