The Patriots and a franchise legend parting ways? That’s not exactly a new headline in New England. But in the recent past, since Tom Brady’s move to Tampa, this one would sting a little differently in Foxborough. The captain. David Andrews. The heart and soul of the O-line for the past decade is officially out. Many fans had all sorts of questions about his release. Understandably so. But Robert Kraft has made it clear where he stands on the decision—especially when it comes to critics pointing fingers towards his newly appointed HC Mike Vrabel
David Andrews’ career success is a shining example of what every NFL prospect should strive to achieve,” Kraft said in his statement. “His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the team earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates, who elected him as an eight-time team captain.” That’s not just an owner checking a PR box—that’s an endorsement of a guy who lived and breathed Patriots football.
So why is he out? Well, this isn’t just about age or cap space. It’s about Vrabel putting his stamp on the team. The former Patriots linebacker, fresh off his tenure in Tennessee, isn’t here to run a nostalgia tour. He’s making moves, and Andrews’ release signals a shift in the trenches. But even as the business side takes over, Kraft wasn’t about to let one of the team’s most respected players walk without acknowledgment.
Andrews’ legacy in Foxborough is undeniable. He stepped into the league as an undrafted rookie out of Georgia, got tossed into the fire as a starter, and never looked back. He anchored the line in some of the franchise’s biggest moments, battled through injuries, and even overcame a pulmonary embolism in 2019 that could’ve ended his career. But he came back, did what he always did—led, fought, and kept that pocket clean.
But now, with Andrews gone, the Patriots find themselves at a crossroads. Who steps in at center? Can Ben Brown, who filled in admirably last season, handle the full-time job? Or does Cole Strange, a natural guard, make the transition? Those questions will be answered in time. But for now, one thing’s certain: David Andrews leaves behind a standard that won’t be easy to match. And his departure? It’s just another reminder that, in New England, even legends aren’t untouchable.
