Former Pats' Medic Shares Super Bowl Memories

Dr. Lawrence Bourdeau's journey to North Andover began with a cooperative program between Northeastern University and the New England Patriots. Bourdeau, now the co-owner of in North Andover, was awarded the privilege of working on the Patriots medical staff as an undergrad.

“We had access to absolutely everything,” Bourdeau told Patch. “It was fun to have access to all the different types of treatment modalities.”

He had an impact on one of the great defensive performances ever when the New England defense stymied St. Louis’ “Greatest Show on Turf” in Super Bowl XXXVI.

“I was mostly in charge of working with linebackers and defensive backs,” he said.

A decade later, it remains one of his favorite experiences. A collection of Super Bowl memorabilia hangs proudly on the wall of his treatment facility.

“In terms of my best memory there was winning the Super Bowl and being on the sidelines for that game,” said Bourdeau.

In 2007, Bourdeau left his mark on the Patriots once again. While earning his Master’s at the University of Miami, he returned to Foxborough as a medical staff member during the offseason. The season that ensued was perfect until the Pats fell to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. 

Four years later, here we are again.

Rob Gronkowski, New England’s record breaking tight end, suffered a high ankle sprain two weeks ago. His availability is of great interest to the entire football world, especially the Patriots, and Bourdeau thinks the Gronk has a shot.

“Yeah I think there’s a chance,” Bourdeau said of Gronkowski’s probability of playing. “There are things that can be done to allow someone to participate at some level,” he continued.

As for Bourdeau’s prediction, it is quite clear where his allegiances are.

“I think the Patriots are going to win by ten,” he predicted. Many of his patients share that sentiment.

Off-Season Sports has been on its feet for 16 months on route 114 near Middleton.

“It’s good to finally be getting entrenched in the community and helping all the athletes and the runners that come in here,” Bourdeau said. “We came here because there was a huge need for sports medicine in the area.”

The prevalence of organized sports in the area was a big factor in Bourdeau’s decision to open Offseason in North Andover.

“The Andover and North Andover towns have great sports programs and so we’re able to be involved with the kids and the teams in the area and help out the best that we can,” he said.

He and his staff have also played a huge role at the .

“Our whole staff has been there Thanksgiving morning the past two years,” Bourdeau said. “We help operate that race and it’s a lot of fun.”

So as you watch the Super Bowl this Sunday, take a moment to recognize the medical staff when there is an injury time out.

“Player safety is number one,” Bourdeau reminds us.