"Patriots inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi learned the secrets of longevity before there was a need to know.

Bruschi was on the practice fields outside Gillette Stadium yesterday for the second day of his 13th Patriots training camp, even though he plays a difficult position not conducive to an extended NFL run.

Bruschi, however, honed his survival skills through simple powers of observation.

"Longevity is something I learned by watching the guys that were ahead of me," he said. "I played with guys like Roman Phifer when I was coming up in my career, and he was in his 13th and 14th seasons.

"I was intently watching Junior Seau the last few years and saw his way to career longevity. Certainly you alter things on how you prepare and how you approach certain things regarding the physical aspects. Mentally you are always ready, but your body is not the same at 36 than it was when you were 26."

Bruschi is 6-foot-1 and 247 pounds, which is just about where he stood when the Patriots selected him in the third round (86th overall) of the 1996 draft. Bruschi gave a clear indication of his resiliency when he played in 19 games during a rookie year that culminated in the Patriots' loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans.

Bruschi does not bear the residual physical and mental scars of 211 NFL games. His recovery from the debilitating stroke that nearly claimed his career after the 2004 season is further testament of his capacity to endure.

"There's a lot to be said about play recognition and where you place your feet," Bruschi said. "You can do your best to make up for the losses you've had due to Father Time.""