Why Is New England Patriots' Captain David Andrews Optimistic?

New England Patriots team captain David Andrews had a message for Pats Nation as he arrived phase 1 of team workouts at Gillette Stadium.

Dec 3, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

FOXBORO — While 2023 may be a season the New England Patriots wish to forget, the one constant through the difficulty was the leadership of center and team captain David Andrews. 

From the year’s outset, Andrews was 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 13 losses.   

Accordingly, Andrews once again took center stage on Monday as players arrived for the first phase of voluntary organized workouts — the club’s first such workout program under a near head coach in nearly a quarter-century. The 31-year-old not only had a message for Patriots Nation, but he also renewed his commitment to New England for at least the upcoming season. 

“Pats Fans, David Andrews here,” the Pats captain said via the team’s Facebook account. “Excited to start the season off strong. Looking forward to having a great year. Go Pats!” 

Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

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.”

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 in 2023. 

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.