Bruschi holds fifth annual youth football clinic

FOXBORO -- Tedy Bruschi hasn't been part of the Patriots roster since 2008. But walking into Gillette Stadium Wednesday, in June of 2012, the former linebacker still holds a sense of awe.
"When you walk onto this field and it's lined; when it's lined and you see the end zone and the numbers, you feel it. You still feel it, the way it felt walking out on game day. Just for those couple of steps. It's like whenever you walked onto it, you had a mind-shift. Mine shifts, but then I shift it back off quickly because it's just not that time for me anymore."
Bruschi was all smiles as he surveyed the on-field scene: Over 54 kids between ages 7 and 14 were taking part in football drills. The kids had written essays outlining a plan to stay healthy and do well in school for a chance take part in Bruschi's fifth annual youth football clinic. Once selected, the reward was a one-of-a-kind Patriots player experience: name tags in the locker room, a run down the tunnel, an introduction over the PA system.
"I was just talking to New England backup quarterback Brian Hoyer during the National anthem," Bruschi said. "I was telling him, 'How do you think these kids feel behind us, on Gillette stadium field, listening to the National Anthem where the Patriots play?'"
Nobody out there knew better than Bruschi -- the 14-year veteran of the organization.
He credits loyalty as the reason why past and present players like Hoyer, punter Zoltan Mesko, linebacker Jerod Mayo, Ray Ventrone, Christian Fauria and Sammy Morris got involved. Each ran his own drill -- tackling, kicking, throwing -- and groups of kids rotated in and out to learn the fundamentals.
"I think they just love working with the kids also," Bruschi said. "It's here, it's close. They're very comfortable here.
"Whatever events the players have, we just try to support each other. It's great because you're on that team for so long, but just because you leave it doesn't mean the relationships stop."
Bruschi's three sons and Fauria's one all participated in the fun.
"It's just a great treat for them. It's sort of an end of school year treat. School's over, summer's started, and they get to come on their favorite football team's field. They earned it, writing an essay about their game plan for success on the field, off the field, in the classroom. It's great. It's why I love doing this."