Ex-Redhawk Connolly accomplishes goal to graduate

Dan Connolly left Southeast Missouri State before obtaining his degree because he had an opportunity to play in the National Football League.

But Connolly always planned on reaching one of his goals from when he originally enrolled at Southeast in 2001.

"When I first went to Cape, I went to play football and also get a degree," Connolly said. "I left because the NFL came calling, but it was always a goal of mine to graduate."

Connolly, an offensive lineman with the New England Patriots who has been in the NFL since 2005, will realize that goal Saturday when he returns to campus for graduation ceremonies.

Connolly, a St. Louis native, will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in general studies, six years after he left Southeast. He completed the 18 hours needed to graduate through online courses the past two years.

"I couldn't be happier," said Connolly, who said his parents, his wife and daughter will be on hand for the graduation ceremonies.

While completing his requirements for a degree, Connolly's NFL career also has been on the upswing as he saw his most action by far last season.

Connolly, who has been on New England's active roster since late in the 2008 season, played in a career-high 14 games and made four starts last year, including his first career start at right guard in a win over the New York Jets on Nov. 22.

"Right now things are going good. I got to see a lot of playing time with a good team," Connolly said.

Connolly originally made the NFL with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He saw limited action for the Jaguars as a rookie before missing the next season with an injury. He joined the Patriots practice squad in 2007.

"I got a little bit of playing time my first year, then I had an injury, then I spent a couple of years on the practice squad," Connolly said. "But last year was an all-around good year. I think my future is bright."

Connolly was a four-year starting tackle at Southeast from 2001 through 2004. He was an all-Ohio Valley Conference selection in each of those seasons and finished his career with 46 consecutive starts.

Connolly is among four former Southeast players currently on active NFL rosters. Eugene Amano (G/C, Tennessee Titans), Edgar Jones (LB/DE, Baltimore Ravens) and Dimitri Patterson (CB, Philadelphia Eagles) are the others.