All-SEC center David Andrews was a three-year starter for coach Mark Richt at Georgia, but didn’t get the call in May during the NFL draft.

He landed on his feet with a free agent contract in New England and following injuries to two players ahead of him, made his first career start during Thursday night’s 28-21 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“It was a great environment, the fans were awesome, and it’s something I’ll always remember,” Andrews said, according to the Boston Herald.

Andrews protected Tom Brady along an offensive line that gave up just two sacks. At one point, Brady completed a team-record 19 consecutive passes during one of his top performances ever in a season opener.

Three of his four touchdown passes went to All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Following the win, the future Hall of Fame quarterback and reigning Super Bowl MVP had this to say about Andrews along with fellow rookies Shaq Mason and Tre’ Jackson.

“We’ve worked pretty hard getting (David) up to speed, and he did a tremendous job. I think all three of those rookies that played on the inside did phenomenal. It’s a tall task to get them up to speed with all different variations and protections and adjustments that we tend to make, and I thought they really hung in there.

“They played with a lot of toughness, so it was great to … Dave did a great job at center. Tre’ and Shaq and the two tackles are phenomenal, so it was great protection all night. It really allowed us to get some guys open down the field.”