Chatting With Tedy While Having a "Brewski"

This article was written for the NFL Correspondent Competition.  It is a fictional account of what I would say to Tedy Bruschi if I was to interview him.

I walk down through the parking lot of what used to be Foxboro Stadium. I could almost hear the cleats of John Allen "Hog" Hanna, the best offensive lineman of all time. 

It's a brisk spring day just before mini-camp and I am here to talk about the defensive side of things with one of my favorite Patriots: Tedy Bruschi.

As I walked towards Gillette stadium, the sound of "Gillette. The best a man can get!" jingle runs through my head. 

I quickly shake off that memory in anticipation of meeting Tedy at CBS Scene. 

The closer I got, the faster my chest rose with anticipation. He was waiting at a bar.

I tapped him on the shoulder.

Me: Uhh.. excuse me, Mr. Bruschi? 

Tedy: Yes. 

Me: My name is Frances, Frances White. I'm hear to interview you for CBS Sports.

Tedy: Oh yeah!"

Me: You sound surprised.

Tedy: I thought they were going to send a guy; that's why I said we would meet at the bar.

Me: I'm alright with that.

Tedy: Two..

I imagined myself being with the most interesting man in the world and chimed in with "Dos Equis."

He smiled and said "Two Dos Equis please." The bartender left and returned with our order. 

I offered a toast as we tapped our bottles.  "Here's to long kick returns and championship dreams."

He nodded in agreement.

Me: Thank you for accepting my invitation Mr. Bruschi.

Tedy: Call me Tedy.

Me: Tedy... alright Tedy. You've been here fourteen years.

Tedy: Wow! You're making me feel old.

Me: No, that's not what I mean...

Tedy: "I'm teasing you," as his laugh filtered the near empty bar.

Me: It's safe to say that you've played for two hall of fame coaches in Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick.

Tedy: Yes, I've been pretty blessed, you know.

Me: What's it like?

Tedy:  In Bill We Trust! You know. We both laughed.

Tedy: What I mean is they both come from the same principles and philosophies; they demand that each one of us take care of our assignments, be accountable.

Me: If Coach Belichick, say, moved to the front office and you had another year to play, would you go play for "The Tuna?"

Tedy: If I wasn't a Patriot I would, but nah. I don't want to play anywhere else. I'm retiring a Patriot.

Me: Do you miss Mike Vrabel?

He takes a deep breathe and exhales, you could tell he missed his pal.

Tedy: I miss my guy; but he is in a good place. He has Matt and Scott.  He's got a football family here and in Kansas City now.

Me: Now back to those fourteen years... (he chuckled.) So that means you've been with Tom Brady all of his career.  Tell me what that's like.

Tedy: Even when he was a rookie he picked up plays really fast.  You could see his football intelligence applied on the field.  When he got his opportunity he took advantage. We have three Super Bowl rings together.

Me: You went from being Mr. irrelevant to three-time Superbowl champ?

Tedy: Yeah man...its every kids dream.  I've lived my dream and I can't complain. I'm honored. 

Me: Well, I'm going to ask the obvious. How's Tom's knee?

Tedy: One thing I know about Tom is that he prides himself on his conditioning. He'll be ready.

Me: Jerod Mayo had a fantastic rookie season, what rookie this year do you think could make a significant impact on the defense:

Tedy:  Yeah, Jerod had a tremendous season for us; we knew he had talent but the way he picked up our schemes was excellent.  He didn't play much in nickel and dime situations but we have Guyton there for those situations.  Plus it keeps Jerod fresh for when we need to put additional pressure on the offense. As far as what rookie I think will be special for us.  Honestly I look at Patrick Chung to make a significant impact.

Me: Why is that?

Tedy: Well we are missing Rodney and we need another hard hitter and this is what he is known for.  I think he is in the same mold as Rodney Harrison.  I am not saying he will be the same type of hard edge hitter, but he has the capability to do it.

Me: Do you think that you will retire after this year?

Tedy: Am I ready to retire; honestly, I can't answer that question right now.  I feel good, I feel I can still play this game.  I think it more than I do now that's for sure.  I'll have to wait till the season is over.  If I do though, I want to remain part of the Patriots organization.  They gave me a chance they believed in me and they made me a champion.

Me: Well, thank you Tedy. One more question.

Tedy: Go ahead. 

(I couldn't resist I had to do it)

Me: Do you mind if I take a picture of you for the article?

Tedy: Only if you take it with me. (I agreed)  The bartender volunteered to take the picture.

I thanked Tedy and we shook hands. I left Gillette stadium with memories of having a "brewski" with Tedy.