Tedy Bruschi Retirement Press Conference (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Three time Super Bowl winnerhas announced this morning that he is retiring after a 13-year NFL career with the New England Patriots.

He had only one goal not realized---a fourth championship. The 36-year-old inside linebacker suffered a stroke in February 2005 and made an amazing recovery, joining the team after just eight months of rehabilitation. Unfortunately his performance declined in 2008 and he was sidelined during most of the team's recent training camp.

Coach Bill Belichick paid him the ultimate compliment when asked about Bruschi. He chocked up and admitted, "How do I feel about Tedy Bruschi? He's a perfect player."

Bruschi was pleased with the admission. When asked his reaction, he replied, "That's something you'll never hear during your career. To have him say that to me is probably the best compliment he could ever give me."

Tedy, of Filipino and Italian descent, and his wife Heidi Bruschi have three sons: Tedy Jr., Rex and Dante - see photo below.

View Tedy Bruschi press conference comments below.

Press conference video