New England Patriots Links 5/07/12 - Light's Out in New England

Peter King asked Matt Light to write a piece of his MMQB column about retiring and about life after football. Here's part of what he wrote:

I didn't grow up wanting to play football. Never thought a college would pay for me to join their team. The draft was just a reason to throw a party and I'd never seen a pro football game in person until I played in one. Yet, this unbelievable journey has provided my family and I with more than we could ever ask for and the ability to help those around us. That is the biggest victory of my career and why I will forever be grateful to the Patriots organization and the NFL.

I don't remember plays from games or any other details that involve what most fans watch. I've never gone back and watched a tape from one of our games on TV. So while I'm sure I will miss a lot of what's been my life as a lineman, the things that have always been the most important to me will still be. I love a good challenge and the art of negotiation. Problem-solving and hard work are actually fun. Being a dad is still the greatest part of my day and the friendships that were created over the past 11 seasons will forever be cherished. The game of football has taught me more about life than X's and O's. It's about patience, humility, honor, perseverance, and the Belichick way-at least to me, that's what's important to have the best chance to win, and to build a long career.

Today, on the day I retire, I'd be remiss if I didn't pay tribute to my former teammate, Junior Seau, who we lost last Wednesday. His death is a sad reminder of how much we ALL struggle with life. And finally, to all my fans, friends, teammates and family: Thank you. I'm so grateful for all your support and guidance throughout my career. I look forward to civilian life.

TEAM TALK

• Paul Perillo and Andy Hart debate which rookie will have the greatest impact in 2012.
• Patriots All Access -This edition takes us inside the Patriots draft room, Scott Zolak visits with both first round draft picks, and more. (18.54 min. video)
• Patriots Today - Meet WR Jeremy Ebert. (1.57 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss notes the Patriots will formally announce the retirement of Matt Light this morning.
• Paul Kenyon writes a terrific piece on how Matt Light and his foundation is helping four Providence students.
• Mike Reiss, Mike Rodak and Field Yates post their reflections on Matt Light.
• Dan Duggan digs into the deep bonds that held Chandler Jones and his family close growing up.
• Dan Duggan discovers Chandler Jones' history of achieving what he sets out to do.
• Dan Duggan continues his series, Keeping up with the Joneses: A change in environment kept the Jones brothers on the right track.
• Mike Reiss reports Chandler Jones thought he'd be a Jet.
• Christopher Price examines whether Tavon Wilson was worth a second-round pick. Wilson's former coaches think so.
• Mike Reiss offers a few thoughts on RB Joseph Addai signing with the Patriots.
• Christopher Price talks about what the addition of Joseph Addai means for the Patriots.
• Tom E. Curran gives his take on former Colts RB Joseph Addai becoming the latest free-agent flier signed by New England.
• Mike Reiss highlights Ryan Mallett's Q&A with Chris Bahn of Arkansassports360.com.
• Mary Paoletti notes Ryan Mallett is working towards leading a team someday.
• Mike Reiss offers some quick-hit weekend thoughts from the Patriots and around the NFL.
• Mike Reiss notes Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. explores whether the Patriots upgraded their defense.
• Bob Ryan tells us how much he - and America - loves football, and then how immoral it is for a man to coach such a violent sport, and for fans to enable the violence.
• Jeff Howe reports Wes Welker's golf teacher says he's 'totally focused' during lessons and motivated to compete with Tom Brady on the course.
• Christopher Price posts a pic of Bill Belichick and Linda Holliday on the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby this weekend.
• Paul Kenyon reports Kyle Arrington, Devin McCourty and Kyle Love were in East Providence Saturday to help raise money to benefit Crossroads Rhode Island.
• Adam Kurkjian reports Robert Kraft and Danny Woodhead were judges for the "Science of Sports" Sports Fair at Gillette Stadium Sunday.
• Field Yates revisits Tom Brady's SNL monologue, which was a gazillion times better than Eli's.
• Karen Guregian Patriots Notebook: Patriots defenders are pretty stoked about the reinforcements Belichick has brought in to beef up the pass rush and the secondary; Pats will hold a press conference today to announce Matt Light's retirement.

NATIONAL NEWS

• James Walker (ESPN) Addai shouldn't stunt Patriots young RBs.
• James Walker (ESPN) Patriots: One big question.
• James Walker (ESPN) AFC East weekend mailbag.
• Marc Sessler (NFL.com) Brady, Welker roll in high fashion at Kentucky Derby.
• Peter King (SI) MMQB: Seau's suicide could be the turning point in player safety mission.
• Dan Pompei (Nat'l Football Post) Sunday Blitz: Dissecting Seahawk's selection of Bruce Irvin; best undrafteds; impact draft classes and more.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Colts hope to use two, and even three, tight ends.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Rex Ryan wrote last year about "dotting" opposing players.
• Pat Kirwan (CBS Sports) NFL pro personnel types now in business of roster-hunting for depth.
• Don Banks (SI) New issue, same misguided fight between league, union.
• Clark Judge (CBS Sports) Legal expert: Union may be fighting losing battle in bounty grievances.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Concussion cases will move slowly at first.