David Andrews Bio
James David Andrews, known professionally as David Andrews, is an American former professional football player who played as a center in the National Football League (NFL). He spent his entire ten-season career with the New England Patriots after going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, becoming one of the most reliable centers of his era. Andrews helped lead the Patriots to two Super Bowl championships and was named to the New England Patriots All-2010s Team.
Born in Johns Creek, Georgia, Andrews built his reputation as a tough, instinctive leader at the line of scrimmage, anchoring the Patriots offensive front through championship runs and difficult injury setbacks. After retiring in 2025, he transitioned into broadcasting and podcasting, joining NBC Sports Boston and launching football-related media projects.
Early Life and Background
James David Andrews was born on July 10, 1992, in Johns Creek, Georgia. He grew up in the greater Atlanta area and attended Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, where he developed into a standout two-way lineman. During his sophomore year, Andrews helped lead Wesleyan to the 2008 GHSA Class A state championship, an early taste of team success that foreshadowed his future career.
In his junior and senior seasons at Wesleyan, Andrews was credited by his coaches with more than one hundred knockdown blocks while not allowing a single quarterback sack. He was named the 2010 Gwinnett County Offensive Lineman of the Year and earned All-County First-team Offense honors from the Gwinnett Daily Post. Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Andrews was ranked the No. 9 center prospect in the 2011 class.
Andrews received scholarship offers from Duke and Michigan but, as a self-described lifelong die-hard Bulldogs fan, waited for an offer from his home-state program. When the University of Georgia extended an offer in February 2010, Andrews committed virtually on the spot.
Path to American Football
Andrews arrived at the University of Georgia in 2011 and appeared in ten games during his true freshman season, earning Athletic Director’s Honor Roll distinction for the fall semester. The following year, he stepped into the starting center role vacated by the graduation of Ben Jones and started all 14 games, helping protect quarterback Aaron Murray. After a strong performance against Auburn in his sophomore campaign, he was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Offensive Lineman of the Week.
As a junior, Andrews was placed on the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy and started all 13 games at center. Georgia ranked second in passing in the SEC that season, a reflection of the protection Andrews provided up front. In his senior year, he was named Offensive MVP following spring practice and was selected second-team All-SEC by the Associated Press. He finished his college career with 50 total games played and was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy.
David Andrews Career
Early Career (2015-2016)
Andrews went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft but signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent on May 8, 2015. He impressed during training camp and preseason, eventually winning the starting center job after injuries to Bryan Stork and Ryan Wendell. Andrews started at center in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and played every offensive snap over the first half of his rookie season, finishing second in fan voting at his position and earning a $237,427 performance-based pay bonus.
In 2016, Andrews won a training-camp competition with Stork for the starting center role, leading to Stork’s release. He started all 16 regular-season games on a Patriots offensive line that powered the team to a 14-2 record. Andrews then started in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, the first overtime game in Super Bowl history, and helped New England complete the largest comeback ever seen in a championship game, rallying from 28-3 down to win 34-28.
Patriots Captaincy and Championships (2017-2018)
On May 12, 2017, Andrews signed a three-year contract extension with the Patriots through the 2020 season, a deal with a base value of $9.6 million. That September, he was named a Patriots team captain for the first time in his career. Andrews started 17 of 19 games that season, including the Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2018, Andrews started all 16 games at center for New England. The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs to reach their third straight Super Bowl, where they beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII. Andrews recovered a fumble in the victory, securing his second Super Bowl championship ring.
Health Setbacks and Return (2019-2021)
Andrews’ career nearly halted on August 26, 2019, when it was revealed he had been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 31, missing the entire 2019 campaign. Andrews returned to the starting lineup in 2020 but was placed on injured reserve on September 26 after undergoing thumb surgery. He was activated on October 24 and finished the season.
On March 22, 2021, Andrews re-signed with the Patriots on a four-year contract, reaffirming his role as the team’s long-term center. He continued as the unquestioned starter at the position in 2022 and 2023, providing stability on the offensive line through scheme changes and coaching turnover in New England.
Final Patriots Years and Retirement (2024-2025)
On October 4, 2024, Andrews was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers. On March 13, 2025, the Patriots released Andrews after ten seasons with the club. He announced his retirement on May 28 and participated in a retirement ceremony at Gillette Stadium on June 2, formally closing a decade-long career in New England.
Driving Style and Strengths
Though not a driver in motorsport, Andrews was valued in football circles for his football intelligence, leverage, and composure in heavy traffic at the line of scrimmage. He excelled at diagnosing defensive stunts and making protection calls, allowing Patriots quarterbacks to operate efficiently from clean pockets. His durability and consistency made him a trusted partner for both teammates and coaching staffs throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Andrews’ most iconic moment came in Super Bowl LI, where he helped protect Tom Brady during the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. Two years later, he started at center in Super Bowl LIII, anchoring a line that powered the Patriots to a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He also reached 50 career college starts and was twice named a Patriots team captain, milestones reflecting his durability and leadership.
David Andrews Career Wins
Across his professional career, David Andrews collected two Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots, along with All-2010s Team honors from the franchise. He was also a finalist for the Rimington Trophy in college and a second-team All-SEC selection.
NFL Highlights
Andrews won his first Super Bowl ring with New England’s legendary 34-28 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. His most recent championship came in Super Bowl LIII, where the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. He was released by the Patriots in March 2025 and announced his retirement that May, ending his career with 124 games played and 121 starts.
Other Performances
At Wesleyan School, Andrews helped capture the 2008 GHSA Class A state championship, his first major team title. In college, he was a four-year starter for the Georgia Bulldogs and a Rimington Trophy finalist during his senior season.
David Andrews Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andrews comes from a family with deep NFL roots. His late uncle, Dan Reeves, both played and coached in the NFL, giving Andrews an early appreciation for the league’s traditions and standards. That football lineage helped shape Andrews’ competitive mindset and respect for the game.
Personal Life
David Andrews married his wife, Mackenzie Andrews, on April 8, 2017. The couple has two sons. Andrews is also active in charitable causes throughout New England, hosting a yearly celebrity bowling event called Strikes for Tykes, which raises money for organizations supporting physical and mental health for children and families. He has also participated in cancer research fundraisers, animal adoption drives, and hospital visits for sick children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year marked the closing chapter of David Andrews’ playing career. After being released by the New England Patriots on March 13, 2025, following ten seasons with the franchise, Andrews officially announced his retirement on May 28, 2025. A retirement ceremony was held at Gillette Stadium on June 2, where the Patriots organization paid tribute to his contributions as both a player and a leader.
Shortly after stepping away from the field, Andrews joined NBC Sports Boston as an analyst. He and former teammate Brian Hoyer launched The Quick Snap, a football podcast that debuted in September 2025, and Andrews also began making weekly Monday appearances on the Zolak and Bertrand show to break down Patriots games. Beyond media work, Andrews continues to compete in trivia events such as The Dozen Trivia Competition presented by Barstool Sports.
Although he is no longer active on the field, Andrews remains closely connected to the Patriots community and broader New England fan base through broadcasting, charity work, and public appearances. His transition from the locker room to the studio has positioned him as a respected voice on football culture and the inner workings of an NFL offensive line.