The New England Patriots sent one of their veteran players into retirement in style. New England held a retirement ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Monday in honor of veteran center David Andrews. During the ceremony, Andrews explained why he decided to retire from the NFL.

“I didn't want to go do it for another organization,” Andrews said. “That wasn't what I had in mind to finish my career. I wanted to finish it here and I did.”

Andrews announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. He was released by the Patriots back in March. Andrews decided to retire instead of play for another NFL team.

Andrews was emotional when giving his speech during the ceremony. He wrote it down so he would not forget what to say, but that did not stop the tears from flowing.

“As you can see, there's a lot of emotions,” Andrews continued. “The one that kept sticking out to me was gratitude. When I look back on the 26 years I've been blessed to play this game, that's really all I could think about. Especially playing O-line since I was 6 years old, you learn very quickly that it's not about you, it's about the team. For my whole career, I've been surrounded by the best team anyone could ask for. So today, I'd like to show my gratitude to those who sacrificed and helped me.”

Article Continues Below
More Patriots News
patriots, new england patriots, eric kendricks
1 perfect New England Patriots move to fill out roster before 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) holds a press conference after minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots send message to Drake Maye, wife after life-changing eventColin Loughran ·
Rob Gronkowski Camile Kostek
Rob Gronkowski’s girlfriend Camille Kostek reveals why WAGS judged herAutumn Hawkins ·
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden.
Patriots rookie reveals Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla messageJaren Kawada ·
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski recreate Lombardi Trophy boat moment with a twistGuillermo Guajardo ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warms up before the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium.
Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers earns prestigious tag that’ll leave Patriots fans screamingJaren Kawada ·

Andrews had several family members, and his agents, in attendance for the event.

Andrews concluded by expressing what football has meant to his life.

“This game has given me so much,” Andrews concluded. “I've met some amazing people. Been places I've never imaged and done things I've never dreamed of. You've taught me so much about myself, while getting to play a child's game and call it a job. … There is no better teacher of the game of life than football.”

The Patriots will rely on newcomer Garrett Bradbury at center in 2025.