Dan Connolly, a mainstay at various positions on the Patriots' offensive line for the last six years, announced his retirement on Thursday morning.
Connolly, 32, was a free agent. He told ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss that winning the Super Bowl last February was a factor in his decision.
"It definitely played a part in it; helped me sleep better," said Connolly. "I'm more at ease with the decision."
Connolly was a free agent this offseason who had interest from other clubs, and he told Reiss he felt as though he could play another season or two. But with his family in the New England area, he didn't want to spend time away from them or force them to move so that he could continue his career.
A first-year captain for last year's Super Bowl-winning Patriots team, Connolly helped stabilize the play on a line that had struggled through the first month of the season. A versatile lineman who played all three interior line positions during his time with the Patriots, when Connolly was inserted as the team's starting left guard, replacing his good friend Logan Mankins, he helped solidify the protection in front of quarterback Tom Brady.
Connolly said that the biggest factor that went into his decision to retire -- something he's been set on for about a month or two -- was his health. He's had five diagnosed concussions in his playing career, four in the NFL and one in high school.
"It's important to leave the game healthy," Connolly said. "I'm able to be here for my kids and walk away on my own terms. I feel like I got everything I could out of football in playing 10 years, winning a Super Bowl, and playing alongside some truly great players."
New England Patriots
Connolly entered the NFL out of Southeast Missouri State in 2005, signing with the Jaguars. In 2007, he signed as a practice squad player for the Patriots and eventually made his way onto the 53-man roster. In total, he played in 89 games, including 71 starts, in his career. He also started 11 playoff games and two Super Bowls during his time with the Patriots.
Of all the games in which Connolly has played, he may be remembered most vividly for a moment during the 2010 regular-season when the Packers visited Gillette Stadium. Down 17-7 in the second half, Connolly returned a kick 71 yards when the bouncing ball made its way into his arms and a lane opened up for him to haul it down the field.
Connolly told Reiss that he has no immediate plans for retirement except for spending time with his family. As for what he'll miss most about playing, Connolly said it will be hard to find friendships like the ones he made in the Patriots locker room.
"With my football career coming to a close I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Kraft family and Coach [Bill] Belichick," Connolly said as part of his announcement. "It is an honor to have been part of such a great organization for the past eight seasons."