American football: Patriots' player back after stroke

SALVO, North Carolina - New England Patriots All-Pro linebacker Tedy Bruschi became the first known NFL player to return to the playing field after a stroke when he appeared against the Buffalo Bills yesterday.

"I'm back to doing what I love," Bruschi said after he helped the Super Bowl champions to a 21-16 victory.

"Getting this game under my belt meant a lot to me," said Bruschi, 32, who suffered the stroke in February.

"There was so much going into this. I didn't just jump into this. I physically prepared myself the best I could."

Fans greeted him with cheers as he ran on to the field and former teammate Lawyer Milloy, of the Buffalo Bills, bear-hugged him during the pre-game coin toss.

There were hugs and handshakes from teammates, too.

Bruschi quickly made an impact, wrestling the Bills' Willis McGahee to the ground for the third tackle of the match. He figured in seven tackles for the game.

"I was ready mentally and physically and emotionally," Bruschi said.

"Sometimes you just got to pick yourself up off the ground and get back to living your life, and that is all I am trying to do."

He had not expected to play this season but changed his mind after his doctors assured him it was safe to continue.

"There was a time in my recuperation and healing where I just had to tell myself it is just time to get up and live your life the way you want to live," Bruschi said.

"I am a football player by trade, it is what I do, so I did everything I could to make myself a football player again."

- REUTERS