David Andrews understands, however that doesn’t imply he isn’t disillusioned.
The longtime Patriots middle is not the longtime Patriots middle, one of many final ties to the Tom Brady-Invoice Belichick period, after his launch final week.
Andrews knew it was a chance — one which he brazenly acknowledged at his end-of-season availability with media — and but nonetheless, the decision that primarily was his pink slip caught him off-guard.
“You’re a little shocked by it,” Andrew stated on his “Quick Snap” podcast on Wednesday. “However … I’ve been so blessed. I’ve had 10 years and by no means received fired. I used to be residing a pipe dream that I might hopefully make the choice myself. What did Invoice [Belichick] say? ‘There’s a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel, and also you’re hoping it’s not a practice.’ I hoped it wasn’t a practice, and it was a practice.
“But like I said, I respect their decision.”
Andrews had performed in 124 regular-season video games since 2015 with the Patriots, served as a captain and gained two Tremendous Bowls. However he knew his physique had begun to betray him, held to 4 video games final season earlier than electing to bear season-ending shoulder surgical procedure.
He may have tried to play by way of the torn rotator cuff and postponed surgical procedure till the offseason, however he didn’t really feel he may assist the workforce together with his shoulder in such a situation and felt he won’t have been in a position to play in any respect in 2025.
The 32-year-old hoped for an opportunity to point out the brand new regime, that includes head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, that he nonetheless may play — an opportunity he won’t get with the Patriots.
“I made that [surgery] decision knowing that this is a possibility, especially with a new staff coming in,” Andrews stated. “Even if Jerod [Mayo] was there, it could be a possibility. The football team’s got to make a decision that they think is best.”
The Patriots moved on by signing former Vikings middle Garrett Bradbury to a two-year, $12 million deal.
Andrews just isn’t positive of his subsequent step, neither asserting a retirement nor an intention to proceed for a tenth NFL season with one other workforce.
“Still love the organization, still love the community. We’re still here,” Andrews stated of New England. “We don’t have any plans to make any drastic moves right now, just depending on different situations. It is home right now.”
