David Andrews, a two-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, failed to keep his emotions at bay as he confirmed his retirement from the NFL.
The 32-year-old played his entire 10-season NFL career with the Patriots, playing during Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s dynasty era after arriving in New England in 2015.
Andrews announced his retirement last week but held an emotional press conference Monday to say a final farewell to the Patriots fans and teammates – both past and present.
And the significance of the moment was not lost on the center as he weeped through his address.
‘For my whole career I’ve been surrounded by the best team anyone could ask for,’ Andrews said, sniffling through the opening sentences of his speech as he choked up.
‘So today, I’d like to show my gratitude for those who sacrificed and helped me. First off, I have to thank the good Lord. He’s blessed me with more than I could have asked for and none of this could be possible without him.
David Andrews, a two-time Super Bowl winner, broke down as he announced his retirement
The center played his entire 10-season NFL career with the New England Patriots
‘To Mr. Kraft and your family, it’s been an honor to represent your family and brand on and off this field. It’s been more of an honor to get to know you and your family.
‘[…] It has been such a joy to grow and love this place and the people here…this is such a special place and I’m proud to call New England home. I’m proud to be a part of y’all’s community.’
Ahead of Andrews taking to the podium, the Patriots released a video of his teammates sending their heartfelt congratulations with Brady, Rob Gronkrowski and Julian Edelman leading the way.
The veteran acknowledged his on-field comrades in returning, adding: ‘I hope each and every one of you know when I stepped on the field I gave it everything I had.’
He also thanked Belichick, who guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships during his 23-year tenure in New England.
‘I’ve learned more about this game from you than anyone has ever taught me,’ he said of the head coach, who joined the University of North Carolina last December after his Patriots departure.
Andrews went unselected in the 2015 NFL Draft and was picked up by Belichick as a reinforcement for the preseason.
After playing frequently in the buildup to the start of the regular season, Andrews started in Week 1 and did not give up his starting spot for 10 weeks.
The veteran played alongside Tom Brady (left) during the Patriots’ dynasty era
From the 2016 season on, Andrews has been the center of choice for the Patriots, helping Belichick win his final two Super Bowls in 2017 and 2019.
The former Georgia Bulldog became popular with Patriots fans after taking a 50 percent pay cut to stay with the team in 2021.
Andrews played his last game for the Patriots last October after suffering a season-ending injury against the San Francisco 49ers.
Andrews release in March did not see him linked with other NFL teams despite every team being keen on building their depth in the trenches.
The behemoth finishes his NFL career with 124 games played, with 121 starts.
