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Mike Reiss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Longtime New England Patriots middle David Andrews stated Monday that he retired from the NFL after 10 seasons as a result of he wished to play for just one group.
“I did not need to go do it for an additional group,” he stated. “That wasn’t what I had in thoughts to complete my profession. I wished to complete it right here and I did.”
Andrews gained two Tremendous Bowl championships in New England after becoming a member of the group as an undrafted free agent out of the College of Georgia in 2015 and was named a captain in his remaining eight seasons. He was launched in March with a failed bodily designation after being restricted to 4 video games in 2024 due to a shoulder damage that required surgical procedure.
The 32-year-old Andrews overflowed with emotion throughout a retirement ceremony hosted by the group at Gillette Stadium on Monday. Proprietor Robert Kraft, who earlier within the day had attended memorial providers for Colts proprietor Jim Irsay in Indianapolis, launched Andrews after a tribute video from former teammates together with Tom Brady performed on the videoboard.
When Andrews arrived on the interview dais, he talked about that he wrote his speech down as a result of he was involved that he would not make it via with out breaking down. Then he stopped to gather himself as tears flowed.
“As you possibly can see, there’s loads of feelings,” he stated. “The one which stored protruding to me was gratitude. Once I look again on the 26 years I have been blessed to play this recreation, that is actually all I might take into consideration. Particularly taking part in O-line since I used to be 6 years previous, you be taught in a short time that it isn’t about you, it is concerning the group. For my complete profession, I have been surrounded by the most effective group anybody might ask for. So in the present day, I would like to indicate my gratitude to those that sacrificed and helped me.”
Andrews’ mother and father, Jeff and Patricia; his spouse, Mackenzie; sons Ford and Value; and brokers Wealthy Rosa and Noel LaMontagne watched from the entrance row. A number of present Patriots gamers, together with quarterback Drake Maye, additionally attended, as did coach Mike Vrabel.
Andrews, who grew up in Johns Creek, Georgia, and is a nephew of the late NFL coach Dan Reeves, stated his household is settling in New England full time. Previously, Andrews has expressed curiosity in turning into a scout or coach, however for now he plans to dedicate the vast majority of his time to his household and taking part in golf.
Of the function of soccer in his life, he stated: “This recreation has given me a lot. I’ve met some superb individuals. Been locations I’ve by no means imaged and executed issues I’ve by no means dreamed of. You have taught me a lot about myself, whereas attending to play a baby’s recreation and name it a job. … There isn’t any higher trainer of the sport of life than soccer.”