David Andrews Honored With 2020 Ron Burton Community Service Award
Jim Dedmon - USA TODAY Sports
During Thursday nights annual Patriots Premiere event at Gillette Stadium, center David Andrews was named the recipient of the 2020 Ron Burton Community Service Award.
The award recognizes Patriots who give back in the community and Andrews did just that during his recovery from a blood clot diagnosis in his lungs that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2019 season.
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said the following about Andrews when presenting him with the award;
“David embodies everything the Patriots organization is about: determination, dedication and a team-first attitude, on and off the field.” said Kraft . “He attacks his commitment to the community with the same passion and energy that has helped this former rookie free agent grow into a four-time team captain. He is as dedicated to serving others, both his teammates and the community, as any player we have had. Leadership is best exemplified in times of adversity, and David’s commitment to helping others was on full display last year. Despite missing the season for health reasons, David still volunteered his time to serve and support our community. We are so proud of David for all he’s accomplished, but most importantly, for who he is.”
The award was first established in 2003 to honor the late Ron Burton, the first player drafted by the team in their inaugural season of 1960. Burton was a noted community leader whose widespread charitable work during his tenure became a model for how a Patriots player can make an impact off the field.
“I didn’t expect this, it’s a huge honor,” Andrews said to WBZ-TV. “It’s so great to be back and so fortunate to be at a place like this. Being here six years now, I’ve really made it my home. Seeing what this org meant not only on the field but off the field, learning more about that, what a great example the Kraft family has set, the Burtons. Just to be in this group is really special.”
Take a look at the special presentation ceremony courtesy of the Patriots below.
"It's my pleasure to present the 18th annual Ron Burton Community Service Award to David Andrews." pic.twitter.com/Ss40ZtyWYe
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 4, 2020
The Burton’s want to thank you for all that you do. God Bless! #WBZ https://t.co/Af1o6x9orq
— STEVE BURTON (@STEVEBURTONWBZ) September 4, 2020
Andrews was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of the University of Georgia in 2015. A two-time Super Bowl Champion and four-time team captain, Andrews has played in 60 regular season games with 57 starts. He was also selected to the Patriots 2010s All-Decade Team at center and helped the team finish in the top-10 in offense in each of his first four seasons (2015-sixth, 2016-fourth, 2017-first and 2018-fifth).
Back in April, Andrews announced over Instagram that he was cleared to return to football activities and was named a team captain for the fourth time on Thursday.
Posted Under: Patriots News
Tags: David Andrews Ron Burton
