David Andrews (American football)
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = David Andrews
| image = David Andrews (American football).JPG
| alt =
| caption = Andrews with the New England Patriots in 2015
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Center
| birth_date = {{birth date and age |1992|7|10}}
| birth_place = Johns Creek, Georgia, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 300
| high_school = Wesleyan School {{nowrap|(Peachtree Corners, Georgia)}}
| college = Georgia (2011–2014)
| undraftedyear = 2015
| pastteams = * New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2015|2024}})
| status =
| highlights = * 2× Super Bowl champion (LI, LIII)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- Second-team All-SEC (2014)
| statseason = 2024
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Games played
| statvalue1 = 124
| statlabel2 = Games started
| statvalue2 = 121
| statlabel3 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue3 = 7
| pfr = AndrDa00
}}
James David Andrews (born July 10, 1992) is an American professional football center. He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Oliver |title=David Andrews opted to join 'the best of the best' with Patriots |url=http://nep.247sports.com/Bolt/David-Andrews-opted-to-join-the-best-of-the-best-with-Patriots-37140992 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509035311/http://nep.247sports.com/Bolt/David-Andrews-opted-to-join-the-best-of-the-best-with-Patriots-37140992 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=June 26, 2015 |website=247sports.com}}
Early life
Andrews attended Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, Georgia,{{Cite web |title=David Andrews |url=http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/david_andrews_742365.html |access-date=June 26, 2015 |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821231102/http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/david_andrews_742365.html |url-status=dead }} where he was a two-way lineman. In his sophomore year, Wesleyan won the 2008 GHSA Class A state championship. For his junior and senior seasons, his coaches attributed him with over a hundred knockdown blocks while not allowing a quarterback sack.{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2010 |title=Wesleyan's Andrews in the middle of team's success |url=http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2010/aug/13/wesleyan039s-andrews-in-the-middle-of-team039s/ |website=Gwinnett Daily Post}} Andrews was named 2010 Gwinnett County Offensive Lineman of the Year and made the All-County First-team Offense of the Gwinnett Daily Post.{{Cite web |title=Wesleyan Alumni Wins Superbowl |url=https://greenandgold.wesleyanschool.org/2017/04/04/wesleyan-alumnus-wins-superbowl/ |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Green and Gold |language=en-US}}
Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Andrews was ranked as the No. 9 center prospect in the class of 2011, which was headed by Reese Dismukes.{{Cite web |title=Rivals.com offensive centers 2011 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-2656/0 |website=Rivals.com}} Andrews had offers from Duke and Michigan but, as a “lifelong die-hard Bulldogs fan,” waited for Georgia to offer and committed “practically on the spot” when he got the offer in February 2010.{{Cite news |date=April 28, 2015 |title=A Look Back: David Andrews |work=Scout.com |url=http://www.scout.com/college/georgia/story/1541605-a-look-back-david-andrews}}{{Cite news |date=February 22, 2010 |title=Wolves' Andrews commits to UGA |work=Gwinnett Daily Post |url=http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2010/feb/22/wolves039-andrews-commits-to-uga/}}
College career
In his true freshman season at Georgia, Andrews appeared in ten games. He earned Athletic Director's Honor Roll distinction for fall semester. In his sophomore year, Andrews filled the void left at center by the graduation of Ben Jones. Andrews started all 14 games, helping to protect quarterback Aaron Murray. After the Auburn game in early November, he was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Offensive Lineman of the Week as he graded out at 88 percent and had six “dominator” blocks and three knockdowns.{{Cite news |date=November 12, 2012 |title=Wesleyan's Andrews gets SEC honor for play in UGA win |work=Gwinnett Daily Post |url=http://www.gwinnettprepsports.com/news/2012/nov/12/wesleyans-andrews-gets-sec-honor-play-uga-win/}}
As a junior, Andrews was named to the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy.{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2014 |title=UGA center David Andrews named to 2014 Rimington Trophy watch list |url=https://dawnofthedawg.com/2014/07/08/uga-center-david-andrews-named-2014-rimington-trophy-watch-list/ |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Dawn of the Dawg |language=en-US}} He started all 13 games at center and protected quarterback Murray such that Georgia ranked second in passing in the SEC. At the conclusion of spring practice of his senior year, he was named Offensive MVP, and also preseason Third-team All-SEC by Phil Steele. Andrews added another 13 starts in as many games over his senior season, totaling 50 games for his college career. He won Georgia's Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player Award, was selected second-team All-SEC by the Associated Press,{{Cite web |title=The 2014 AP All-SEC football team |url=http://www.secsports.com/article/12000565/the-2014-ap-all-sec-football-team}} and was named one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 2014 |title=Wesleyan grad, UGA center Andrews named Rimington Trophy finalist |work=Gwinnett Daily Post |url=http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2014/dec/08/wesleyan-grad-uga-center-andrews-named-rimington-t/}}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 2 1/8
| weight = 295
| dash = 5.12
| ten split = 1.71
| twenty split = 2.87
| shuttle = 4.78
| cone drill = 8.12
| vertical = 30.0
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 0
| bench = 27
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32 1/8
| hand span = 10
| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=119474&DraftYear=2015 |title=2015 Draft Scout David Andrews, Georgia NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |website=draftscout.com |access-date=August 10, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/47178 |title=David Andrews 2015 NFL Draft Profile |website=insider.espn.com |access-date=August 10, 2022}}
}}
Andrews went undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft, but signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent on May 8, 2015.{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=Michael |date=May 5, 2015 |title=UDFA Snapshot: David Andrews |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2015/5/5/8550081/udfa-snapshot-david-andrews |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pats Pulpit}} He stood out at Patriot training camp and played more than expected in preseason, starting every preseason game due to injuries to starting center Bryan Stork and reserve center/guard Ryan Wendell. Andrews made the Patriots 2015 53-man roster and started at center in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers after Stork was placed on injured reserve with the designation to return and Wendell was inactive.{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2015 |title=UGA's David Andrews realizes dream with NFL start |url=https://www.dawgnation.com/football/team-news/ugas-david-andrews-realizes-dream-with-nfl-start |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=DawgNation |language=en-US}} Andrews started every game through Week 10, playing every snap over the first half of the season.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2016 |title=Rookie David Andrews' playing time a surprise for Patriots in 2015 |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4789481 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Although he was not selected to the 2016 Pro Bowl, Andrews finished in the top two in fan voting at the position.{{Cite web |title=Tom Brady tops final fan voting for Pro Bowl |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/the_blitz/2015/12/tom_brady_tops_final_fan_voting_for_pro_bowl |access-date=December 31, 2015 |website=www.bostonherald.com}} As a result of his high snap count and low salary, Andrews received a performance-based pay bonus of $237,427.11, the second-highest of any Patriot in 2015 (after cornerback Malcolm Butler).{{Cite web |title=WEEI: 10 Patriots earned more than $100K in performance-based pay in 2015 • /r/Patriots |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Patriots/comments/4aevzv/weei_10_patriots_earned_more_than_100k_in/ |access-date=March 14, 2016 |website=reddit}}
In 2016, Andrews faced competition from Bryan Stork for the starting center job and ultimately won, leading to Stork's release from the team.{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2016 |title=Breaking Down The Surprising News Of Patriots Releasing Bryan Stork |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/08/24/breaking-down-the-surprising-news-of-patriots-releasing-bryan-stork/ |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=CBS – Boston |language=en}} He started all 16 regular-season games for the Patriots on an offensive line that led the team to a 14–2 record.{{Cite web |title=2016 New England Patriots Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2016_roster.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Andrews started in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in the first overtime game and largest comeback in Super Bowl history;{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – February 5th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} the Patriots trailed 28–3 late in the third quarter, but rallied to win by a score of 34–28.{{cite web | last=Wesseling | first=Chris | title=Patriots erase deficit, defeat Falcons in Super Bowl LI | website=NFL.com | date=2017-02-05 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-erase-deficit-defeat-falcons-in-super-bowl-li-0ap3000000783692 | access-date=2024-10-04}}
On May 12, 2017, Andrews signed a three-year contract extension with the Patriots through the 2020 season.{{Cite web |last=Orr, Conor |date=May 12, 2017 |title=Pats, center David Andrews agree to 3-year extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pats-center-david-andrews-agree-to-3-year-extension-0ap3000000808300 |website=NFL.com}} The deal has a base value of $9.6 million, with a $1.6 million signing bonus, and an additional $2.1 million in incentives.{{Cite news |title=Extension cements David Andrews as part of Patriots' future |work=ESPN.com |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4803366/extension-cements-david-andrews-as-part-of-patriots-future |access-date=May 27, 2017}} On September 5, 2017, Andrews was named a Patriots captain for the first time in his career.{{Cite news |last=Kyed |first=Doug |date=September 5, 2017 |title=Patriots Name Seven 2017 Captains, Including Two First-Timers |work=NESN.com |url=https://nesn.com/2017/09/patriots-name-seven-2017-team-captains-including-two-first-timers/ |access-date=September 5, 2017}} Andrews started 17 of 19 games for the Patriots, including their Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.{{Cite web |title=2017 New England Patriots Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2017_roster.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots – February 4th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201802040nwe.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
Andrews once again started all 16 games at center for the Patriots in 2018.{{Cite web |title=2018 New England Patriots Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2018_roster.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Andrews helped the Patriots reach their third straight Super Bowl appearance after they defeated Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs; they defeated the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 13–3 in Super Bowl LIII.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901130nwe.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs – January 20th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901200kan.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Andrews had a fumble recovery in the victory.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIII – Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots – February 3rd, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On August 26, 2019, it was revealed that Andrews was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, putting his 2019 season in jeopardy.{{Cite web |title=David Andrews hospitalized with blood clot |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-c-david-andrews-hospitalized-with-blood-clot-0ap3000001044490 |access-date=August 26, 2019 |publisher=NFL}} He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 31, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Nicole |title=Patriots rumor roundup: Here's who won't make New England's 53-man roster |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/08/30/patriots-roster-moves-cuts-2 |access-date=August 31, 2019 |website=Boston.com}}
Andrews returned to the Patriots starting lineup in 2020 after missing all of 2019. On September 26, 2020, he was placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his thumb.{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2020 |title=Patriots Make a Series of Roster Transactions |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-make-a-series-of-roster-transactions-x5498 |website=Patriots.com}} He was activated on October 24.{{Cite news |last=Alper, Josh |date=October 24, 2020 |title=Patriots activate David Andrews |work=NBCSports.com |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/24/patriots-activate-david-andrews/ |access-date=November 8, 2020}}
On March 22, 2021, Andrews re-signed with the Patriots on a four-year deal.{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=18 March 2021 |title=Two-time Super Bowl champion C David Andrews returning to Patriots |publisher=NFL |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/two-time-super-bowl-champion-c-david-andrews-returning-to-patriots |access-date=19 March 2021}}{{Cite news |date=March 22, 2021 |title=Patriots Re-Sign C David Andrews |work=Patriots.com |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-re-sign-c-david-andrews |access-date=March 22, 2021}}
Andrews remained the starting center for the Patriots in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
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.{{Cite web |title=Patriots Place Two Players on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-place-two-players-on-injured-reserve|access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Patriots.com |language=en-US}}
Andrews was released by the Patriots on March 13, 2025 after ten seasons with the team.{{cite web|title=Patriots Release Center David Andrews|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-release-center-david-andrews|website=Patriots.com|date=March 13, 2025}}
Personal life
Andrews and his wife Mackenzie were married on April 8, 2017.{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2020 |title=Mackenzie Wears Unique Body Veil in Style |url=https://www.heritagegown.com/blog/mackenzie-wears-unique-body-veil-in-style/ |website=heritagegown.com}} His uncle, the late Dan Reeves, played and coached in the NFL.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Loran |date=February 9, 2019 |title=Loran Smith: David Andrews' ties to Georgia help him land with the Patriots |url=https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/loran-smith-david-andrews-ties-to-georgia-help-him-land-with-the-patriots/article_9b22b862-2c2e-11e9-b945-23bd95e729fe.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Gwinnett Daily Post}}{{Cite web |last=McBride |first=Jim |date=September 25, 2015 |title=Patriots' David Andrews has unique mentor in Dan Reeves |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/09/24/patriots-david-andrews-has-unique-mentor-dan-reeves/Ldg3qiQJvjSfWbTWrRxURO/story.html |access-date=January 1, 2022 |website=The Boston Globe}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://www.patriots.com/team/players-roster/david-andrews/ New England Patriots bio]
- {{Commons category-inline}}
{{Super Bowl LI}}
{{Super Bowl LIII}}
{{Patriots2010s}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Andrews, David}}
Category:American football centers
Category:Georgia Bulldogs football players
Category:New England Patriots players
Category:People from Peachtree Corners, Georgia
Category:Players of American football from Gwinnett County, Georgia
Category:Sportspeople from Johns Creek, Georgia
Category:Players of American football from Fulton County, Georgia