Tedy Bruschi, a former Arizona defensive end, retired from the NFL on Monday.

“”Tedy’s just a classy guy and a great person, he just gets it,”” Arizona head coach Mike Stoops said Monday at a press conference. “”He’s one of those guys that’s just very unique. Tedy played with that passion, that intensity and that focus that you respect as a coach.””

Bruschi played 13 seasons with the New England Patriotsand was instrumental in leading the team to eight division titles, five AFC championships and three Super Bowl wins.

A defensive end at the UA, Bruschi was a two-time All-America selection, in 1994 and 1995. During his career as a Wildcat, he recorded 185 total tackles, 74 tackles for a loss and 52 sacks.

“”To do what he’s done is pretty impeccable,”” Stoops said. “”I’m happy for him. I don’t know if he’ll want to coach, but I know that he would be a great coach.

“”I just hope he doesn’t want my job,”” Stoops joked.