FOXBORO – When the New England Patriots unveiled their 50th anniversary season all-time team earlier this summer, there were six current members of the Patriots roster named to the 30-man squad.

Not among them? Beloved linebacker Tedy Bruschi.

Bruschi lost out on his spot on the 50th anniversary team to Pro Football Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti and Pats' Hall of Famer Steve Nelson. That Bruschi was not honored was considered by fans and some in the media as the most egregious absence on the team; he was the heart of New England's defense during its Super Bowl championships.

The all-time team was selected by a panel of media members and New England officials.

But team owner Robert Kraft has found a way to make sure Bruschi is part of the roster: He announced during the broadcast of Thursday night's Pats-Giants game that he bent the rules a bit and has named the career Patriot as honorary defensive captain.

"We've decided, as an executive privilege, there's only one player that would fit the needs of this position," Kraft said during the broadcast. "He's played for this team for over 25 percent of its existence. He's done what no other player has done in the NFL [returning from stroke in 2005] and we've decided that Tedy Bruschi will be the defensive captain of the all-time team, and he has honored us by agreeing to accept that award."

Gino Cappelletti, who had been selected as honorary captain of the entire team, will now be honorary offensive captain.

During Bruschi's retirement ceremony on Monday, Kraft called the linebacker — who was voted a defensive captain by his teammates seven times in his 13-year career — the "consummate Patriot."

"Tedy embodies everything we want the Patriot brand to stand for: hard work, perseverance, overachievement, and selfless commitment to team first," Kraft said. "He's handled every stage of his career with great class. …I want to thank Tedy for being the consummate Patriot and a true, iconic legend that will always be with us and be part of his family."

Bruschi and the other 30 members of the 50th anniversary team will be at honored at halftime of New England's Monday Night Football season opener against the Bills on Sept. 14.

* * * *

Second-year return man Matthew Slater injured his left arm during a first-half kickoff. The team announced that he would not return to the game, but no further information was released. Slater was not in the locker room after the game.

* * * *

Former Patriot Willie Andrews has resurfaced, as the Orlando Tuskers of the UFL announced him as a member of their squad today.

Andrews was released by the Patriots last year a day after being arrested for allegedly pointing a 9mm gun at the head of his girlfriend after she accused him of cheating of her. That was less than five months after he was arrested for marijuana possession and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

The former seventh-round pick out of Baylor had carved himself a niche on the Pats as a special teams ace, but couldn't keep himself out of trouble long enough to keep his job.

* * * *

The Patriots and USA Football invited 1,500 local youth football players and their coaches to tonight's game, and they were on the field before kickoff.

The Mount Hope Pop Warner, Edgewood Eagles Pop Warner and the Mount Hope Cowboys were the Rhode Island teams invited, and were on the field for the pre-game festivities.

smanza@projo.com