Long-time Patriots G Dan Connolly told Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston that he’s made the decision to call it a career and retire from the NFL.
“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 mentioned that winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots last year played a role in his decision.
“It definitely played a part in it; helped me sleep better,” Connolly said. “I’m more at ease with the decision.”
During the offseason, the Buccaneers reportedly made a “strong pitch” to Connolly, which included the opportunity to play alongside of his former teammate Logan Mankins.
However, Connolly’s reportedly reluctant to either uproot or be away from his family, which led to him turning down the Buccaneers.
Connolly, 32, originally signed on with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of Southeast Missouri State back in 2005. He spent a little over a year with Jacksonville before he was waived and later caught on with the Patriots.
In 2014, Connolly appeared in 13 games for the Patriots and played a total of 630 snaps. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the N0. 72 guard out of 78 qualifying players.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
