Dan Connolly Retires

captain stone said:

I wish that Neal hadn't been injured in the '07 SB; I would like to have seen how the outcome
might've changed, if at all.

Click to expand...

It hurt but I think losing Faulk was more damaging.

People think it was money, but i tend to think he took a look at the line to see if he might be needed as an emergency backup, then decided he wasn't needed and prepared to announce his retirement.

I recall the year Parish and McHale were acquired to go along with Bird. Cowens was still good enough to make the team and start, but after scrimmaging with the duo, saw he would just be in the way in terms of minutes they needed to progress.

That's called being a class act, and Connolly sure was. I say Wendell fills that veteran role and i am optimistic we will have power and depth at the guard position, even if it takes a few games.

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...n-connolly-was-a-player-i-was-proud-to-coach/

Bill Belichick commentary on Connolly:

Dan Connolly exemplified everything our program requires of players,” Belichick said. “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.”

Click to expand...

robertweathers said:

It hurt but I think losing Faulk was more damaging.

Click to expand...

When was Faulk lost?

captain stone said:

When was Faulk lost?

Click to expand...

Start of the 2nd 1/2. Had a knee or an ankle IIRC.

I remember seeing him limping off and saying, "oh f$#k" to my dad ( who is a Giants fan. )

robertweathers said:

It hurt but I think losing Faulk was more damaging.

Click to expand...

Add in Kyle Brady as well. Your only blocking TE, your best blocking/receiving back and a pro bowl level guard when depth on the line was thin. There goes your max protect, just when an injured Brady needed it most.

Oswlek said:

Add in Kyle Brady as well. Your only blocking TE, your best blocking/receiving back and a pro bowl level guard when depth on the line was thin. There goes your max protect, just when an injured Brady needed it most.

Click to expand...

Yup.....

At least with KF he could pick up the blitz and grab the dump offs. When he left that absolutely killed 'em.

Where does Dan call home? New England? Missouri?

We appreciate your intelligence, versatility and toughness. Oh and your return skills too! Kudos Dan. I'd rather see you retire than play elsewhere.