David Andrews has been a walking, talking definition of leadership this season despite all the ups-and-downs.

As a captain once again, Andrews has played 100% of the snaps the Pats have had on offense this season and has routinely been the first guy at the podium following some of the ugly and downright embarrassing losses the team has had in 2023.

As his ninth year in the league comes to a close, Andrews spoke about the pride he has in that 100% mark during his usual media availability on Thursday morning.

“I take a lot of pride in it,” he said. “I’ve always taken pride in being out there. That’s what they expect me to do and that’s what I’m asked to do. I think the biggest thing is it comes to an end for everybody and I think for me personally, the biggest thing I look at is one day I have to look at myself in the mirror and say I did everything I could…not only for myself but I care a lot about this organization and representing the people that have helped me, my teammates. So, I take a lot of pride in that.

“When I get done, I want to be able to look in the mirror and be at peace with what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve done. Part of that is being out there and doing what’s asked of you even when things aren’t going great for you. I think that’s kind of a big sign of mental toughness.”

While it seems like he still has plenty left in the tank, with all the issues up front this season, Andrews has taken a beating while also trying to hold things together as bodies around him rotated constantly. He’s taken a beating throughout his career, so could Sunday be the last time he suits up in a Patriots uniform?

That decision won’t come for a while, but it’s definitely going to be a process he doesn’t take lightly.

“I don’t know,” he added when asked specifically if he knew how long he wanted to play for. “We’ll see. I know it’s closer to my end than my beginning in obvious ways. I don’t know. I think every year you try to get away, take a deep breath and evaluate. I think I try to do that every year. It changes every year with things that come up and different things like that.

“I think that’s something I’ll make a decision with my wife, my family. It’s not really just me it affects, it affects her…she’s been right there by my side through the injuries and hospital stays and all that stuff. So, she has to see me sometimes be grumpy and sore and other things. So, I don’t know, we’ll see.”

It feels as if it isn’t quite the end for Andrews, but if Sunday is in fact his last time suiting up as a Patriot, hopefully the fans recognize him for the unwavering loyalty and effort he’s provided this franchise since coming aboard in 2015.