New England Patriots Veteran Center David Andrews Thanks Georgia Bulldogs in Emotional Speech Announcing His NFL Retirement After Nine Seasons

David Andrews, a pillar of consistency and toughness for the New England Patriots over the past nine seasons, officially announced his retirement from the NFL in a heartfelt and emotional press conference. With tears welling in his eyes and his voice cracking at moments, Andrews took time to thank numerous individuals and institutions that shaped his career and life. At the top of that list was his alma mater, the University of Georgia.

As he stood at the podium inside Gillette Stadium, wearing a navy blue blazer and the unmistakable red-and-black tie of the Bulldogs, Andrews began by reflecting on the journey that brought him to this moment—a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and memories he said he wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

“I never dreamed this big,” Andrews admitted. “When I was a kid in Georgia, playing ball with my friends in the backyard, I thought maybe I’d get lucky enough to play in college. To get to go to the University of Georgia—my dream school—and then have the chance to be part of this great organization for nearly a decade? That’s beyond a dream.”

The undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2015, Andrews defied expectations from the start. Despite long odds, he cracked the Patriots’ 53-man roster and earned a starting role as a rookie. Over the years, he became a staple of New England’s offensive line, known for his grit, leadership, and football IQ. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and served as team captain in multiple seasons. His blue-collar mentality endeared him to both teammates and fans.

But before he was an NFL mainstay, he was a Bulldog—something he made abundantly clear during his retirement address.

“I want to thank the University of Georgia,” Andrews said, pausing as emotion caught in his throat. “That place made me a man. That coaching staff, those teammates, the people in Athens—I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for them.”

Andrews played for the Bulldogs from 2011 to 2014, starting at center for three seasons. He was a team captain his senior year and earned All-SEC honors. He came to Georgia as a three-star recruit but quickly became one of the team’s most dependable players, anchoring an offensive line that paved the way for some of the best running backs in program history.

He spoke fondly of his time in Athens, often pointing to that stretch as one of the most formative periods of his life. He credited former Georgia head coach Mark Richt for believing in him and for instilling values that would carry him throughout his professional career.

“Coach Richt—he’s a man of integrity and class,” Andrews said. “He taught us how to be more than just football players. He taught us how to be men, how to be accountable, how to lead. I owe so much to him and that staff.”

Andrews also made a point to thank the Georgia fan base, calling them “the most passionate group of people I’ve ever known.” He said wearing the ‘G’ helmet was one of the proudest honors of his life and that even in the thick of the NFL season, he always found time to check in on how the Bulldogs were doing.

“Those Saturdays in Athens—man, nothing like it,” he said with a smile. “Even up here in Foxborough, I’d find a way to watch the Dawgs play. Still do.”

The 2021 national championship, Georgia’s first since 1980, was a moment Andrews said he “celebrated like a player,” jumping around the living room with his wife, Mackenzie, and their kids. He was quick to point out that Georgia’s rise to dominance under Kirby Smart made him immensely proud, noting that the program’s evolution has been “amazing to witness” even from afar.

As he addressed the crowd of media members, coaches, and former teammates, Andrews also reflected on the personal challenges he overcame along the way. In 2019, he missed the entire season due to blood clots in his lungs—a scare that could have ended his career or worse. Yet he returned in 2020 and continued to be a crucial presence for New England’s offense.

“There were moments I didn’t know if I’d play again,” Andrews said. “That time away from the game made me appreciate every single snap, every single moment, even more. It made me realize how fragile this dream is.”

He also took time to thank Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for believing in him from day one and pushing him to become not just a better player, but a better leader. Belichick, who was in attendance, offered a brief statement after the press conference, praising Andrews as “the definition of a Patriot.”

“David came in with no guarantees and worked his way into a role where he was the heartbeat of our offensive line,” Belichick said. “He was tough, dependable, and smart—everything we ask for in a player. But more than that, he was a leader, a teammate, and a person we were proud to have represent our organization.”

As Andrews concluded his remarks, he circled back one final time to the place that shaped him the most: Georgia.

“To the Bulldogs, the University, the Redcoat Band, the fans between the hedges—thank you for giving me a home,” Andrews said. “No matter where life takes me next, that ‘G’ will always be part of me.”

Though he didn’t outline specific plans for life after football, Andrews hinted that staying involved in the game in some capacity wouldn’t be out of the question. Coaching, mentoring younger players, or even working in media were all mentioned as possibilities. But first, he said, he wants to spend time with his family and appreciate the things he missed while grinding through the NFL’s rigorous schedule.

“I’m excited to be a dad every day, a husband every day—not just during the offseason,” he said. “I’ve given everything I had to this game, and now I get to give everything I have to them.”

As the press conference wrapped up, several of Andrews’ former teammates embraced him. Longtime Patriots captain Matthew Slater was one of the first to offer a hug, calling Andrews “a warrior and a brother.” Current and former Bulldogs also took to social media to express their appreciation for the lineman who once wore the red and black with pride.

Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray tweeted: “Congrats to one of the best teammates and leaders I ever played with. You’ve made Georgia proud every step of the way, Big Dawg.”

Running back Todd Gurley, who shared the backfield with Andrews at Georgia, also posted: “Appreciate you always paving the way, 61. You were the anchor, the leader, the tone-setter. Enjoy retirement!”

Though he leaves behind a game he loves, David Andrews does so with a full heart and a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and leadership. He showed what it means to fight for every opportunity, to cherish your roots, and to never forget the people who helped you rise.

“From Georgia to New England, it’s been one hell of a ride,” Andrews said. “And I wouldn’t change a thing.”