New England sports fans are passionate, if nothing else. They cheer for their home teams and take betrayal personally. The likes of Johnny Damon and Adam Vinatieri know the cold shoulder given by the New England faithful can be cruel and unwavering.
But the loyalty of the region’s legends who brave all of the trial and tribulations in — oh, let’s say — a 13-year career is just as unfaltering. Enter: Tedy Bruschi.
The career Patriot will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, along with broadcaster Gil Santos, Monday. Bruschi became a fan favorite in his career, leading the team defensively to three Super Bowl victories in 2001, 2003 and 2004, along with the team’s undefeated regular season in 2007.
In the years that many consider to be the Patriots dynasty, Bruschi played a huge role in many of the team’s epitomizing moments. From game-changing tackles to pick sixes, the team rallied behind Bruschi and so did the fans. Even when his health took a sudden turn for the worse with a stroke in 2005, his comeback and success after the struggle is what makes him stand out in any Patriots fans’ mind.
