New England Patriots

Tedy Bruschi Suffered New Stroke, Now ‘Recovering Well': Family

"He recognized his warning signs immediately: arm weakness, face drooping and speech difficulties"

New England Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi suffered another stroke on Thursday, his family said in a statement.

The former linebacker is "recovering well" after being hospitalized on July 4 with a transient ischemic attack, the family said Friday. Bruschi had a stroke in 2005, after his third Super Bowl victory with the Patriots.

The family statement reads: "Yesterday afternoon, Tedy, had a stroke known as a TIA. He recognized his warning signs immediately: arm weakness, face drooping and speech difficulties. Tedy is recovering well, and would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Sturdy Memorial Hospital for all they have done. Tedy and his family thank you for your ongoing encouragement, and kindly ask for privacy at this time.

Bruschi was released from the hospital sometime on Friday and was recovering at home, according to a statement from the Patriots.

A transient ischemic attack mimics stroke-like symptoms and are considered a warning sign about a coming stroke, according to the American Stroke Association.

Dr. Randie Black-Schaffer of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston said a TIA typically goes away within a few minutes. Black-Schaffer, who is not Bruschi's doctor, says the brain fully recovers but it's important to figure out why it happened.

"About a third of patients who have a TIA may go on to have a full stroke within a year so it's important to address it right when it happens and not just wait and see if something else happens," said Black-Schaffer.

Bruschi ran the Boston Marathon this April to raise money for stroke research, and apparently, his experience with the first stroke informed how he responded to the second stroke. He said after the marathon, his third, that "when I was having my stroke and the warnings signs [arose], I didn't know I was having a stroke."

Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement Friday saying Bruschi was an inspiration to "so many."

"Since his recovery from a stroke in 2005, Tedy Bruschi has provided inspiration to so many and positively impacted the lives of others by sharing his story and advocating for early detection of stroke symptoms. While shocked to hear of his recent stroke, known as TIA, we are relieved to learn that he recognized the early symptoms and immediately sought and received treatment."

Contact Us