Dillon at peace with life after NFL

In case you might have missed the wire story from The Boston Globe, former Bengals running back Corey Dillon talked about not looking back at his decision to leave the NFL. He said his attitude and performance in three years with the Patriots has allowed them to take chances on other "high-risk" players, including wide receiver Randy Moss.

Of course, as it ended up, Dillon -- who asked for and received his release after the 2006 season -- would not have earned a second Super Bowl ring. The Giants upset New England 17-14 Sunday night.

THE BOSTON GLOBE
It's been a year since running back Corey Dillon closed the book on his NFL career, and as he watched the Patriots blaze through an undefeated regular season, he still felt as if he were contributing to the team's success. How so?

Mainly, Dillon wonders whether the Patriots would have traded for receiver Randy Moss had Dillon not spent three years with the club, 2004-06.

"In some ways, I probably redefined the way they think about acquiring players," Dillon said from his home in California. "I wouldn't call it an experiment, but there is a Patriot Way and in many ways I didn't fit that Patriot Way. But I came, did what was asked of me, was a stand-up guy, and didn't cause any problems. I think ultimately that probably opened the door for other `high-risk' players."

Dillon kept tabs on the Patriots from California over the regular season and has watched more intently in the playoffs. He said he is not surprised by the team's historic run.

"I'll always feel tied to them. They'll always be my favorite."

(Dillon played for the Bengals from 1997 through 2003 before his trade in spring 2004 for a second-round draft pick.)

As for Dillon himself, he said this is the first time in ages that his body doesn't ache. He carpools his children to school each morning and has been a regular on the golf course.

Dillon added that he never considered a comeback this season.

"During the season, I had no itch," he said. "I am at peace, I am comfortable. I am content with how my career started and ended. I have no regrets."