Bill Belichick has ‘learned a lot’ from Tedy Bruschi

Former New England Patriots football player Tedy Bruschi, left, speaks with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, during a practice last month in Foxborough, Mass. AP Photo/Steven Senne

Though former players often swing by New England Patriots training camp, none has attended more sessions than Tedy Bruschi this summer.

The longtime linebacker isn’t a simple spectator, either. He often has Bill Belichick’s ear on the sideline, and on Tuesday, the coach expounded a bit on what their conversations have entailed.

“Look, we’re happy to have all players come back. We welcome them back,” Belichick said on a video conference call. “We’ve had several and I’m sure we’ll have more. So we’re always happy to see those guys. Tedy, especially, obviously had a great career here — was a very, not only good player, but inspirational player and had a lot of leadership. I know that our players — both our veteran players and our younger players — have enjoyed talking to him. As the coaches, Tedy brings a great perspective on his playing career, a new generation of players and other things that he’s experienced.

“So I always enjoy talking to Tedy. I’ve learned a lot from him. Our conversations this year — and we talk at other points during the season as well from time to time — but his insight is always valuable and he has a great perspective and a lot of insight that I appreciate.”

One of those players that Bruschi used to help is now running New England’s linebackers room. Jerod Mayo was drafted in 2008 as Bruschi’s 13-year career entered its final season, and the current Patriots linebackers coach didn’t mince words when asked about the veteran’s impact on his own career.

“Tedy was vital in my development,” Mayo said last week. “You know I just honestly came in trying to be a sponge and learn as much as I could — not only from Tedy but also (Mike) Vrabel and Junior (Seau) — all those guys. That room was great. The good thing about Tedy, he didn’t play linebacker at all off the ball in college. And so he played with his hand in the dirt, and then when he got to the NFL, he was a little bit too small to play with his hand in the dirt so they moved him to linebacker.

“So in saying that, I would say he has a wealth of knowledge, as far as front play is concerned. So he can talk to honestly any position in the front. And I’m sure (Patriots defensive end) Ronnie (Perkins) took away not only just some of the technique things but how to be a professional (when talking to Bruschi after one practice). And honestly I hope Ronnie tries to build a relationship with Tedy. He’s a smart guy, knows a lot about football, and he’s still in the game. Even though he’s not coaching, he watches a lot of ball. He’s actually my neighbor. So we talk a lot about football.”

Living in close quarters has also sparked a friendly competition between the former teammates.

“I think Tedy still cuts his own grass. I was way past that. I always joke around with Tedy, ‘Man, hey, Top 10 (pick) in 2008, I’m paying to get my grass cut at this point. So my lawn looks better than Tedy’s. And I would say my pool is probably better than Tedy’s. But I will say this — I have four kids under the age of 11, so his house is probably a lot cleaner than mine.”