Offensive linemen are rarely in the spotlight, but David Andrews very much deserved the one he enjoyed on Monday.

The Patriots center officially announced his retirement after 10 seasons in New England in an emotional 12-plus minute speech inside the GP Atrium at Gillette Stadium. He struggled to hold back tears periodically throughout his message, pausing frequently to regain his composure.

Anyone who knows Andrews understood that his reactions were genuine because that's exactly how he played the game from the moment he arrived in Foxborough as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

"Gratitude," Andrews began. "For 26 years I've been blessed to play this game and that's all I could think about is gratitude. Especially for an offensive lineman where it's not about you, it's about the team."

Joined by his wife Mackenzie and sons Ford and Worth as well as his parents, Andrews spoke eloquently. He discussed the camaraderie of the locker room, his relationships with teammates, all the special moments and what it meant to him to be a Patriot.

"Getting to work for what I believe is the best organization in pro sports has truly been a dream come true," Andrews said.

That was a sentiment Andrews circled back to several times during his speech. In explaining his choice to retire, the two-time Super Bowl champion said that while he wasn't healthy he also indicated that he did not want to play for another organization.

His love of the game also shined through on a number of occasions. He even had a message for parents who may be on the fence about letting their children participate in the sport down the road.

"Let them play," he said. "There is no better teacher in the game of life than the game of football."

Again, it's the exact manner in which Andrews conducted himself throughout his career. That was a common theme among the dozen-plus former teammates who recorded videos with well wishes that played prior to his speech. It was those relationships that Andrews said that he'll miss the most about the game.

"Relationships are what make it so special," he said. "The games are awesome and the competition of hitting and tackling are great. But you miss the relationships. There's nothing like the locker room. You just can't re-create it. It's very special. That will be the hardest part."

Andrews took a handful of questions after he finished speaking and continued to impress with his thoughtful responses. It was impossible not to understand how deep his feelings for the game, his team and the entire community run when he was finished.

He explained how he began to remain in the area for the summers early in his career, and then eventually during the offseasons as well.

"We grew to love it," Andrews concluded. "We love Boston, the beaches … it became our home. This is home now."

Patriots fans would certainly be happy to hear that, and no doubt feel the same about Andrews. For one day, the former Georgia Bulldog relished his time in spotlight.

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