A Tale of Two PLayers

It caught me off guard hearing of Tedy Bruschi's retirement. Earlier last week, he was talking about how he was caring a new role for himself with them team. He played Friday night in the game against the Redskins. The team had to reduce the roster to 75 by 4pm today. What transpired between the end of the Redskins game and Sunday night when the news first broke.

As I watched Bruschi at his press conference today, he seemed very happy and had come to terms that his career was over. I think he knew it earlier this summer. He had missed a significant amount of practice time. Yet, last week he was talking about his role with the team.

As a fan, I knew this day was coming, but hoped that it never would. Watching Coach Belichick become extremely emotional was something I was not expecting. It would have been very difficult to release Bruschi after all his has done for the team.

The Pats carried Troy Brown on the PUP list during the 2007 rather than release him. He made a cameo appearance in the last game of the season, but was inactive for the playoffs. Bruschi could have done the same. The game against the Redskins must have finalized his decision. He had a great career and accomplished so much, but I think we all wanted more. It wasn't going to happen.

The team also released 2nd year QB Kevin O'Connell, a third round draft pick from last year.
O'Connel and Bruschi were both 3rd round picks. Bruschi played in 5 Super Bowls during his 13 seasons. O'Connell was the backup to Matt Cassell after Tom Brady got injured last year.

Today it ended for both of them. Two players with much different careers. O'Connell might hook on somewhere else and have a great career. Maybe not. Only time will tell.

It also ended for long snapper, Nathan Hodel, a seven year veteran who was released. Jake Ingram, a sixth round pick, has apparently made the team as the long snapper.