New England Patriots - NESN.com
A very emotional David Andrews stepped up to the podium Monday at Gillette Stadium to officially announce his retirement from the NFL.
The longtime Patriots captain and two-time Super Bowl champion played his entire professional career in New England, spanning across nine seasons and 124 games.
“For my whole career, I’ve been surrounded by the best team anyone could ask for,” Andrews said in a press conference, per team-provided video. “So today, I’d like to show my gratitude to those who sacrificed and helped me.
“… 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 whole family. Getting to work for what I believe is the best organization in pro sports has truly been a dream come true.”
Andrews spoke very highly of the Patriots as an organization, including legendary coach Bill Belichick.
“The memories that we’ve made on the field, but more importantly off the field, will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s very special because you guys are not only committed to excellence on the field, but also in this community we get to call home. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me the last 10 years.
“Coach Belichick, thank you for giving me the opportunity I so desperately wanted in this league. I learned more about this game from you than anyone has ever taught me. And to all my coaches here in New England during my 10-year career, thank you for all the time and sacrifices y’all made to make sure we were ready to go each and every Sunday.”
Andrews continued: “Y’all always demanded our best and challenged us each and every week. The details were important, and they really mattered. And that is something that I’ll carry with me the rest of my life.”
The undrafted Georgia product made his first start for the Patriots in the 2015 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became the first undrafted rookie offensive lineman to make their NFL debut as a starter on an opening day.
In the 124 games Andrews played for New England, he started in 121 and played in 12 postseason games with 10 starts, including three straight Super Bowls from 2016-2018.
