FOXBOROUGH -- Before Wednesday, the Patriots have had six training camp sessions and Tedy Bruschi has been at two of them.
The former Patriots linebacker has been on the field for the entire sessions, mingling with players, coaches and owner Robert Kraft. Bruschi has spent the most time with Matt Patricia and even coach Bill Belichick.
Speaking via video conference Wednesday, Belichick was asked about having Bruschi back and on the field.
“Those players are welcome and it’s great to see them," he said. "Certainly, Tedy has meant as much to this program as just about anybody. He was a tremendous player and leader and inspiration, both on and off the field. He had a great career. I appreciate his friendship and his support. Certainly anybody who has the kind of experience he has could lend some good insight to all of us. It’s good to see him back.”
After Tuesday's practice, Bruschi spent some 1-on-1 time with rookie outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins going over some techniques.
In addition to his work at ESPN, Bruschi is the Senior Advisor to the Head Football Coach at the University of Arizona and Jedd Fisch.