Patriots OL Dan Connolly Retires On His Terms
Not many players get the privilege or opportunity to leave the game on their own terms. Dan Connolly former Patriots offensive lineman has taken stock of his situation and decided that this is the time to retire.
Connolly spent the last seven seasons with the Patriots and was quoted by Mike Reiss from ESPN the desire to spend more time with his wife and three daughters all under the age of six and walk away without worrying about his numerous concussions of which he suffered four with New England and another back in high school.
"It's important to me 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."
Connolly wasn’t a great offensive lineman but what he was very versatile, steady and dependable. He played right guard, center and left guard. But perhaps his biggest contribution was as a kick returner. His athleticism was something that former offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia marked as one of his biggest strengths.
On a Sunday night in December of 2010 against the Packers, Connolly picked up a kickoff and ran left, seeing an opportunity, he raced 71 yards down inside the 10 yard line. It was a play that sparked the Patriots who at the time trailed 17-7 and they rallied to beat Green Bay that evening.
His move to left guard last season after the trade of Logan Mankins not only filled a big hole on the offensive line but he also played a big leadership role, becoming a team captain in his final NFL season.
Connolly will retire as a captain and a Super Bowl champion and although he probably could have continued to play, and a high level, Connolly decided the time was right to step away from the game. He did receive some offers notably from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but leaves with no regrets.
The Patriots will miss his dedication, toughness and versatility, something Bill Belichick has long valued in all of his players.
"With my football career coming to a close I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Kraft family and Coach Belichick. It is an honor to have been part of such a great organization for the past eight seasons."
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