Buffalo native Joe Andreessen achieves life-long dream in Bills vs Bears Preseason Game
By Joe Cook
From College to the Buffalo Bills
Following his successful high school career, Andreessen continued his football career at Bryant University, in Rhode Island. The Depew, New York native began playing right away, playing in 11 games as a true freshman. As a sophomore in 2019, he dealt with injuries, appearing in only four games. As a senior in 2021, he finished the season with 80 tackles in 11 starts, eight tackles for loss, and three interceptions, which led the NEC. He earned a First Team All-NEC selection. As a graduate and his final season with Bryant, he was named an AP All-American Second team. He finished that season with a school record 116 tackles and was in the top five nationally for tackles per game and tackles for loss per game. He notched 18.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and two blocked kicks.
Andreessen would finish his Bryant career with 256 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, five interceptions, and 15 passes defended. As a graduate transfer, he returned home to play for the University of Buffalo in 2023. The now 6’1” 232lbs linebacker started all 12 games for the Bulls, accumulating 90 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups. He declared for the 2024 NFL Draft but went undrafted.
The Bills invited the decorated collegiate linebacker and local high school hero to try out for the team during their May rookie minicamp. Andreessen impressed and was signed to the team's 90-man roster. Now, Andreessen is playing games for his beloved Buffalo Bills. Against the Bears in his first game, he recorded four total tackles on just 19 snaps. Andreessen has two more preseason games left to impress and make the team's 53-man roster to continue his Western New York Native legacy, and continue to be an inspiration to all the young Erie County football players who dream of suiting up for their beloved Buffalo Bills.
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