FOXBOROUGH — As he began saying goodbye to football, David Andrews knew he was going to be emotional.
“I wrote this down, so I’m going to try to get through it,” Andrews said.
The longtime Patriots center was then overcome with emotion standing atop a podium at Gillette Stadium. Always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, Andrews paused for an extended period of time and wiped tears that kept falling from his face.
“When I knew this day was coming, I was thinking about what I wanted to say. As you can see, there’s a lot of emotions,” Andrews said as he choked up again. “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 can think about.”
Andrews’ retirement press conference was held in the G-P Atrium at Gillette, in front of a giant video board commemorating his 10-year career and two Super Bowl wins with the Patriots.
An undrafted free agent in 2015, Andrews forged an unexpected path, becoming an integral piece of New England’s offense. An eight-time team captain, Andrews was released this spring as he continued to battle a shoulder injury.
The 32-year-old opted to officially retire on Monday, and was first honored by Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“David Andrews has been the heart and soul of our offensive line for the past decade and helped us achieve two Super Bowl championships,” Kraft said. “David’s leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the team earned the respect and admiration from his coaches, teammates, and fans. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this organization, both on and off the field. We know his impact on this franchise will be felt for years to come. We wish David and his family all the best in all his future endeavors.”
After Kraft spoke, a nine-minute video montage from teammates played, as former Patriots lionized Andrews’ accomplishments.
“David, congratulations my man. Welcome to the other side,” Tom Brady said. “You couldn’t have had a better career. You were not only a great teammate, but you were a champion. And playing that center position for our team all those years. As you know, the heart and soul of any great team is the offensive line, and you were the leader. You were right in the middle.
“I loved every minute with you,” Brady added. “I loved being your quarterback. I’m with you every step of the way. You deserve this day. Congratulations.”
Then Andrews took the stage for his tear-filled speech. He spoke passionately about what the game of football meant to him, thanking coaches, teammates, and family members. Bill Belichick was the recipient of an early shout out.
“Coach Belichick, thank you for giving me the opportunity I so desperately wanted in this league,” Andrews said. “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 you all made to make sure we were ready to go each and every Sunday. You all always demanded our best and challenged us each and every week. The details were important, and they mattered. That is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Andrews was particularly emotional speaking about his wife Mackenzie’s sacrifices for him, and spoke directly to his two young sons, Ford and Worth, who were sitting in the audience.
Andrews concluded his speech by addressing the game of football itself.
“This game has given me so much over the last 26 years,” Andrews said. “I’ve met some amazing people, been places I’d never imagined, and done things I’d never dreamed of. You’ve taught me so much about myself and life, while letting me get to play a child’s game and call it a job. You’ve been so good to me and I think I’ve been pretty good to you.
“If there’s any parents on the fence about letting your kids play the game, I promise you, you won’t regret it. There’s no better teacher of the game of life than the game of football. I wouldn’t change one thing about my 26 years playing this game, but it’s time to say goodbye. As (the Bible) says in 2 Timothy 4:7, ‘I fought the good fight, I finished the race, and I have kept the faith.’ Thank you all.”
