Picture this: growing up with NFL legends as your weekend pal. That’s the childhood of David Andrews, the Patriots’ center who got a front-row seat to greatness thanks to his ties with Dan Reeves. Since joining the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Andrews has built his own NFL legacy. But those early days learning from Reeves, a coach with a few Super Bowl runs himself, set the stage for Andrews’ gritty rise to the top.

It was the most important lesson that stuck with Dan. Ones that had nothing to do with X’s and O’s. Life lessons. Hard work, resilience, and maybe one that oozes his character: how to treat people. “He really developed my love for the game,” Andrews said. “But it wasn’t just about football. It was about being a good person.”

Growing up in Georgia, Andrews didn’t have to go far to be around football. His dad coached him in ‘little leagues‘, but Reeves offered a glimpse behind the curtain. Whether it was at Falcons’ training camps or games at the Georgia Dome, Andrews was always there, hanging over the railing, cheering them on. How many young kids do you know who get to see their childhood heroes up close and in person, year after year? We are guessing, not many. And young Andrews was one of those few.

The memories of childhood could be fading as Dan’s in the 30s. But how could he forget spending time with legends like Warrick Dunn, T.J. Duckett, and Alge Crumpler, not to mention his idol, Michael Vick, when he was just ‘thinking’ about hitting the gridiron? Andrews even got to throw the ball around with Vick back in the day. Ah! What would many give away just to have an experience such as that one?

It wasn’t just about football, though. The Falcons players made time for Andrews, this “little fat kid running around,” as he fondly recalls. Busy’s out of the dictionary when you just aspire to motivate and that’s what differentiates a player from a legend. Those Falcons, they didn’t have to spend time with him, but they did, and it left a lasting impression.

So much so that even Dan Reeves couldn’t ignore but mention when he saw the values getting echoed by Andrews. Reeves said: “He [David] is a down-to-earth guy and doesn’t think he’s something special.”

Now, that’s more than just a sign of mutual respect. Something deeper. It begs the question:

Are David Andrews and Dan Reeves related?

Thank you for remaining patient. It has been all about uncovering the ghosts of the past up until now. But there are familial ties between the two. Dan Reeves’ wife’s brother is actually David Andrews’ grandfather. Do not lose your head over the complexity of the relationship. We’ve got you. By logic, Reeves was David’s ‘great-uncle’ but in the end, he settled with ‘Uncle Dan‘. Maybe a young Andrews found it confusing as well.

From what we have mentioned so far, it’s clear that they shared a bond like a championship-winning celebration in the end zone. One that has evolved from childhood admiration to a deep, guiding influence as Andrews took his own shot in the league.

You might not have heard of this, but when Andrews was a rookie, he left a little something for Reeves. An autographed card with a message: “Hold on Uncle Dan, I’m coming.” Imagine the privilege of sending an autograph to a storied NFL coach. You need to experience such a thing to know its value. And the message from David to his uncle? That was his way of saying thanks for the support.

Now, Dan Reeves’ legacy lives on through David Andrews. The bond between them goes beyond just being family; it’s about mentorship and inspiration. As Andrews continues to make his mark on the field, it’s evident that Reeves’ influence has shaped his journey.