Super Bowl champion and former Georgia Bulldog David Andrews is expected to retire from the NFL after a distinguished career.

After nearly a decade anchoring one of the NFL’s most respected offensive lines and helping to bring championship glory to New England, David Andrews — the Super Bowl-winning center and former Georgia Bulldogs standout — is expected to retire from professional football. The 32-year-old lineman leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, leadership, and a deep-rooted connection to the game.

Though not officially confirmed by Andrews himself or the New England Patriots organization at the time of this writing, multiple reports suggest that the veteran lineman is leaning toward retirement ahead of the 2025 season. If this marks the end, it concludes a storybook career for a player who overcame early doubts, went undrafted, and ultimately became a team captain, a Super Bowl champion, and one of the most respected figures in the NFL.

From Peachtree City to Athens: Early Beginnings

David Andrews’ football journey began in Peachtree City, Georgia, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the offensive line at Wesleyan School in Norcross. His tenacity, football IQ, and technique made him one of the top offensive line prospects in Georgia. Despite offers from several top programs, Andrews chose to stay home and commit to the University of Georgia, following in the footsteps of his uncle, former Bulldogs legend and NFL player Dan Reeves.

At Georgia, Andrews became the heart and soul of the Bulldogs’ offensive line. He started 40 games at center, including three consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2014, and was named a team captain in his senior year. He protected quarterbacks like Aaron Murray and helped pave the way for elite running backs such as Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb. His leadership, toughness, and consistency earned him recognition as one of the SEC’s premier linemen, even if he never garnered the same national hype as some of his peers.

Going Undrafted: A Challenge Turned Opportunity

Despite his collegiate success, Andrews went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft — a surprising outcome for a player with such a solid résumé. Questions about his size (listed at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds) and perceived athletic limitations likely played a role. Yet, in typical Andrews fashion, he used the snub as fuel.

The New England Patriots — renowned for turning overlooked prospects into contributors — signed Andrews as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft. He joined a franchise led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, both known for their uncompromising standards and demand for excellence. In such an environment, Andrews thrived.

By the time the 2015 season began, Andrews had worked his way up the depth chart and started 11 games as a rookie due to injuries on the line. His play earned him the trust of the coaching staff, and he quickly became a fixture on New England’s offensive front.

The Heart of the Patriots’ Offensive Line

Over the next several seasons, David Andrews emerged as one of the NFL’s most reliable centers. He became a full-time starter in 2016 and was named a team captain in 2017 — a rare honor for an undrafted player so early in his career. That year, he helped lead the Patriots to Super Bowl LI, where they orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, overcoming a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime.

Andrews’ performance in that game — anchoring the line against a fierce Falcons pass rush — was emblematic of his entire career: steady, unheralded, but absolutely critical to the team’s success. He would go on to win another Super Bowl two years later in 2018 (Super Bowl LIII), once again serving as the centerpiece of New England’s offensive line.

In a franchise built on discipline, accountability, and execution, Andrews became the quintessential Patriot. He played with intelligence, toughness, and poise — qualities that earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and opponents alike.

Overcoming Health Scares and Adversity

Andrews’ career wasn’t without its share of challenges. In 2019, he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs — a life-threatening condition that forced him to miss the entire season. At the time, there was serious concern about whether he would ever play football again.

True to form, Andrews attacked his recovery with determination. He returned in 2020 and resumed his role as the team’s starting center, once again leading a restructured offensive line. His resilience and leadership during that period became a source of inspiration for many within the Patriots organization and the broader NFL community.

In subsequent seasons, Andrews continued to provide steady play despite battling various injuries. He remained a team captain and was widely regarded as a mentor for younger linemen — especially as New England transitioned to a new era with quarterback Mac Jones.

A Bulldog Through and Through

While Andrews made his name in New England, he never strayed far from his Georgia roots. He remained an avid supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and frequently returned to Athens during the offseason. His deep ties to the university and the state of Georgia made him a fan favorite among both Patriots and Bulldogs fans.

When Georgia won the national championship in 2021 and repeated in 2022, Andrews was among the loudest voices celebrating the team’s return to prominence. His bond with the program extended beyond just football — it was a reflection of his identity.

Andrews has long credited his time at Georgia, and the mentorship of head coach Mark Richt and offensive line coach Will Friend, for preparing him for the NFL. The grit and humility he displayed in Athens carried over into everything he did as a professional.

The Legacy He Leaves

If David Andrews has indeed played his final NFL snap, he retires with a career few could have predicted — and one that many would envy.

Career Highlights Include:

• 2× Super Bowl Champion (LI, LIII)
• Team Captain (multiple seasons)
• Over 100 career starts
• Heart and soul of the Patriots’ offensive line for nearly a decade

But numbers alone don’t capture what Andrews meant to the teams he played for. His leadership in the locker room, his toughness on the field, and his unwavering commitment to excellence set a standard that younger players will try to emulate for years to come.

He was the kind of player who rarely made headlines, yet his impact was undeniable. Teammates often credited Andrews for his calm demeanor, ability to read defensive fronts, and impeccable communication — traits that made life easier for quarterbacks and offensive coordinators alike.

Perhaps most importantly, Andrews leaves the game with the same qualities that made him successful from the start: humility, work ethic, and a love for football.

Life After Football

Though retirement hasn’t been formally announced, speculation about Andrews’ next chapter is already beginning. Given his football IQ, leadership qualities, and deep connections within the sport, a move into coaching or broadcasting would not be surprising. He could also play a role in college football development or return to Georgia in a support role with the Bulldogs.

Whatever path he chooses, Andrews is expected to remain close to the game. His passion for football, combined with his natural leadership, makes him an ideal candidate to stay involved in the sport in some capacity.

Additionally, Andrews has been active in community work throughout his career, including charitable initiatives in both Massachusetts and Georgia. He has supported causes ranging from children’s hospitals to veteran organizations and was frequently involved in the Patriots’ community outreach programs. Those efforts are likely to continue — and possibly expand — as he enters retirement.

Final Reflections

David Andrews’ football journey is a testament to perseverance, grit, and character. From an undrafted free agent to a two-time Super Bowl champion, he carved out a remarkable career in a league where nothing is guaranteed. He did it not with flash, but with substance — earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans along the way.

As the NFL prepares to turn the page on one of its most respected offensive linemen, Andrews can walk away from the game with his head held high. He gave everything to football — and in return, he earned a legacy that will endure far beyond the field.

For Patriots fans, Georgia Bulldogs loyalists, and football purists everywhere, David Andrews represents the best of what the game has to offer: a tough, selfless player who did his job every day — and did it exceptionally well.