The New England Patriots gave David Andrews the send-off he deserved, hosting a retirement ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Monday to honor the veteran center who called it quits after a decade with the team. Andrews, released by the Patriots in March, announced his retirement on Thursday, choosing to end his career in Foxborough rather than chase one more season elsewhere. “I didn’t want to go do it for another organization,” Andrews said during the emotional ceremony. “That wasn’t what I had in mind to finish my career. I wanted to finish it here and I did.” It’s a sentiment that resonates, especially for a player who’s been the heart of the Patriots’ offensive line since 2015, an undrafted free agent out of Georgia who became an eight-time captain and two-time Super Bowl champion.
Andrews was visibly moved, tears flowing as he delivered a speech he’d written down to ensure he didn’t miss a beat. “As you can see, there’s a lot of emotions,” he continued. “The one that kept sticking out to me was gratitude. When I look back on the 26 years I’ve been blessed to play this game, that’s really all I could think about. Especially playing O-line since I was 6 years old, you learn very quickly that it’s not about you, it’s about the team. For my whole career, I’ve been surrounded by the best team anyone could ask for. So today, I’d like to show my gratitude to those who sacrificed and helped me.” It’s a testament to Andrews’ character, a player who’s always put the team first, and the ceremony was a chance to thank everyone from family to teammates who made his journey possible.
The event was packed with familiar faces, including former teammates like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, who paid tribute to Andrews’ impact. “This game has given me so much,” Andrews concluded. “I’ve met some amazing people. Been places I’ve never imagined and done things I’ve never dreamed of. You’ve taught me so much about myself, while getting to play a child’s game and call it a job. … There is no better teacher of the game of life than football.” It’s a sentiment that captures the essence of Andrews’ career, a journey that’s been about more than just football. For the Patriots, it’s the end of an era, but for Andrews, it’s the perfect closing chapter.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will lean on newcomer Garrett Bradbury at center in 2025, a move that signals a new direction for the offensive line. But Andrews’ legacy will linger, a reminder of what it means to be a Patriot. His retirement is a loss, but also a celebration of a career well-lived, and for fans, it’s a moment to reflect on the impact one player can have. Stay tuned, because while Andrews’ playing days are over, his story’s far from finished. The Patriots move on, but they’ll never forget the man who embodied their spirit.
