New England Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly announced on Thursday that he’s retiring from the NFL.
Concerns about concussions were the primary reason that Connolly decided to retire. Family was another factor in the decision. Connolly was diagnosed with four concussions while in the NFL and had a total of five concussions in his football career, according to Yahoo Sports. He felt that he could play for another year or two.
"It's important to me to leave the game healthy,” Connolly told ESPN. "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."
When asked if winning the Super Bowl was a factor in retiring, he said, "It definitely played a part in it; helped me sleep better. I'm more at ease with the decision."
Connolly signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He signed with the Patriots in 2007 as a member of the practice squad, and stayed with them for the rest of his career. In eight seasons Connolly made 89 appearances and 71 starts. Last year he gave up one sack in 13 starts and helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl, according to NFL.com. Connolly’s contract with the Patriots expired after last season and he had interest from the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears, but decided to retire.
Connolly becomes the second NFL player to retire this year due to concussion concerns. In March San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland retired due to concussion concerns.
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