David Andrews discusses painful split from Patriots after 10 seasons

"I definitely respect their decision. Do I like it? No."

David Andrews won two Super Bowls with the Patriots. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

March 19, 2025

2 minutes to read

After winning two Super Bowls over 10 seasons in Foxborough, longtime center David Andrews saw his time in New England come to a close last week.

The Patriots made the call to release the 32-year-old Andrews last week, parting ways with the veteran during an offseason where he was on the mend from rotator cuff surgery that eneded his 2024 campaign after just four games.

New England made a quick pivot to replace Andrews in free agency, signing veteran center Garrett Bradbury to a two-year contract this week.

While Andrews was staring at an uphill climb when it came to reclaiming his starting role given both his age and the severity of his shoulder injury, he said it was still painful to see his run with the Patriots end on such terms.

“They’re trying to do what’s best for the football team,” Andrews said during an episode of “The Quick Snap” podcast with former Pats teammate Brian Hoyer. “You respect that as a player. Obviously, there were some things I thought I could do to help and provide value. But I understand their decision at some level. … I definitely respect their decision. Do I like it? No.”

Andrews said he was excited to work his way back from his shoulder surgery, especially after New England opted to bring back Josh McDaniels as the team’s offensive coordinator for the 2025 season.

Andrews found plenty of success working in McDaniels’ scheme during the latter’s second tenure in New England from 2015 to 2021. He went from an undrafted free agent out of Georgia to one of the key cogs on a Tom Brady-led offense during the final years of the franchise’s dynasty.

“I was super excited for the opportunity with Josh and the new coaches and getting to know them,” Andrews said. “I knew that offense really well. I’ve had a lot of success in that offense. It fits my play style well, how I like to play, what I like to do.

“I’ve had a lot of success (with it) and was excited for that reunion. I’ve had a great relationship with Josh and was excited to see (Mike) Vrabel and what he brought to the table as a football coach.”

When Andrews initially went under the knife last fall shortly after suffering his torn rotator cuff, he expected to have enough of a runway to try and mount a comeback for the 2025 season.

Now that such a scenario in no longer tenable in Foxborough, Andrews admitted that it’s a tough pill to swallow to move on from the only NFL franchise he’s ever played for.

“I found out earlier that week. You’re a little shocked by it,” Andrews said. “I’ve been so blessed. I’ve had 10 years and never got fired. I was living a pipe dream that I would hopefully make the decision myself. What did Bill (Belichick) say? There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and you’re hoping it’s not a train, and I was hoping it wasn’t a train, and it was a train.”

Even with last week’s news, Andrews still stressed that he still holds the organization and the surrounding area in high regard.

“I respect their decision,” Andrews said. “Still love the organization, still love the community. We’re still here. We don’t have any plans to make any drastic moves right now, just depending on different situations. It is home right now.”