Tedy Bruschi to retire

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Tedy Bruschi is retiring after a 13-year career marked by an inspiring return to the New England Patriots as a starting linebacker eight months after a stroke.

A person familiar with his decision told The Associated Press that the 36-year-old Bruschi will announce his retirement at a news conference Monday morning. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made. The team declined to comment Sunday night.

Bruschi’s play declined last season and he missed much of this year’s training camp for undisclosed reasons.

A third-round draft choice out of Arizona in 1996, Bruschi worked his way up from a part-time player and member of special teams units to full-time starter in 1999.

‘I’ve had so many years (when) where you are in September is different than where you are in December,” Bruschi said last week. “So I’ve learned that ever since I was a third-down situational pass rushing rookie that played on special teams all the way through my entire career, never assume what your role is going to be. Just be ready when your coach calls on you.”

-- associated press