New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi says he plans to play next year after taking this season off to recover from a mild stroke. Bruschi, in an interview with The Boston Globe, broke his silence about his future, which he said includes conducting a public awareness campaign about strokes. He was stricken in February. "I'm definitely playing next year," he said in the interview from his North Attleborough home. "That's my ace in the hole. It's a little hard to sit back and watch the guys [this season], but it's easier knowing I've got something to look forward to."