Mar 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel discusses the team’s recent free agent additions with the media at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

New England Patriots Longtime Starter Suddenly Retires At 32

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 8:49 AM ET

As the New England Patriots prepare for mandatory minicamp next week, one face who has been with the team since 2015 will not be joining this spring or summer.

The Patriots are beginning a new era under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, and New England chose to upgrade the center position in the offseason. New England signed former Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury to a two-year deal worth $12 million in March. The Patriots selected Jared Wilson in the third round of the draft out of Georgia.

With Wilson and Bradbury competing for the starting center job, the Patriots chose not to bring back David Andrews, who had been in New England since he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015 out of Georgia.

Amid New England Patriots changes, one player is retiring

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Andrews has decided to retire rather than join another team.

“I didn’t want to go do it for another organization,” Andrews said. “That wasn’t what I had in mind to finish my career. I wanted to finish it here and I did.”

Longtime New England Patriots center David Andrews said Monday that he retired from the NFL after 10 seasons because he wanted to play for only one team.

Story via @MikeReiss:https://t.co/GomfUxntT0

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025

David Andrews played for the Patriots for 10 years

Aug 25, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) looks onto the field during the second half against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Andrews won Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LII with New England. The standout from Georgia appeared in 124 games and started in 121.

The native of Johns Creek, Georgia, said the decision to retire caused him to become emotional. He was thankful for the opportunity to play in the league.

“This game has given me so much. I’ve met some amazing people,” Andrews said. “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.”

Now, Andrews is passing the torch, and the Patriots will soon have a Bulldog representing the Patriots at center.

August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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