Patriots Belichick Praises David Andrews for Leadership, ‘Fashion’?

Though Belichick might be inclined to discuss men’s fashion for the better part of the day, work once again took precedence as the Pats prepare for their Week 16 matchup with the Denver Broncos at Empower Field on Sunday night. 

At 3-11, the Pats have lumbered through a disappointing (to say the least) season. Visions of Lombardi-trophy silver for the once-proud franchise have been replaced by the dull, coal-like matte finish of quarterback changes, special teams meltdowns and legions of Patriots fans calling for the job of the man who helped build the greatest sports dynasty of its generation. 

Simply put, it’s hard to spread holiday cheer in such a bleak environment. 

Still, the one constant through the season has been Andrews’ leadership. Since Week 1, he has been New England’s steady “man in the middle,” providing strong on-field direction, locker-room wisdom and bravely taking the front line of defense from an angry fan-led media firing squad after each of the team’s 11 losses.   

Accordingly, Belichick’s demeanor went from light-hearted to deeply gracious when asked about the value Andrews provides to his team. 

“Fantastic. He’s been fantastic … as good as I've seen, honestly,” Belichick said. “Every day, his performance on a daily basis is really exceptional. Attitude, effort, communication, energy, leadership of the younger players, leadership of his peers, communication, you name it.”

Andrews is among the most revered players in New England’s Belichickian Era. The 31-year-old has won two Super Bowls with the franchise and is a seven-time team captain. Whether it be on the field, or in the locker room, Andrews leads by example and plays his role as assigned to the best of his ability. He is also one of the Pats’ most durable players. Save for missing the entirety of 2019 due to the discovery of blood clots in his lungs, Andrews has missed just 11 games in seven years. In a moment of retrospect, Belichick praised his longest-tenured captain on offense for his durability in providing an example for all Patriots players throughout a difficult season. 

“Look, like everybody who plays a lot of football, you get banged up, you're going to deal with some stuff during the year,” Belichick said. “David has shown a lot of physical toughness to play through that, a lot of mental toughness. He would never come out of practice for a play. We have to take him out to help manage some of the bumps and bruises that he has. But, this guy is a warrior.”

However, Andrews’ most indelible mark on the only franchise for which he has played is made by the leadership and perseverance he embodies each and every day. He has been a valued teammate, a positive presence in the locker room, and a pleasure with which to work by those who cover the team — evidenced by his receiving the 2023 Ron Hobson Media “Good Guy” award from the Pats media contingent earlier this week. 

Ultimately, Andrews impact will continue to be felt on the field for a as long as he wears a Patriots uniform. As the Pats make their final provisions for their Christmas Eve matchup with the Broncos, he will be setting the trend and leading by example — ever the good soldier fighting the fight when all others declare it futile. For him, the cause remains noble as long as he is willing to fight. 

Fortunately for Belichick and the Patriots, David Andrews is that “warrior” — regardless of whether or not you agree with his choice of armor.