New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is alive and well, the team reports, despite a wildfire rumor spreading across the region that Bruschi has died.

The Journal last night received approximately 10 calls from readers who had heard the rumor. Patriots beat writer Shalise Manza Young contacted Stacey James, the Patriots team spokesman, who said Bruschi was healthy and that the rumors were absolutely untrue.

Former Journal writer Tom Curran, now with NBC Sports, also heard the rumor from several fans, and he writes about the hysteria today on his blog.