FOXBORO - Even as the elder statesman on the Patriots , Tedy Bruschi always remains youthful and excited every Football season. His eternal passion for the game was on full display yesterday at his second annual Youth Football Clinic, sponsored by Savings Bank Life Insurance.
Bruschi, along with some friends and Patriots linebacker Jared Mayo, kicker Stephen Gostkowski, tight end David Thomas and special teamer Ray Ventrone, gave 54 Boston-area kids the opportunity to engage in a simulated Pats practice. The kids had their own space in the locker room, ran onto the field through the Pats' helmet and received drills from the Patriots .
Bruschi ran among the five stations set up to provide instruction in tackling, running, catching, kicking and throwing.
While the kids enjoyed the sun and the thrill of playing in Gillette Stadium, Bruschi was at ease, ready to play his 14th year in the league, all with the Pats. As for beyond 2009, Bruschi will take it year by year.
``I have to,'' he said. ``After you get past 10 (years), I think that's the way you have to do it because you never know what's going to happen within a year, you just don't. So when the season's over you sort of reassess things and that's how it's gonna go.''
Bruschi spent less time on the field in 2008 than in recent seasons, often coming out on third down. His 75 tackles were his second fewest in six seasons, and he had no sacks for the first time in his career.
As for Mayo, last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year, he was there to help out in tackling drills. By the way Mayo was enjoying himself and laughing with the kids, it seems the Patriots may have another Bruschi in both ability and character.
``He brings that youthful energy. Jerod is great,'' Bruschi said. ``I didn't have to ask him twice, I didn't even finish the sentence and he was like, `Yes, you know I'll come.' He loves working with kids just like I do.''
As for what the future holds for Bruschi after his playing days, yesterday proved he could easily end up on the sidelines with a whistle around his neck, instructing and teaching the game.
``I know I could coach,'' Bruschi said. ``I know the sport, and I've been in it so long that it's just gonna be a matter of what I do when I'm done. So, I don't know. It's a passion of mine. I love Football. I know I want to be in it. Let's just see what I'll be doing then.''
