Tedy Bruschi was taken by the Patriots in the 3rd round (25th pick) of the 1996 NFL draft.  As of 2006, he has 829 tackles, 27 sacks, and 11 interceptions, 4 of which have gone for touchdowns. Bruschi had six tackles, a sack and an interception of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to help the Patriots cement a 24-21 win in  Super Bowl XXXIX, their third title in four years. He played in his only Pro Bowl the next week.

A few days later, on Feb. 16, 2005 , Bruschi was taken to a hospital with symptoms including temporary numbness, blurred vision and headaches. Bruschi suffered a mild stroke.  He had experienced a broken blood vessel in his head and suffered from partial paralysis that went away soon after admittance to Mass. General Hospital.   After several months of rehabilitation, Bruschi announced that he would sit out the 2005 NFL season.

On October 16, 2005, it was announced that Bruschi had been medically cleared to resume playing football and he rejoined the team on the practice field three days later.  He was named the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.