Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick issued the following statement on offensive lineman Dan Connolly, who recently announced his retirement from the NFL.
"Dan Connolly exemplified everything our program requires of players. He was tough and dependable, smart and team oriented and his work ethic ensured he improved on an annual basis to reach his potential. From where his career began as a developmental player to where it finished as a team leader and champion, Dan Connolly was a player I was proud to coach."
Super Bowl champion and 2014 Patriots captain Dan Connolly has decided to retire. We look back on his prolific 10-year career in the NFL.Â
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) fires a pass as teammate Dan Connolly (63) blocks Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) in the first half an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Hall of Fame member John Madden awards the second annual Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC to the New England Patriots' offensive line represented by Dan Koppen, Dan Connolly and Mark LeVoir (left to right) Thursday Feb. 3, 2011 in Dallas. (Photo by Amy Gutierrez/AP Image for Prilosec OTC)
New England Patriots guard Dan Connolly (63) looks on from the sideline during the NFL week 1 regular season football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins won the game 33-20. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Dan Connolly blocks during a game against Cincinnati on Sept. 12, 2010.
New England Patriots guard Dan Connolly (63) celebrates on the field following Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots won 28-24. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
New England Patriots guard Dan Connolly (63) gestures to fans before the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
RELATED LINKS
- PHOTOS: Dan Connolly calls it a career
- Dan Connolly Bio
