New England Patriots Light to Officially Retire
Ever since New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took the reins of the Patriots offense in 2001, there has been one constant. Brady’s offense line has always been anchored by left tackle Matt Light. Over the past 11 years players have come and gone, three Super Bowls have been won, and two Super Bowls lost but in every one of those years Light has been protecting Brady’s blind side.
Light retires a three-time pro bowler joining the game’s best in 2006, 2007, and 2010. His best season came in 2007 when he was voted by both the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers as First-Team All-Pro. It’s been a long-awaited announcement that was sure to come soon but it will become official at 10:30 Monday morning at the Patriots Hall of Fame at Patriots Place where the 33-year old will one day be honored again.
In July of 2011, Light signed a two-year deal with the Patriots to remain their starting left tackle but the years up front have taken their toll on the big man. In April he was placed on the reserve/retired list by the Patriots as he continued to make up his mind on his future and many believed this would be the result. That speculation was confirmed Friday when the Patriots announced the ceremony that will take place Monday.
The duty of protecting the Patriots’ most important player will now shift to the young Nate Solder, the Patriots first round draft pick in 2011. With Light injured for much of the 2011 season, Solder started 13 games for the Patriots in 2011. Though he will be a solid replacement and a fine protector of Brady, he has huge shoes to fill in those of Light.
Buy New England Patriots Tickets | Buy New England Patriots Apparel
Leave a Rant
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!