SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The New England Patriots announced that veteran offensive guard Rich Tylski has left the team and plans to retire.

Tylski, 31, signed with the Patriots on May 30, 2002 as an unrestricted free agent from Pittsburgh. Last year, he started 10 or 12 games for the Steelers. He also started both playoff games, including the AFC Championship game against the Patriots. The 6-foot-4-inch, 306-pound guard played in 79 career games, including 62 starts at guard and tackle. He was originally signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent on April 25, 1994 and spent the 1994 season on the practice squad. He was claimed off of waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995 and spent the entire season on their practice squad. Tylski spent four additional seasons with the Jaguars (1996-1999) and played in 51 games with 36 starts at both guard positions and at tackle. He also started six postseason games, including the 1996 AFC Championship game against the Patriots. He signed with Pittsburgh prior to the 2000 season and started all 16 games at right guard for the Steelers.