Patriots Name David Andrews Offensive Captain Despite Season-Ending Blood Clots

For all the hate they get as one of the NFL's most resented teams, the New England Patriots sure know how to tug on fans' heartstrings and showcase what it really means to be a team.

In a heartwarming twist from an otherwise frightening situation, the Patriots announced that veteran center David Andrews will serve as an offensive captain for the Patriots for 2019 despite being diagnosed with a season-ending blood clot in his lung.

Andrews, who has started and served as a captain for the Pats over the last two seasons, was released from the hospital on August 26th and has reportedly stuck around the training facility much to the delight of his teammates.

From a football perspective, his absence puts Bill Belichick in a tough position, as the head coach loses the anchor of his offensive line and a player who has started 30 games for him over the last two years.

Now, Belichick will have to rely on Ted Karras or Russell Bodine to hold down the center position and protect Tom Brady for the upcoming season, which is no small task.

Regardless of who starts at center for the Patriots, props to the team for voting in Andrews as a captain this year. It's an authentically uplifting story in light of the career-altering hardship he's facing.