New England Patriots team captain David Andrews had a message for Pats Nation as he arrived phase 1 of team workouts at Gillette Stadium.
The New England Patriots may want to forget the 2023 campaign, but center and team captain David Andrews’ leadership saw them through it all. Andrews was New England’s rock-solid “man in the middle” from the start of the season, offering sound on-field guidance, locker-room knowledge, and the courage to take the front line of defense from an incensed fan-led media firing squad following each of the team’s 13 losses.
As a result, when players arrived on Monday for the first round of voluntary structured exercises, Andrews once again stole the show. This is the club’s first organized workout program under a near-head coach in almost 25 years. The 31-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to New England for the duration of the next season in addition to having a message for Patriots Nation.
David Andrews here, Pats fans,” the captain of the team posted on Facebook. “Excited to get the season off to a great start. Anticipating an amazing year ahead. Bravo, Pats!
For Patriots Nation, Andrews’ brief statement was more than just team motivation. Following the Pats season-ending loss to the New York Jets in January, many wondered whether the veteran center had played his final down in an NFL uniform. Those rumors only intensified after the franchise chose to “mutually and amicably” part ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick in the offseason. Still, Andrews hinted that there was an equally strong chance of his return, as there was his retirement.
“I think I still got something in the tank, but we’ll see,” Andrews said following the 17-3 home loss. “I’m tired, I’m sore. It’s been a long year. I’m going to go home, go back to Georgia. I’m going to sit on my tractor with my son, take him deer hunting, and then we’ll get back to work and see where it goes from there.”
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 when asked of Andrews in late December. “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.”
But the leadership and tenacity Andrews exemplifies every single day leaves the most lasting impression on the one team he has played for. As demonstrated by his 2023 Ron Hobson Media “Good Guy” award from the Pats media contingent, he has been a cherished teammate, a positive presence in the locker room, and a pleasure to work with by those who cover the club.
Ultimately, Andrews impact will continue to be felt on the field for as long as he wears a Patriots uniform. As the Pats prepare for the upcoming season under new head coach Jerod Mayo, 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.
