On Tuesday, news was announced that New England Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is retiring from the NFL after 36 seasons.
The decision marks the second time Scarnecchia is stepping away from football after his first retirement following the 2013 season.
Scarnecchia returned to the Patriots in 2016, helping the franchise win two more Super Bowls, adding to his career total of five.
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and Head Coach Bill Belichick each released a statement praising Scarnecchia’s service to the franchise.
“Dante Scarnecchia has been unbelievable in every way. As a coach, he was extraordinarily talented at teaching his players and bringing the most out of each of them, Dante put everything he had into helping his players achieve their maximum potential — the mark of a great coach. His contributions to our team and to the game of football are unprecedented over the last four decades. Yet even more remarkable is the impact Dante has had on countless players, coaches and staff members who have walked through our doors. He modeled the principles he believed in through his hard work, diligence and integrity. He held himself accountable. He trained alongside his players. He treated everyone with respect. There truly is no way to sum up the incredible career he’s had, the positive impact he’s made on our franchise or how much he will be missed. We are forever grateful for Dante and wish him the absolutely best in his next chapter, along with his lovely wife Susan and his family. The New England Patriots are better because of Dante Scarnecchia, and he will always have a home with us.”
“It was a privilege to coach with Dante for so long,” said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. “I knew that long before his initial retirement and throughout a second act of continued excellence. Dante is among the very best assistant coaches ever.”
Scarnecchia spent 34 of his 36 professional seasons with the Patriots, becoming the longest-tenured NFL coach in 2019 and owning the most coaching seasons in New England Patriots history.
Current and former players coached under Scarnecchia shared reaction over social media with heartfelt congratulatory messages, memories, and thank you’s.
Check out all the best below.
Patriots past and present react to Dante Scarnecchia’s retirement. pic.twitter.com/tYt6wVIixu
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) January 28, 2020
Much respect to Dante Scarnecchia from players past and present, including David Andrew's. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/ef3he1T0wr
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) January 28, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B74IaHcDqqs/?igshid=1dowlf0tuyiid
One of the greatest coaches I ever had — not just in football, but a great life coach to myself and so many others who were blessed to cross paths with him.
Enjoy retirement with your loving family, Dante. You've earned it! pic.twitter.com/g02f2DWKG3
— Joe Andruzzi (@Andruzzi63) January 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/MFlowers59/status/1222342207937449984?s=20
Elite human!! Congrats scar you won’t see this cuz you still got a flip phone but you the man! https://t.co/BVqSakJWbm
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) January 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/SweetFeet_White/status/1222313007797166087?s=20
https://twitter.com/Trent/status/1222256276652150786?s=20
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