Patriots Cut Longtime Captain David Andrews

The New England Patriots announced this week that they have released veteran center David Andrews, marking the end of an era for both the player and the franchise.

When speaking on Andrews’ release, Patriots owner Robert Kraft had this to say: "David Andrews' career success is a shining example of what every NFL prospect should strive to achieve. As a rookie free agent, David earned a starting assignment at center in his NFL debut, a position he anchored for the next decade. His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the team earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates, who elected him as an eight-time team captain."

Andrews, now 32 years old, spent an impressive 10 seasons with the New England Patriots after originally joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Georgia on May 8, 2015. Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 300 pounds, Andrews secured his legacy as a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots. His consistent performance on the field was underscored by his selection as team captain for eight consecutive seasons.

During his early years with the team, Andrews contributed significantly to a top-10 offense over the first four seasons of his career, showcasing a remarkable ability to operate at an elite level. The Patriots' offense ranked sixth in 2015, fourth in 2016, first in 2017, and fifth in 2018, largely due to strong offensive line play, of which Andrews was a crucial element.

Andrews made a historic debut in the 2015 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 10, becoming only the third undrafted rookie since 2000 to start on opening day. He joined the ranks of defensive lineman Jace Sayler (2001) and wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (2013). His resolve and poise under pressure established him as a player to watch early in his career.

Throughout his tenure, Andrews demonstrated not only durability but also an unwavering commitment to his craft. He played in 124 regular-season games, starting in 121 of them, and showcased his talents in 12 postseason games, earning 10 starts, which included a remarkable streak of three consecutive Super Bowls. His contributions were recognized with his selection to the Patriots’ 2010s All-Decade Team at center, a testament to his excellence during a transformative period in the league.

Additionally, Andrews was honored with the Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2020, highlighting his impact beyond the field and his commitment to giving back to the community. Unfortunately, his last season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just four games and four starts at center.

As the Patriots move forward, the legacy of David Andrews will undoubtedly resonate, symbolizing hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to team success.