New England Patriots Dan Connolly Retires due to Concussion Concerns

New England Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly has retired after playing for the Patriots for seven seasons. The 32-year-old captain stated that when he was deciding on whether or not he should retire, his health was the "biggest factor."

"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."

When asked if winning the Super Bowl this year affected his decision, Connolly replied, "It definitely played a part in it; helped me sleep better. I'm more at ease with the decision."

Connolly's professional career started in 2005 when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent. He played in four games and did not play in another game until 2008 with the Patriots.

Connolly has played in a career total of 89 games, 71 of which were starts. He also played in 11 playoff games, which included two Super Bowls.

The lineman stated that he believed he could have played one or two more seasons. Connolly reportedly also had interest from other NFL teams and visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"The locker room friendships, I just don't know if you can get that type of connection in any job in the world; being together in training camp and hotels on the road, that close-knit bond is something I'll definitely miss," Connolly said. "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. It is an honor to have been part of such a great organization for the past eight seasons."

Connolly has had four concussions in his professional career.