Bruschi’s enthusiasm for the game showed through every time he stepped forth upon the field. The guy lived to play football. You could see that excitement on his face every game – on the sidelines, in the tunnel, even in the locker room. But on the field of play, his expression was always all business.

That’s passion.

Bruschi had opportunities to sign with other franchises for bigger contracts. He left that money on the table. In an age when free agents jump from team to team for the highest paydays available and when even players under contract occasionally hold their teams hostage for more money , Bruschi wanted to finish his career wearing the same helmet under which it started. He was willing to take less dough to do so.

That’s loyalty.

But all of the above pales in comparison to what he accomplished in 2005. On February 16 of that year, Bruschi suffered a minor stroke, leaving his career in doubt as he tried to regain basic motor skills. A mere eight-and-a-half months later, he was playing for the Patriots again. Although Bruschi was neither the first nor the last to make a comeback from such a terrible affliction (Mario Lemieux, John Lester, and, most recently, Aarone Boone come to mind, among others), his accomplishment remains remarkable, inspirational to athletes and non-athletes alike.

That’s determination.

You have to love that.