Foxboro, Massachusetts - New England Patriots Center David Andrews said Monday he retired from the NFL after 10 seasons because he wanted to play for only one team.

"I don't want to go to another organization to do it," he said. "That's not the idea of ​​me going to complete my career. I want to do it here, I did it."

Andrews joined the University of Georgia in 2015 as an unsigned free agent, won two Super Bowl titles in New England and was named captain in his final eight seasons. He was released in March due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery and his physical designation failed after being restricted to four games in 2024.

The 32-year-old Andrews was filled with emotion at the retirement ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Monday. Earlier in the day, owner Robert Kraft attended a memorial service for Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who introduced Andrews in a tribute video that included former teammates of Tom Brady.

When Andrews participated in the interview, he mentioned that he wrote the speech because he was worried that he would not collapse and not succeed. He then paused to collect himself and flowed with tears.

"As you can see, there are a lot of emotions," he said. "A person who keeps reaching out to me is gratitude. When I look back on the 26 years I've been lucky enough to play this game, it's really all about me. Especially since I've been playing O-Line since I was 6, you quickly learn that it's not about you, it's about you. It's about my entire career and I want those best teams to help me, so I can show me those people and I'm going to put it into practice for me."

Andrews' parents Jeff and Patricia; his wife Mackenzie; son Ford and Value; agents Rich Rosa and Noel Lamontagne watch from the front row. Several Patriots players and coach Mike Vrabel, including quarterback Drake Maye, also competed.

Andrews, who grew up in Johns Creek, Georgia, is the nephew of late NFL coach Dan Reeves, said his family settled in New England full-time. In the past, Andrews expressed interest in becoming a scout or coach, but now he plans to devote most of his time to his family and play golf.

In his role throughout his life, he said, "This game gave me a lot of stuff. I met some amazing people. This is a place I have never been imaged and did things I never dreamed of. You taught me a lot about yourself while you played kids' games and called it work. ... There is no better life teacher than football."