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Light: 'You just know when it's your time'

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots offensive tackle Matt Light formally announced his retirement in a ceremony at the Patriots' team hall of fame on Monday.

Light, 33, was asked for his rationale for retiring after 11 NFL seasons:

"You know, I've got a daughter that's 10 [years old], I've got two boys who are knuckleheads and they need a lot of guidance a lot more time. I think that one of things that was ever apparent over the last couple seasons, it takes a lot longer to recover the older you get. Really during that six, seven, eight months of that football season, it really becomes very difficult to give much outside of a 'hi' or 'goodnight' or 'good morning.' That's always been really important," Light said.

"Also health reasons, just wanting to leave this game upright and feeling good. To be quite honest with you, I really had this sense of being grateful for the experience. I remember 2011, this past season there was a different mindset, maybe that's why I enjoyed some success out there. I really just felt like I am blessed to be a part of this. It made this season so memorable, so fun, for me, when I finally closed this chapter, I am truly grateful. Especially this young talent, I saw how talented they were and how they were in good hands. With [offensive line coach] Dante [Scarnecchia] in the room, there's going to be high expectations.

"When you know it's your time, you just know," Light concluded.

Light was introduced by owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick, who shared stories of Light's career, especially of the off-the-field pranks that he pulled.

The entire Patriots offensive line except Brian Waters and Robert Gallery were present for the ceremony, as well as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and receivers coach Chad O'Shea. Former teammates running back Sammy Morris (2007-2010) and offensive lineman Russ Hochstein (2002-2008) also took in the announcement.