"Tedy Bruschi still had a place on the Patriots. He wasn't in danger of being slashed with roster cutdowns on tap this week. But that won't stop the veteran linebacker from announcing his retirement in a press conference at Gillette Stadium this morning.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Bruschi just knew it was time to let go. He knew at age 36, already having suffered a stroke, with 13 pro seasons under his belt, he couldn't contribute to the team in a matter that was suitable to him.

So he met with coach Bill Belichick late yesterday afternoon and went out on his own terms.

From the outset of training camp, it's been a difficult process for Bruschi, who was one of the six remaining Patriots to have been a part of all three Super Bowl championships. He missed quite a bit of time nursing what he described as some aches and pains. Then he seemed lost, trying to find his place, searching for a role on a defense that seemed to be moving toward a 4-3 instead of the 3-4 he thrived in for so many years.

When the dust settled, it appeared he was destined for a backup role.

Last year, when Bruschi was asked about making concessions because of age, he provided a window into when he'd know it was time to hang it up.

"In terms of adjustments, changing your game, I don't know if it's possible. Either you can play football or you can't," Bruschi said last February. "For 12 years, I've just been trying to find a way . . . any way I possibly can to use my ability to contribute and make plays for the team to help them win.

"I've always relied on my knowledge of the system, the way I feel comfortable playing in the system, finding my place and putting myself in good positions. When I watch myself on film, I self-evaluate. I look at myself and I say, 'Am I still contributing? Am I still doing the things I think help this team win?' And to me, the answer has been, all the way for 12 years in my career, yes.""