An NFL All Pro recovers from a stroke to get back on the field

"I was there for Spaulding long before I knew I'd ever need them myself," Tedy says of his rehabilitation at Spaulding. "They are real champions. They made me whole again and got me back to the field."

Long before he was ever a patient, Tedy Bruschi had visited patients at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, hailed their remarkable recoveries and signed autographs. But February 15, 2005, was different. Having just won his third Super Bowl and competed in his first Pro Bowl, Tedy Bruschi, the New England Patriots linebacker, developed a blood clot that caused him to suffer a mild stroke.

His wife called 911, and Tedy was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital. The team at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital also sprang into action, working with trainers from the Patriots on Tedy's rehabilitation plan.

In collaboration with the Patriots' staff, the Spaulding team developed a physical therapy plan for Tedy that required hard work, perseverance and total commitment from Tedy, his doctors and his therapists. His rehabilitation inspired fans who longed for Tedy's return to the defensive squad. But more importantly, it inspired thousands of stroke survivors and rehab patients who facing similar obstacles. Tedy went on to have one of his best seasons ever following the stroke. He had his highest number of tackles and led the Patriots defense to an undefeated regular season before retiring from football in 2009. He was named the Defensive Captain for the New England Patriots 50th year anniversary team and remains one the franchise's most beloved icons.

Tedy is still engaged with Spaulding serving on its board of Trustees. Never one to sit still, he is currently a prominent NFL analyst on ESPN, a regular contributor to ESPN.com and appears regularly on radio and television.