Tedy Bruschi: Matt Stafford 'not tough enough to play' for Patriots

Matthew Stafford reportedly requested not to be traded to the New England Patriots and that request did not seem to sit well with former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who publicly questioned the quarterback's toughness and concluded he didn't have what it takes to make it in New England anyway.

"He's not tough enough to play here. He's just not tough enough," Bruschi said on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria. "I don't think he's tough enough to be coached hard. Do you realize the mental toughness that Tom Brady had to have for 20 years to deal with Bill Belichick and that type of coaching? I mean, constant pressure every single day. Does Stafford sort of grab you as a guy who could handle that? I just don't think so."

Bruschi would know the mental toughness it takes to play for Belichick as well as anyone, as he played his entire 12-year career in New England and became one of the faces of the franchise as the team won three Super Bowls. However, in this case, Bruschi's attack seems a bit unwarranted, as Stafford's desire to avoid New England seemed to mostly be due to Matt Patricia being rehired by the Patriots. Patricia was the Lions' head coach for three seasons, leading the team to a 13-29 record with zero playoff appearances.

Ultimately, Stafford got his wish and was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, while the Patriots still need to figure out an answer at quarterback after Cam Newton's disappointing performance last season.