After eight NFL seasons, primarily as a member of the New England Patriots, 32-year-old offensive lineman Dan Connolly announced his retirement from football Thursday.
According to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, the Pats' starting left guard during last season's run to the Super Bowl decided to step away from the game while still in good physical condition.
"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.