National Football League

Report: Patriots' Light to retire

Published Apr. 18, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Longtime New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light is set to retire, NBC Sports reported Wednesday, citing a source.

It was not known when the move will become official, but the report indicated an announcement likely would not come until after next week's NFL Draft because the Patriots want to keep it under wraps until a replacement on the depth chart is selected.

The 33-year-old Light signed a two-year, $12 million deal last summer, but it appears he will complete only half of the contract.

Asked specifically earlier Wednesday if he had made a decision to retire, Light said he had not, the Boston Herald reported.

"No, I'm just rocking and rolling," he said. "I've been in Ohio, working on some stuff for the [Matt Light] Foundation. We have a youth turkey hunt coming up. Other than that it's been pretty quiet."

Asked for a timetable on an announcement, he added, "You know, at this point, I'm just kind of taking it day by day. We'll see how it goes. Sooner than later."

A three-time Pro Bowl player, Light started in the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning teams after the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons and is one of only four players left on the roster from those title years. The others are Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork and Deion Branch.

Light is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by Nate Solder, a first-round pick in 2011.

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