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Powerful Words Spoken at Patriots' Eight-Time Captain's Retirement Press Conference

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 6:45 PM ET

With tears in his eyes before he could even speak a word, New England Patriots' two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time captain, center David Andrews, delivered his speech at his retirement press conference this afternoon.

But before Andrews spoke, owner Robert Kraft spoke, followed by a video tribute from many of Andrews' teammates over the years.

"From undrafted to opening day starter," Kraft said. "David is the only offensive lineman in our history of 65 years to accomplish that feat."

The Patriots legend was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2015, and after an injury to the starting center, Andrews defied all odds to win the starting job and start the first game of the 2015 season. And the rest was history.

"I can remember when you were just a little baby, you were a rookie, and we had just won a Super Bowl like two years before and we were a pretty damn good football team," Julian Edelman said. "And our former center got banged up and you jumped in and got the first start of the first year, and we didn't miss a beat."

Andrews would go on the play nine seasons for the Patriots, starting in 131 games. He spent his entire career in New England and won two Super Bowls for the franchise.

"You think about all of the things that we were able to accomplish, it wouldn't have happened without you. Your support, your love for your teammates," Matthew Slater said. "Your toughness, your commitment inspired everyone around you to be better."

Over the course of Andrews' nine-plus years in the NFL, he collected just 14 holding penalties and four false starts. The standout center's hard work and attention to detail touched each of his teammates.

"It was such an honor. Me coming into this league as a young player playing next to you, someone who's so selfless, works so hard, and sets such a good example for me," Joe Thuney said. "I really appreciate everything you ever did for me."

It seemed like every teammate had their own positive word to describe Andrews by, and Rob Gronkowski's was consistency.

"Your leadership, toughness you brought to the table, and most importantly, your consistency as a player was remarkable," Gronkowski said. "I am glad I was there from the beginning to see you develop into the anchor that you were on the offensive line."

Whether it was Andrews' toughness, leadership, consistency, character, or grit, he always found a way to impact his teammates and the community around him.

"What I loved about (it) is you made everyone around you better. As an undrafted free agent, you came in, you broke every door in front of you," Devin McCourty said. "You became a starter, a captain, a leader, and you did it year in and year out no matter what you were going through - injuries, anything - you continue to always put the team first."

Andrews tore his rotator cuff in 2024, which cut his season short. In the recovery process and offseason, he made the decision that it was time to hang the cleats up and spend time with his family. But the game of football will forever have a special place in his heart.

"There is no better teacher of the game of life than the game of football. I wouldn't change one thing about my 26 years of playing this game, but it's time to say goodbye," Andrews said. "As it says in 2 Timothy 4:7, I've fought the good fight. I've finished the race, and I've kept the faith."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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