Connolly has decided to retire from the NFL, ESPN reports. Connolly indicated he could have played another year or two, but multiple factors ultimately assisted in his decision to retire, with the "biggest factor" being health (he's suffered four concussions in his lifetime). Famous for his 71-yard kickoff return against the Packers, the veteran showed versatility in playing left guard, center and right guard at various times with the Patriots. He will end his career a three-time AFC Champion and a Super Bowl champion (XLIX), spending most of his career with the Patriots after a brief stint with the Jaguars.

The Boston Globe reports Patriots RG Dan Connolly is in serious jeopardy. Connolly is set to earn a $3 million base salary in the final year of his deal this season. New England is reportedly high on second-year UDFA Josh Kline, who worked with the first-team offense in place of LG Logan Mankins for much of OTAs and offseason workouts. Marcus Cannon is also in the mix at right guard.

Patriots RG Dan Connolly (concussion) resumed practicing Thursday. It puts Connolly on track to play one week after sustaining his injury. Versatile sub Marcus Cannon will fill in if Connolly can't get cleared.

Patriots RG Dan Connolly left Sunday's Week 6 game at New England in the first half with a head injury and will not return. It has the look of a concussion for Connolly. Marcus Cannon has come on at right guard.

Patriots RG Dan Connolly is recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, but is expected to be ready for training camp. The operation took place last week. Connolly, 30, started 16 of New England's 18 games last season, including the playoffs. Pro Football Focus graded him slightly negatively as both a run and pass blocker. At his best as a utility, swing-type offensive lineman, Connolly may face competition to start in 2013.

Patriots RG Dan Connolly aggravated his back injury in Sunday's Week 13 win over the Dolphins. Connolly was only able to make it through the first two series before getting replaced by Nick McDonald. It's the same issue that knocked him out of the Week 10 win over the Bills.

Patriots RG Dan Connolly left Sunday's game versus the Bills with a back injury. Connolly didn't come out of the locker room for the second half. Donald Thomas replaced him on the right side.

According to the Boston Globe, the Patriots' starting center job is "Dan Connolly's to lose". This comes despite New England re-signing Dan Koppen to a two-year deal on Friday. The 32-year old Koppen was widely expected to step back into the starting job after missing all but one game in 2011 due to a broken ankle. The Globe, however, notes a slip in play after a poor training camp back in 2010. Koppen is ticketed for the No. 2 job.

Patriots re-signed C Dan Connolly.

ESPN Boston reports the Patriots have been working to re-sign free agents C Dan Connolly and S James Ihedigbo before the Tuesday afternoon start of free agency. The Pats are also talking with special-teams ace Matt Slater. Connolly was limited to 13 games (11 starts) last season as he dealt with a groin injury. Ihedigbo appeared in all 16 games, making the first 12 starts of his career in the process. He notched 69 tackles, but was a major liability in coverage.