Pronounced “Brew-ski”, Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is in the running for greatest pro athlete names of all time, and probably already is for the college students who toast to him during games. But Mr. Bruschi is also on the short list of the world’s toughest athletes. See, about 8 months ago, just 10 days after helping the Patriots win their second consecutive Super Bowl, Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke at the age of 31.

Days after he suffered the stroke doctors made a discovery: Tedy Bruschi had been playing football for his whole life with a hole in his heart. Known as a fiery competitor, and a leader, the thing that set him apart from his peers, his heart was failing him.

Eight months removed from a stroke, most people would still be in the process of recovering. Tedy Bruschi, however, took the field in the Patriots’ Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills. His story isn’t merely a comeback story, it’s a medical miracle.

In his first game action since the stroke, Bruschi didn’t disappoint. He played nearly every snap on defense and special teams, racking up nine tackles and numerous hits in the Pats 21-16 win.

After the superb play of the last few seasons, fans were lost during the first half of this season without Bruschi to anchor the defense. The team wasn’t the same without him and the game watching experience wasn’t either. I know Patriots games were not the same without the familiar “Bruschi” cheer and subsequent toast after a tackle, sighting, or even mention of his name.

Last Sunday night it seemed as if he was the only person not concerned about his own well-being on the football field. Patriots fans in the stadium as well as in their own living rooms held their collective breath each time Bruschi was in on a play. Even the announcers couldn’t get over the fact that he was out there doing the job he was doing. The only thing fans could do was cheer him on as best they could, making the stadium as loud as ever and turning dorm rooms throughout Patriot Nation into a never-ending toast to his health and his performance.

And so it was a relief and a release to see No. 54 on the field at last. As the Patriots bound down the homestretch this year toward the playoffs they won’t be without the services of Bruschi and company, as the Patriots will welcome back several other players from the injured list.

Tedy, here’s to you! Bruschi!!!