"Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the only way he could describe linebacker Tedy Bruschi was that he always did the right thing.

"Whatever was the right thing at that moment, it seemed like he always hit it right on the head,'' said Belichick.

Yesterday, the 36-year-old Bruschi decided the right thing was for him to retire after a decorated and inspiring career with the Patriots that spanned 13 seasons, eight AFC East division crowns, five conference championships, three Super Bowl titles, and one remarkable recovery from a stroke."