New England Patriots
Patriots captain Connolly retires months after Super Bowl victory
New England Patriots

Patriots captain Connolly retires months after Super Bowl victory

Published Jul. 16, 2015 9:35 a.m. ET

New England Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly has decided to retire five months after helping the team win its fourth Super Bowl title.

Connolly, 32, said that the championship made his decision easier to swallow.

"It definitely played a part in it; helped me sleep better. I'm more at ease with the decision," Connolly told ESPN on Thursday.

Connolly said he could have played a few more years but his family and his long-term health played a huge part in announcing his retirement.

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"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, a first-time captain in 2014, has been diagnosed with four concussions during his NFL career.

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