Tedy Bruschi

So long, Tedy. You've been the heart of the Patriots for many years.

Boston. com

Newsday.com

Ron Borges

He's set to announce his retirement.

It's not enough that Marty got a Tedy Bruschi autograph at Brookline Booksmith today (after waiting in line for an hour), he also spotted Kevin Youkilis walking around with his wife and kid:

... And the guy managed to walk through town without being harassed or stopped for autographs or photos or anything - not even by me. I wanted to say hi, or take a picture with him, or ask how his knee was (he was walking with a brace on it), but I resisted. Although, we did give each other the "I know you"/"I know you know who I am" looks. ...

So just cut that out. No, seriously.

Blame somebody at Fox 25 for calling up other reporters when he or she got an anonymous "tip" about Bruschi's alleged demise - those reporters started calling sources and friends and before you knew it grown men were on the verge of tears about something that didn't happen.

Bruce Allen has some background on how "just another idiot on the Internet" managed to start all the trouble.

Denton notes good news related to Tedy Bruschi, Jason Varitek, the Celtics and the Revolution, although he admits Bruschi's comeback, while inspiring, makes him nervous:

... Certainly the Patriots need him on defense, I just pray he isn't risking more than his football career.

Jennifer: Tom Brady may well be my boyfriend, but Tedy Bruschi is so my husband.

Mats is glad to see him (and Corey Dillon) back, but adds:

... The Patriots remain a mess of a team on both sides of the ball, and special teams isn’t anything to write home about either. Luckily, there’s still enough season left for the Patriots to put together a post-season challenge.

Bruce rounds up all the columnist reaction on Bruschi's return.