Andre James Bio
Andre James (born May 2, 1997) is an American professional football center for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and playing at about 300 pounds, he has carved out a reputation as a reliable interior lineman after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
A product of the UCLA Bruins college program, James developed into a dependable pass protector and run blocker before signing with the Oakland Raiders and spending the bulk of his early career anchoring the middle of their offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Andre James was born on May 2, 1997, in Herriman, Utah, and grew up in the nearby community of South Jordan. He attended Herriman High School, where he was a member of both the football team and the track and field program. As a senior on the gridiron, he played offensive tackle and earned first-team All-State recognition, foreshadowing his future along the offensive line.
James also found athletic success in throwing events, capturing three Class 5A state championships in the shot put during his high school years. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism drew attention from major college football programs across the country.
Coming out of high school, James was rated as a four-star recruit. He chose to continue his football career at UCLA, turning down scholarship offers from programs such as Oregon, USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Utah.
Path to American Football
James enrolled at UCLA and joined the Bruins football program, where he redshirted during his true freshman season to develop his body and technique at the collegiate level. The transition to Division I football required patience, but the redshirt year gave him the chance to adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game.
His opportunity arrived during his redshirt freshman year when an injury to starting offensive tackle Kolton Miller forced the coaching staff to move James into the lineup. He seized the role, beginning a streak of consecutive starts that would define his time in Westwood.
Over the course of his college career, James appeared in 35 games for the Bruins and started the final 32 of those contests, cementing himself as one of the most dependable offensive linemen in the program. On December 18, 2018, he declared for the NFL Draft, choosing to forgo his remaining year of NCAA eligibility.
Andre James Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Andre James signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2019, reuniting with his former UCLA teammate Kolton Miller. He made his NFL debut on September 9, 2019, against the Denver Broncos, beginning what would become a lengthy professional career despite going unpicked in the draft.
As a rookie, James appeared in 12 games and earned one start at center in Week 9, filling in for an injured Rodney Hudson. That single start offered an early glimpse of his potential at the position and laid the groundwork for a larger role in the seasons to come.
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders Era (2021–2024)
James turned a temporary fill-in role into a long-term job. On March 22, 2021, the Raiders signed him to a three-year, $12.5 million contract extension that ran through the 2023 season, a clear sign that the organization viewed him as a building block along the interior offensive line.
Across all three seasons covered by that deal, James served as the full-time starting center, becoming a fixture in the middle of the Raiders offensive line. He was responsible for calling out protections, identifying defensive fronts, and anchoring the run game from the pivot position.
Following the 2023 campaign, James was rewarded again. On March 11, 2024, he signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the Raiders, securing his place as the team’s starting center and underscoring how far he had come since his undrafted beginnings.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025–Present)
Andre James was released by the Raiders on March 12, 2025, ending his six-year tenure with the organization. Just six days later, on March 18, 2025, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, opening a new chapter in his professional career.
The move to Los Angeles gave James an opportunity to bring his veteran experience and steady play to a new offensive line room. His arrival added depth and leadership to the Chargers interior, where he is expected to compete for a meaningful role along the offensive front.
The contract signed with the Chargers runs through the 2028 season and is valued at $24,000,000, reflecting both his track record and the team’s confidence in his continued production. He now enters 2025 looking to establish himself as a cornerstone of his second NFL franchise.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of James’s career came during his redshirt junior season at UCLA. Despite the death of his father from cancer earlier in the week, he chose to play in the Bruins’ Week 7 game against Arizona and continue his consecutive games started streak, a decision that spoke to his resilience and commitment to his teammates.
Another milestone arrived in March 2024, when he signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the Raiders, a tangible marker of his journey from undrafted free agent to one of the highest-paid centers on the roster.
Andre James Family
Personal Life
Andre James was born and raised in Utah, where he built the foundation for his athletic career at Herriman High School. Public information about his immediate family remains limited, though he has spoken about the deep influence of his late father, whose passing during his college years tested his resolve but ultimately reinforced his dedication to football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a fresh start for Andre James following his release from the Raiders and quick signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. Joining a new organization in mid-March gave him the bulk of the offseason to learn a new offensive scheme, build chemistry with new teammates, and adjust to the Chargers’ coaching staff.
As a veteran center with more than five seasons of starting experience, James enters 2025 with a clear opportunity to stabilize the middle of the Chargers offensive line. His track record of durability, his command of protections, and his familiarity with West Coast offensive schemes make him a logical fit for the team’s approach.
With his contract running through 2028 and the Chargers investing heavily in his services, James’s performance in 2025 will be closely watched as a barometer for both his continued growth and the team’s long-term plans along the interior offensive line.