Dan Connelly

I think many fans were shocked to hear of the retirement of OL Dan Connelly. He was a free agent who the Pats were not planning on resigning.

He cited not wanting to play for another team and being away from his family as deciding factors. He mentioned the four concussions in his NFL career, as well as one in high school. He wants to leave the game while he is still healthy. Although he turns 33 in September, many thought he had a year or two left in him.

Connelly made the most of his career as an undrafted college player. He spent two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars before the Pats signed him in 2007. He ended up playing in 89 regular season and 11 playoff games, including two Super Bowls.

He is best remembered for his unplanned 71 yard kick return against the Green Bay Packers in 2010.