Matt

Light

He should be ready by Training Camp.

It’s official. Turning 33 in June, Light walks away with three Super Bowl rings and five Super Bowl appearances in an 11-year career. Last year’s first-rounder, Nate Solder, is expected to step in as Tom Brady’s blindside protector.

Light hasn’t commented on his future since the Patriots’ Super Bowl loss, and as far as we know, he never publicly broached the idea of retirement during the 2011 season. Including the playoffs, he allowed just 2.5 sacks in 18 starts last season. Were Light to retire, Nate Solder would be his logical replacement on the blindside.

Crohn’s is a bowel disease that affects the digestive system. Light says it factored into his retirement, and that he had a near-death experience in 2004. Light suffered complications from an operation to remove 13 inches of his intestine, and couldn’t eat for a month. His weight dropped from 315 to 260 post-operation, holding him out of Patriots training camp until the third week. Incredibly, Light missed just six games over his final six seasons.

Light has been contemplating retirement since the Patriots’ Super Bowl loss, but hasn’t offered any public insight into his decision. It’s believed he’d have to take a pay-cut from his $3.4 million salary and accept a swing-tackle role to remain with the Pats.

“Last season was great,” he said. “I enjoyed it, which I kind of made obvious there at the end.” Light was recently elected to the NFLPA’s executive committee, and says he’s near full health. He would not need to play in 2012 to maintain his seat on the committee. The expectation remains that Light will retire.

Light didn’t show for this week’s voluntary workouts, and Profootballtalk.com confirmed via a league source that he’s decided to hang ‘em up. A three-time Pro Bowler and Tom Brady’s longtime blindside protector, Light started 153 career games and was voted a first-team All Pro in 2007. He’s not a Hall of Famer, but Light should make his way into the Patriots’ Ring of Honor.

Contemplating retirement this offseason, Light didn’t realize team activities began on Monday. Although he’s believed to be leaning against playing another season, Light has yet to make an official decision on his future.

Light is contemplating retirement, while Koppen will likely be allowed to walk after breaking his ankle in Week 1 last season. The Patriots’ “hope” is to re-sign fellow free agent C Dan Connolly. According to the Globe, the “big question” is if Light will be willing to come back “as a backup at less money.” The Patriots want to start Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer at tackle.

Light was not listed on the Week 16 injury report but reportedly looked tentative in pre-game drills and received medical attention by the Patriots’ training staff. Nate Solder replaces him on Tom Brady’s blind side if ruled inactive, with Marcus Cannon moving from guard to right tackle.