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New England Patriots guard Brendan Stai retired Sunday, less than two weeks after signing a one-year contract.
Stai, who's 31 and a veteran of eight NFL seasons, told coach Bill Belichick of his decision.
"That one took me by surprise,'' Belichick said. "I definitely didn't see it coming. It was obviously a personal decision. I can't give you an explanation for it.''
Originally a third-round draft pick from Nebraska in 1995, Stai was a rookie starter at right guard in the Super Bowl for the Steelers against Dallas.
He spent five seasons with Pittsburgh and also played for four other teams.
The 6-foot-4, 318-pound guard played in five games with the Redskins last year before injuring his knee. He had started 96 of 105 games and had a streak of 77 straight starts.
Stai played most of the first half at right guard Thursday in the Patriots' 26-6 preseason victory over the New York Giants.
Stai, who's 31 and a veteran of eight NFL seasons, told coach Bill Belichick of his decision.
"That one took me by surprise,'' Belichick said. "I definitely didn't see it coming. It was obviously a personal decision. I can't give you an explanation for it.''
Originally a third-round draft pick from Nebraska in 1995, Stai was a rookie starter at right guard in the Super Bowl for the Steelers against Dallas.
He spent five seasons with Pittsburgh and also played for four other teams.
The 6-foot-4, 318-pound guard played in five games with the Redskins last year before injuring his knee. He had started 96 of 105 games and had a streak of 77 straight starts.
Stai played most of the first half at right guard Thursday in the Patriots' 26-6 preseason victory over the New York Giants.