David Andrews' Watch Has Ended, as the Patriots Release Him

Maddie Meyer. Getty Images.

This is how I'd hoped this moment would play out:

But all too often, pro football doesn't work like that. Even though virtually everyone who cares about the Patriots or even has the smallest amount of respect for the men who spend their careers performing the obscure, thankless, dirty work that's done 60-plus times a game in the interior of the offensive line suspected the end could be near for Patriots legend David Andrews:

… it's still a bitter pill when that moment finally comes. 

At this time of year, there is no Turk to show up at a guy's locker and tell him "Coach wants to see you. Bring your playbook." (I know that's all done on a tablet now; stop correcting me.) No one there to throw all your personal belongings into a Hefty bag and hand it to you as security sees you out. Presumably it's done with a phone call or a Zoom and not a text. But the net effect is the same. In the eyes of the people who's only goal is to field the best team possible, you've served out your useful purpose. There's someone younger and possibly better, though most likely cheaper, to take your place. Just like you once took some older guy's place. It's a Circle of Life thing. 

Still, it sucks. Especially when it's someone as universally appreciated as Andrews. Team captain. Member of the Two Ring Club. The solid block of adamantium that served as the fulcrum of the Pats offensive line during some of their peak years. A guy who snapped the ball to Tom Brady almost 4,000 times during the Super Bowl seasons of 2016-18. Then capped that run off with a dominating performance in the Super Bowl against the Rams. Andrews had 41 passing snaps and surrendered just two pressures. On the day, the Rams front of Aaron Donald (at the height of his powers), Ndamukong Suh, Michael Brockers, and Dante Fowler managed just five total pressures, one QB hit and zero sacks. 

The Super Bowl before that? Andrews had 54 pass blocking snaps against a relentless Eagles pass rush, and surrendered just two pressures as Brady passed for 505 yards in a loss. 

And yet Andrews finest hour (closer to four hours) was against Atlanta in Super Bowl LI. With an astonishing 99 snaps, an unheard of 76 in pass protection, and an unthinkable one QB hurry. And as the games I just mentioned would indicate, he was just getting started. 

In all, Andrews played nine seasons in 10 years. Missed the entire 2019 season with blood clots, came back, and reestablished himself as one of the best, most dependable and respected team leaders in the second part of the Dynasty. And beyond. Not bad for an UDFA out of Georgia. I never understood what the scouts missed in him. All I know is that he'll be missed. All the way to the Patriots Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Godspeed.