Matt Light officially retired Tuesday, according to multiple reports that cited the NFL's league wire. It was a heavily anticipated decision that will pave the way for 2011 first-round pick Nate Solder to take over the most important position on the offensive line.
Light was one of the game's better tackles during his 11-year tenure, but his true value stemmed from the trust he earned from future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who had Light protecting his blind side during all five of his runs to the Super Bowl.
For that, Light should one day land in the Patriots Hall of Fame. He was a leader who served as the staple of New England's line while many came and went. Light started 153 regular-season games and joined running back Kevin Faulk as the only players to be on the Patriots' roster for five Super Bowls with Brady.
Light might be considered the second best left tackle in the history of the organization, as the top of the totem pole belongs to Bruce Armstrong. But few left tackles have ever experienced the same level of postseason success as Light.
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