13 years.

It has been thirteen years since the New England Revolution drafted Andrew Farrell out of the University of Louisville. Farrell is one of those rare players whose presence defines the history of a team. There was an era before Farrell, and an era after.

When you think of the Revolution, you think of Farrell. He has become synonymous with the team. Farrell has been, literally and figuratively, the heartbeat and soul of the club.

It is difficult to fully appreciate all that Farrell has done during his time in New England. His accolades and records on the field are immense. In many ways, he is the greatest player in Revolution history, an iron man whose defensive performances contributed to a trip to the MLS Cup Final in 2014 and a Supporters' Shield record in 2021.

He has even scored a few goals along the way. I think everyone who saw his first goal will never forget the pure joy and energy of his celebration. The goal against Red Bull that was taken away?

Count it.

Farrell had such a complete game. His first touch, eye for a pass, positioning, Soccer IQ, ability to block a shot off the line, and speed to run down an attacker closing in on goal. He had everything that you could ask for, and he was always available.

As he developed over the years, he became a mentor for younger players, someone who could show them the way. This is how you do things. This is how you compete. This is how you have fun. This is how you help the community.

Has there been a Boston athlete that has been more connected to the community than Farrell? Has anyone done more for community organizations and initiatives than Farrell? I think it would be difficult to argue otherwise.

Whether it be for Special Olympics Massachusetts, the Revs’ Fight Childhood Cancer nights, his Never Ever Give Up Crew, or any of the countless community events and partnerships that Farrell has been part of over the years. He has impacted and touched the lives of so many throughout New England. Those connections will last forever.

The legacy of Farrell is love.

Love for the game, love for his teammates, love for the community. His fighting spirit and determination to show up not only for his team but for people will never be forgotten. His example of what it means to be a Revolution player and a good human being will endure; it must. As he transitions to the next phase of his career, he will have the opportunity to instill that example in the youth at the Academy.

While it is incredibly sad to know that Farrell will not be playing for the Revolution next season, we can all take heart knowing that his time at the club is not at its end. His work will shape the Revolution of the future, both on the field and in the community.

We could not possibly ask for anything more.

Farrell is one of our own, drafted and developed by the Revolution, never putting on the shirt of another club. He deserves his flowers. He deserves to know how much the Foxboro Faithful love him, respect him, and admire everything that he has done.

Thank you, Andrew Farrell. Thank you for everything that you have given to the Revolution and New England.