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On Tuesday morning, five areas of interest for the Patriots' organized team activity were listed. Here is a follow-up based on what we saw on Tuesday's session:

1. Early signs of Brady-Amendola synergy. This came through as clearly as it could in an organized team activity setting. At one point, Tom Brady worked with Danny Amendola on the quick pass that was often a staple with the QB and Wes Welker, while most of the entire team was on the other field for special-teams work. That play requires a certain element of timing and being on the same page and it was something that Brady and Welker did particularly well, giving Welker the chance to create yardage after the catch in the form of a glorified running play. Brady and Amendola spent time Tuesday attempting to build a similar rapport. Overall, Amendola seemed to take a leading presence among the receiving corps, as he was often the first receiver in drills.

2. Progress report on Ballard. This was probably the most significant development of the OTA from this perspective, the fact that Ballard's rehabilitation from knee surgery has reached a point where he is on the field catching passes from Brady. With Rob Gronkowski (forearm/back) and Aaron Hernandez (shoulder) not in the mix, Ballard received some significant reps, at one point running a dig route from left to right and showing good hands in hauling in a throw from Brady about 15-20 yards down the field. That was a good chance to get a snapshot look at Ballard's ability to run, which some might have had a concern with after knee surgery -- the thinking being that Ballard wasn't considered fleet of foot before the injury, and any loss of speed might limit his ability to contribute. Ballard is 275 pounds, and it certainly doesn't look effortless, but the feeling here was that he was running better than anticipated. It looks like he's still being managed health-wise -- at one point in practice he worked off to the side with some resistance training -- but his on-field presence is a notable development for the Patriots as they navigate rehabs with top tight ends Gronkowski and Hernandez.

3. Eyes on Dobson and the outside receivers. A little bit of a surprise to see veteran Michael Jenkins stand out from the crowd among outside receivers, and also took note that it was Jenkins and Amendola working with Brady on two different occasions (while most of the team was on the other field for special-teams work). Was curious if second-round pick Aaron Dobson would have those types of opportunities, but they weren't as plentiful. Also took note of Lavelle Hawkins' quickness at one point. His style of player seemed to be closer to an early-career Deion Branch -- not a big target, but some shiftiness there.

4. Trickle-down effect of Spikes' absence. With starting middle linebacker Brandon Spikes staying away from voluntary organized team activities, it opened the opportunity for others to take more reps. Dane Fletcher, who missed last season with a torn ACL, was one beneficiary. "I feel good or else I wouldn't be out here," Fletcher said. "I feel like everything is [progressing]. It's getting better."

5. Brady breaking in new receivers. Brady was vocal on the practice field, often times barking out encouragement when he liked what he saw from one of the team's pass-catchers. In a practice with a heavy emphasis on the passing game, Brady was naturally a central focus. The change at the receiver position puts him out of his comfort zone a bit, but as one would expect, he seems to be embracing the challenge.

BOSTON -- While the biggest news out of Tuesday's owners meetings in Boston was Super Bowls L and LI being awarded to San Francisco and Houston, there were a few other nuggets of note:

Kraft stresses value of in-stadium experience. One of the cornerstones of San Francisco's bid for the Super Bowl in 2016 was keeping up with technology inside the stadium that fans are able to use to enhance viewing at home. In recalling his favorite Tedy Bruschi moment on Tuesday -- his December 2003 interception against the Miami Dolphins and the ensuing "snow fireworks" -- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made sure to mention how fans needed to be at the stadium to experience that moment.

"(It was) one of the great visuals and part of what makes it great going to a game in a stadium," Kraft said. "You experience a sense of community and group celebration that you can't do at home no matter how much you like the home viewing experience."

The Patriots recently expanded their WiFi capacity in Gillette Stadium, but Kraft said the team's efforts will extend beyond that.

"We understand with what's going on in the world today, people are concerned about being in an environment where there are large crowds," Kraft said. "At the same time, with the way technology works, we're doing things in quickies and getting quick reactions, and we don't have that sense of community that I think a lot of people long for.

"Going to sporting events, and especially football games that are only once a week, it's a great experience and we're going to keep making them more and more special."

Mara talks potential changes to offseason calendar. On Monday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the NFL and NFLPA were "on the verge" of pushing back the draft until May and moving the start of the league year to before the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

It would be a change that would take NFL coaches and front offices out of their routine, and on Tuesday, New York Giants owner John Mara addressed the possibility that it may ruffle the feathers of those on the football side.

"Every time you change something, certain coaches and other football people think it's the end of the world," Mara said. "But you know what? They always manage to adapt."

According to Schefter, the change to the draft could come as soon as 2014.

"If you're moving the draft, there are advantages to it," Mara said. "You bring the (rookies) in for minicamp, and then they just stay. You can look at it a number of different ways.

"I think if we do it, we're going to do it for the long haul."

NFL reaches deal with Microsoft. The NFL announced a partnership with Microsoft on Tuesday that could include more technology being implemented on sidelines.

From the league's news release:

"Coaches and players will soon have access to a variety of cutting-edge Microsoft solutions, including Surface tablets to enhance on-field communications, photo viewing and play calling. Microsoft and the NFL envision a sideline of the future with players reviewing in-game photos from different camera angles directly from the sideline and head coaches calling plays off connected Surface tablets instead of today's static paper products. With Microsoft technology, NFL coaches, players and other personnel will have the technology they need to improve decision-making and on-field performance."

BOSTON -- Hours after former linebacker Tedy Bruschi was announced as the 19th player elected to the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, owner Robert Kraft told reporters that the fan vote overwhelmingly fell in Bruschi's favor.

"I think he got 75 or 80 percent of the vote," Kraft said Tuesday.

Bruschi was one of three nominees for election, along with former coach Chuck Fairbanks and offensive lineman Leon Gray.

Kraft recalled standing in the team's practice bubble after Bruschi was drafted in 1996, taking a question from then-coach Bill Parcells about the team's third-round pick.

"Who's that Mexican guy?" Kraft recalls Parcells asking him. "That always stuck out."

Bruschi told reporters after being elected Tuesday that he planned to spend his entire career with the Patriots shortly after he was drafted, something that Kraft noted in his remarks.

"We're big believers in trying to keep certain players as long as we can. It's very hard," Kraft said. "In fact he was one of those guys who wanted to play here his whole career. He did it without an agent."

Bruschi suffered a stroke in February 2005 that kept him out of action through the first half of the following season. Kraft said Tuesday that he urged Bruschi to be cautious in his return to the field.

"When he wanted to come back to play, I insisted that he go visit a couple doctors, actually some doctors in New York that were not Patriots fans," Kraft recalled. "I told him certain decisions in life you measure nine times and cut once, and he followed all of that."

The Patriots will induct Bruschi and former broadcaster Gil Santos into the team's hall of fame on Aug. 11, and then honor Bruschi in a halftime ceremony on Sept. 12 against the New York Jets.

"He's someone who's very special," Kraft said. "We were so lucky to have Tedy and I'm happy that he's decided to make his home here."

ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss was on SportsCenter this afternoon to discuss the integration of Danny Amendola into the Patriots’ system (video above).

Amendola, who has already worked some with Brady this offseason, said at Tuesday’s OTA that he’s still learning “the vocabulary of the offense.”

“It’s a process,” he added.

Reiss finished the interview with an observation from Tuesday’s OTA:

“The Patriots, unlike the other 31 teams in the NFL, don’t have jersey numbers for their players (at OTAs). And when you watched Amendola on the field, you almost would have thought that it was Wes Welker. They're very similar types of players.”

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Below are a few photos from Tuesday's Patriots organized team activity:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- You'll be hard pressed to find many players who favor the offseason or training camp over the regular season and playoffs, but Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib may just be one of them.

The 27-year old addressed reporters following the team's second OTA of the offseason on Tuesday, opening his remarks with a unique take.

"I feel good," he said. "Best part of the year right here."

Pressed for an explanation on why he felt that way, Talib offered, "This is what you work for. You put in all the work, see what you get out of it during the season."

Talib and his teammates have been hard at work during the offseason conditioning program, the first that he has taken part in since being acquired via trade last season from Tampa Bay. He stressed the importance of conditioning and fundamentals as it relates to the on-field work.

"Right now we're just getting in good shape," he said. "Getting the basics of the defense and offense down. We're working right now."

The Patriots were able to retain Talib this offseason with a one-year contract that could pay him up to $5 million. He was briefly an unrestricted free agent, but noted on Tuesday that his preference throughout the process was to remain in New England.

"I just let it played how it played," he said of free agency. "I wanted to be back, I'm happy I'm here [and] I'm ready to get to work."

"This is a great organization, great team, great teammates," Talib noted when asked why New England was his team of choice.

Given that his contract only lasts for one season, there's a school of thought that 2013 is another "prove-it" year for Talib in advance of 2014 free agency. That's not something that's on his mind right now, though.

"It's time to get in shape, that's all I'm worried about right now, getting in good shape man, best shape I can be in," he said.

As proof of his dedication to conditioning, Talib was dressed in multiple layers despite the heat and humidity in the Foxborough area on Tuesday.

"Double shirts, out here trying to get as hot as possible, get a good sweat," he said of his attire. "Get in some good shape."

Talib stated that he felt the secondary improved down the stretch last season, but added that the group isn't letting itself grow content or feel like enough work has been done entering the upcoming season.

"We don't let ourselves feel like that," he said. "We start it all over, we start it from scratch. Got to pick it up from square one and get it started right now."

BOSTON -- With NFL owners choosing the sites for the Super Bowl in 2016 and 2017 on Tuesday in Boston, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed the possibility of Boston hosting a future Super Bowl.

"It would be great. I sort of like Boston/Providence (as the site)," Kraft said. "This is where it all started. Right here."

The biggest litmus test for cold-weather Super Bowls will happen next February, when New York/New Jersey hosts Super Bowl XLVIII.

"We would love one day to hold it here if it's a good experience there," Kraft said Tuesday. "We're looking forward to seeing this experience in New York and New Jersey."

Like the upcoming Super Bowl, Kraft believes that cooperation between two states would be necessary, given Gillette Stadium's location about halfway between Boston and Providence.

"Part of what it will require is political people in Boston and Providence coming together so we could really have the right number of hotel rooms and have the support," Kraft said. "It would require cooperation from all of the political folks who would have to gather together and want this and come together, like they do in other parts of the country."

Kraft also expressed a desire to hold the Pro Bowl, which is still played in Hawaii, in the host city the week before the game. But like the Super Bowl, the allure of warm weather may ultimately trump efforts to have the game played in cold-weather cities.

"I think a lot of our fans like being down in the warm weather, to be very honest," Kraft said. "And if I didn't live here, I'd probably feel the same way."

The earliest that Boston/Providence would be able host a Super Bowl is in 2018, but competition could be stiff. Indianapolis, which hosted Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, has already began the bidding process.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola got a head start on his work with quarterback Tom Brady this offseason, as the two convened in Southern California to take part in workouts at USC.

They're back at it in a more formal setting now, as the second day of OTAs took place on Tuesday and the media was allowed to watch the roughly-90-minute session.

It didn't take long for Amendola to recognize the type of talent he was working with when catching balls from Brady.

"Absolutely, yeah. I said it today, he darted me in the chest with one ball and inside my head I was like 'wow, this guy can really wing it,'" he said following Tuesday's practice. "That's why he's Tom Brady."

Amendola will be counted on to play a big role in a new-look Patriots wide receiver corps, and he said that working with Brady was an important opportunity as they continue to develop a rapport.

"Any time you get a job and you get to work with each other is good," he said. "We're getting a lot of good work in right now, that's most important."

One of the advantages that Amendola has over other free agents is his familiarity with the offensive system, as he played under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in 2011 while the two were with the Rams.

"It's familiar," he said of his Patriots playbook. "When Josh was in St. Louis I got to know it pretty good. It's a little more intricate out here and it's something to grasp. I'm learning every day."

He stressed the importance of using OTAs to develop a further understanding of the vocabulary and concepts of the playbook.

"It's the verbiage, it's everything," he said. "That's the most important thing, the vocabulary of the offense, and I'm learning day in and day out, and studying at night and everything. It's a process; [it's the] second day, so I'm looking forward to next practice."

Some have been quick to compare Amendola to Wes Welker, the departed slot receiver whose role may fall into the lap of Amendola. And while that could turn out to be the case, Amendola said he isn't spending any time worrying about how he compares to Welker.

"That's not something I need to worry about," he said. "I'm worried about the playbook and getting the routes down and getting on the same page as my teammates. The good thing is I don't have to worry about that stuff."

BOSTON -- One day after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent a fourth surgery on his left forearm, team owner Robert Kraft said he has received positive reports from doctors.

"I'm not a medical person and things change day-to-day, but we were told that it was as good as a report that we could have hoped for," Kraft said at the NFL owners meetings in Boston on Tuesday.

Gronkowski, who broke his forearm last season and re-injured the limb in the playoffs, had metal plates in his arm replaced on Monday. Doctors believe that an infection that has lingered this offseason is now cleared, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

With back surgery also a possibility, Gronkowski's status for the regular season opener is still in question, but Kraft was hopeful on Tuesday.

"I hope we have him back for the full season," Kraft said. "I know all the fans want that and as an owner, I surely do."

The Patriots signed Gronkowski to an extension last summer that could keep him in New England through the 2019 season. With injuries limiting his contributions last season and affecting his preparations for this season, questions have been raised about Gronkowski's durability.

"Part of the parity and the challenge of this business, and trying to be good year in and year out and having a (salary) cap, we all have to make decisions with the information we have at hand," Kraft said. "We think long-term he still should be great. We'll see."

Prior to his surgery, Gronkowski and Kraft took part in a football clinic on Saturday for children in Newtown, Conn., the site of last December's school shooting tragedy.

"Gronk was acting like (Tom) Brady and throwing to a bunch of kids. He challenged me to cover one. I thought I did a pretty good job covering, except the young man tripped and Gronk overthrew him," Kraft said. "He was saying it was a penalty on me. (But) the young man fell because Gronk overthrew him and he was trying to catch the ball.

"Once again, Gronk's enthusiasm and exuberance ... he really had the kids going," Kraft said with a smile.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- For the second consecutive day, the Patriots took the practice fields outside of Gillette Stadium for an organized team activity, and Tuesday marked the first time that the media was allowed to attend the on-field work.

Passing along a handful of observations from the roughly 90 minute session, keeping in mind that without full pads the evaluation process is incomplete. In watching practice, our goal is not to draw too much from a single play, but rather examine traits that are evident throughout practice.

1. Attendance: Four players were missing from today's OTA: linebacker Brandon Spikes, tight end Rob Gronkowski, running back Brandon Bolden and wide receiver Julian Edelman. Among that group, Bolden is the lone surprise, as Gronkowski and Edelman's absences are injury-related, while Spikes was not present on Monday. A host of other players, including defensive back Devin McCourty, tight end Aaron Hernandez and receiver Josh Boyce were on the field but non-participants in drills.

2. A lineup note: After working extensively as the top right tackle last offseason (while Sebastian Vollmer was nursing injuries), third-year player Marcus Cannon was aligned as a right guard on Tuesday. That could be due to a number of factors, including the absence of Dan Connolly (who was off to the side of the field; he had shoulder surgery earlier this offseason) and presence of veteran swing tackle Will Svitek, who worked on the right side of the line (Vollmer spent part of the practice off to the side as well). Cannon seems like a candidate to work as a top interior reserve this offseason after the team lost Donald Thomas via free agency.

3. Ballard returns: Tuesday was our first opportunity to see Jake Ballard on the field as a Patriot, and the well-built tight end didn't appear to be showing the effects of his major knee injury suffered in Super Bowl XLVI. Ballard did spend part of the on-field session working on resistance running with a team strength coach, but was able to participate in the majority of practice reps. Ballard was functional athletically before the injury, carving his niche as a tough run blocker with dependable hands in the passing game. He still isn't a speed tight end, but he looked reliable again as a pass catcher.

4. The ups and downs of Dobson: Second-round wide receiver Aaron Dobson could be in line to compete for a starting job this season, and he projects to work as a outside target given his big frame. He showed a long reach and the ability to make catches away from his body. He has also flashed the ability to outstretch defenders when the ball is thrown into a tight window. The downside to his day was a couple of catches he should have made. As is the case with any rookie, there's plenty of room to grow.

5. Productive day for Jenkins: The player that Dobson may be competing with for a starting job, Michael Jenkins, separated down the field on a couple of occasions. Jenkins' speed has noticeably diminished during his career, but he's a long target with strong hands and can be a mentor for the Patriots' young wideouts. The Patriots covet reliability in their receivers, and while limited athletically, that's part of what Jenkins brings to the table.

6. Washington, Slater returning kicks: The Patriots worked on the kickoff return team today, allowing both Leon Washington and Matthew Slater the opportunity to field a number of returns. Washington projects as a possible starter in that role this season, as he finished second in the NFL in kickoff return average in 2012. As is customary, the Patriots worked on field goal/field goal block at the conclusion of practice.

7. Passing game focus: As we expected to be the case, the Patriots were focused heavily on the passing game. Without pads, it's difficult to do much with the running game other than work on fits and backs seeing the hole. With that in mind, it's more difficult to evaluate the performances of running backs and linemen.

8. Brady works with veteran wideouts: During special teams drills, Tom Brady worked hard with a pair of veteran free agent additions, as both Danny Amendola and Jenkins joined him during those periods. Jenkins isn't a special teams factor at this point of his career, while Amendola will likely only see work as a punt returner if he does play in the kicking game at all. With their limited special teams responsbilities, they'll likely continue to use those periods as an opportunity to build chemistry with Brady.

9. Amendola looks sharp: The Patriots biggest free agent addition was Amendola, and while there's never been a question about his talent, it was enjoyable to see him on the field for the first time. What stands out? His change of direction skills, body control and ability to work down the field as a receiver. The Patriots need him to be a big factor in 2013, and he looked sharp in our first viewing experience.

10. Daboll stands close to Scarnecchia: The precise role of Brian Daboll remains unclear, but he spent much of practice nearby offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. A pair of offensive line coaches is not uncommon in the NFL, and Daboll could be utilized to assist Scarnecchia in addition to other responsibilities this season. He's a versatile coach. Jerry Schuplinski, added as a part of the Patriots coaching/scouting staff from John Carroll University this offseason, shadowed offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for much of practice.

11. Odds and ends: It's tough to evaluate much on linemen during OTA's, but it's hard to miss new defensive lineman Tommy Kelly. Like Vince Wilfork, he's a mountain of a man, standing at 6-6... Ryan Mallett was picked off by Dont'a Higthower during a passing drill... Armond Armstead showed some ability to bend and torque his frame off the edge... Dane Fletcher was back on the field and didn't seem to be showing any signs of limitations from his 2012 knee injury.

Every Tuesday on ESPNBoston.com, questions from Patriots followers are answered as part of a weekly mailbag. This week's mailbag has been posted and includes some of the following topics:

1. Brandon Spikes' absence from voluntary organized team activities.

2. Rob Gronkowski's fourth surgery on his left forearm.

3. Focusing on a hot-button topic from the offseason -- the receiver position.

4. The releases of defensive tackles Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love and what it might mean.

5. Considering the possibility of a Richard Seymour reunion.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The newest elected member to the Patriots Hall of Fame, former linebacker Tedy Bruschi, spoke to reporters on a conference call Tuesday to share his reaction to the announcement.

"Mr. Kraft called me on the phone last night and let me know, gave me the news," Bruschi opened. "He told me he was very proud of me to be inducted in the Patriots Hall of Fame, and I told him how much it meant to me.

"I'm very proud to have only played for one organization my entire career, and I worked very hard to make sure that happened," he continued. "I remember getting drafted in my apartment in Tuscon, Arizona and my girlfriend, who is now my wife, I told her that I was going to stay with the New England Patriots my entire career. That was after being drafted and within 10 or 15 minutes. And to be able to look back and say I did that and stay with an organization and build something special is something I'm very proud of. I don't know if it's -- in my mind I was finished, but to have this -- winning championships is better, but this is cool."

Bruschi, a popular player throughout his 13-year career, was voted in by the fans, with whom he developed a unique bond throughout his time with the team.

"I always felt like I was one of them," Bruschi said of Patriots fans. "I never felt like I was some type of special person, or I was any different than the people up there cheering on the Patriots. I always felt the New England Patriots fans, they did their work, they got their work done, they liked to come home and spend time with their families and when they had free time, they liked to cheer on their favorite team.

"And that, I feel like that's who I am also," he added. "If I wasn't fortunate enough to play professional football, that's who I would've been. A good family man to my wife and kids and then cheering on my local team, I think that's who I would be, that's why I relate so much to them. I already got an email from Randy Pierce, I still have relationships with some of the fans who I've met throughout the years congratulating me through email, and I've already responded.

"And there are certain relationships you form, and I was never shy about forming relationships with fans because I felt very connected to them," Bruschi said. "Being here my entire career, my kids being raised here, I sort of feel like I'm a transplanted New Englander."

ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss called into “SportsCenter” on Tuesday morning to discuss where we go from here after Ron Gronkowski’s fourth surgery on his forearm.

While it’s a “less than ideal situation,” according to Reiss, there was initial optimism that the infection in the area was cleared up (final results won’t be available for a week or so).

Gronk could also be facing back surgery as well, though a final decision on that won’t be made for 3-4 weeks.

* Best-case scenario: Back surgery won’t be necessary and Gronk will be back in about 10 weeks.

* Worst-case scenario: Doctors find the infection in the forearm has not cleared up and he needs another surgery. Either that, or a potential back surgery, could put him in jeopardy of starting the season on time.

With the Patriots set to hold their second practice of organized team activities, reporters will have their first chance to take in one of the sessions on Tuesday.

Although the 90-man roster is at full capacity, there are several players who are either not expected to participate in the voluntary workouts, or whose status is unclear at this point.

Here's a rundown:

WR Josh Boyce -- The 2013 fourth-round pick did not participate in rookie minicamp, still recovering from a broken foot. His status for OTAs seems unlikely to change.

WR Julian Edelman -- The Boston Globe reported earlier this month that Edelman was in a walking boot. Sources confirmed that Edelman suffered a setback in his recovery from a foot injury that ended his 2012 season.

TE Rob Gronkowski -- The fourth-year tight end underwent a much-publicized fourth surgery on his broken left forearm on Monday, and it would be a shocker to see him on the field until training camp, at the earliest.

TE Aaron Hernandez -- After undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this offseason, Hernandez is expected to miss OTAs and June's mandatory minicamp.

G Dan Connolly -- Connolly had shoulder surgery shortly after the season ended, and his status for OTAs would seem to be in question.

OT Sebastian Vollmer -- Vollmer underwent knee surgery before he hit the free-agent market. The Patriots re-signed him in March, but it's not known where he stands in his rehab.

LB Brandon Spikes -- Entering the final season of his rookie contract, Spikes was not present for the start of OTAs on Monday.

S/CB Devin McCourty-- After offseason shoulder surgery, McCourty's status for OTAs would seem to be in question.

One last name to watch: TE Jake Ballard. He last played against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, when he tore his ACL. He could return to the field this week, more than 15 months after the injury. With Gronkowski and Hernandez expected to be out, it would be a boost to a tight end position affected by injuries for a second straight offseason.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi was announced on Tuesday as the newest member of the Patriots Hall of Fame. He was voted in by fans, edging out fellow finalists offensive tackle Leon Gray and head coach Chuck Fairbanks.

Bruschi will become the 19th former player to be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame, and he'll be one of two new members to join in 2013. Longtime radio play-by-play announcer Gil Santos will also be welcomed into the hall.

The Patriots selected Bruschi in the third-round of the 1996 NFL draft after his decorated career as a defensive lineman at the University of Arizona (he was recently announced as a new member of the college football hall of fame), and he went on to enjoy a sensational tenure as a linebacker in the NFL. Bruschi was part of the franchise's three Super Bowl victories and was twice named to the Pro Bowl. He became a popular figure in New England for his penchant for big plays and unrelenting style on defense.

In 2005, Bruschi was named the co-recipient of the NFL's comeback player of the year after returning to football just eight months after suffering a stroke. He went on to play three more seasons before retiring in August of 2009. He finished his career with more than 1,000 tackles, 18 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions and five defensive touchdowns scored.

Bruschi, now a colleague with ESPNBoston.com and also an NFL analyst for ESPN, remains active in the local community through his charity Tedy's Team, which supports the American Stroke Association.

The Patriots will induct Bruschi and Santos into the team's hall of fame on Aug. 11, and then honor Bruschi in a halftime ceremony on Sept. 12 against the New York Jets.