Patriots Legend Tedy Bruschi: Matthew Stafford 'Not Tough Enough to Play' in NE

Former New England Patriots star Tedy Bruschi ripped Matthew Stafford after learning the quarterback didn't want to be dealt to the Patriots this offseason. 

"He's not tough enough to play here. He's just not tough enough," Bruschi said on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria Wednesday (via Ryan Hannable of 97.1 The Ticket).

Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams after mutually deciding to part ways with the Detroit Lions, but he reportedly told his organization he wanted to go anywhere but New England, per Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports.

"I don't think he's tough enough to be coached hard," Bruschi added. "Do you realize the mental toughness that Tom Brady had to have for 20 years to deal with Bill Belichick and that type of coaching? I mean, constant pressure every single day. Does Stafford sort of grab you as a guy who could handle that? I just don't think so."

Stafford's toughness has rarely been questioned during his career ever since his dramatic finish to a win over the Cleveland Browns in 2009 with an injured shoulder.

He also played through the 2018 season with a broken back.

On the other hand, the quarterback's lack of interest with New England could be related to the fact Matt Patricia was added to the staff this offseason after spending the previous three years as head coach of the Lions.

Detroit had three losing seasons with Patricia at the helm and Stafford has gone four seasons without a postseason appearance.

The 32-year-old could have also been looking for a better chance to contend, which will be available in Los Angeles after it went 10-6 in 2020 with the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL. The Patriots went 7-9 and have few proven pass-catchers on the roster.

It still could be that Stafford wasn't up for the challenge of playing for New England. Bruschi, who spent 13 years with the organization and won three Super Bowls, clearly thinks it isn't for everyone.