David Andrews Bids Emotional Farewell

Former Patriots center David Andrews shared an emotional goodbye to the team he cherished during a heartfelt ceremony on Monday.

The two-time Super Bowl champion was visibly moved while delivering his speech at Gillette Stadium, following the announcement of his retirement at just 32 years old last week.

“I wrote this down, so I’ll try to get through it,” Andrews began, pausing briefly to collect his thoughts. “When I learned this day was approaching, I thought about what I wanted to say. There’s just a flood of emotions, and the support I received really stood out to me.”

Andrews, who signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2015, dedicated his entire 10-season NFL career to New England, helping the team secure championships in the 2016 and 2018 seasons while consistently snapping the ball.

Chosen as the starting center during his rookie year, Andrews quickly became a locker room leader and was named team captain for eight seasons.

Last season, injuries limited him to just four games.

He was released by the Patriots in March, a move that left him feeling “shocked.”

“You’re a bit taken aback, really,” he reflected on his “Quick Snap” podcast. “But… I’ve been so fortunate. Ten years without being fired. I just hoped to make the call myself.”

While Andrews did consider the possibility of joining another team after his release, he ultimately decided against it.

“I didn’t want to play for another organization,” he explained to ESPN’s Mike Reese. “Ending my career elsewhere wasn’t the plan. I wanted to retire here.”

Originally from John’s Creek, Georgia, Andrews started playing football at six and played in 121 games for the Patriots.

During Monday’s ceremony, Patriots owner Robert Kraft praised Andrews, highlighting his significant impact on the team from the very beginning.

“Andrews is just a genuine young man with a big heart, a remarkable work ethic, and a true love for the game,” Kraft remarked. “From day one, it was obvious David was special.”

The Patriots are now entering a new chapter under head coach Mike Vlabelle, previously a linebacker, as he takes over from Jerrod Mayo following a frustrating 4-13 season.