Andrew Wingard Bio
Andrew Wingard, nicknamed “Dewey,” is an American professional football safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 5, 1996, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Wingard played college football at the University of Wyoming, where he became one of the most prolific tacklers in program history. After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft, he signed with Jacksonville and has since developed into a reliable defensive back for the franchise.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Wingard was born on December 5, 1996, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in the United States. He attended Ralston Valley High School, where he developed his football skills before continuing his athletic career at the collegiate level. His upbringing in Nebraska provided a foundation rooted in the culture of American football, and his progress through the high school ranks positioned him for opportunities at the next level.
Wingard’s commitment to the sport during his formative years helped him transition smoothly into a college program. His size, listed at 6 feet 0 inches and around 200 pounds, suited the safety position, and his work ethic allowed him to compete at a high level. By the time he finished his high school career, he had drawn attention from several college programs, ultimately choosing Wyoming to continue his development.
Path to American Football
Wingard enrolled at the University of Wyoming, where he joined the Wyoming Cowboys football program and quickly earned a role on the defense. Between 2015 and 2018, he amassed 454 tackles, the second-highest total in program history, demonstrating consistent production throughout his college career. He finished his time at Wyoming tied for the most tackles all-time in the Mountain West Conference, an indicator of his durability and instincts on the field.
His performance at Wyoming earned him First-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2016, 2017, and 2018, reflecting his status as one of the conference’s top defensive players. Despite these accomplishments, Wingard went undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft. Shortly after the draft concluded, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career.
Andrew Wingard Career
Early Career (2019)
On April 29, 2019, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Andrew Wingard to a three-year, $1.76 million contract that included a signing bonus of $5,000. He competed throughout training camp and, on August 31, 2019, made the Jaguars’ final 53-man roster, securing his place on the team for his rookie season. During his first year, Wingard appeared in regular season action and contributed on special teams and defense.
In Week 13 of the 2019 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wingard recorded a strip sack on quarterback Jameis Winston and recovered the fumble in a 28-11 loss. The play marked his first career sack in the NFL and provided an early highlight from his rookie campaign.
Jacksonville Jaguars Breakthrough (2020-2022)
Wingard’s second professional season began with a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list in August 2020, but he was activated shortly after and returned to the field. In Week 1 of the 2020 season against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Philip Rivers during a 27-20 win. Later that season, an abdominal strain sent him to injured reserve in October, but he returned in November and added a second interception against the Colts in Week 17.
By 2021, Wingard had grown into a regular contributor on the Jaguars’ defense, posting one sack, 88 tackles, one interception, and one pass defended over the course of the season. On March 15, 2022, the Jaguars placed a restricted free agent tender on him, and he went on to appear in all 17 games that year, starting three, while recording 37 total tackles, one interception, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2023-Present)
On March 15, 2023, Andrew Wingard signed a three-year, $9.6 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars, cementing his long-term role with the franchise. During the 2023 season, he intercepted a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 and finished the year with 45 tackles, one interception, two passes defended, and one forced fumble. His veteran presence helped anchor the secondary as the team continued to develop.
The 2024 season began with Wingard placed on injured reserve on August 27, and he remained there until his activation on November 9. Even with the early setback, his contract extension runs through 2026, signaling the Jaguars’ continued confidence in his abilities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Andrew Wingard is known for his tackling reliability, football instincts, and special teams value. His background as one of Wyoming’s all-time leading tacklers translated to the professional level, where he has consistently delivered open-field tackles and provided run support. He also demonstrates ball skills, evidenced by multiple career interceptions, and has shown the ability to contribute as a blitzer, as seen with his rookie strip sack on Jameis Winston.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Wingard’s signature moments are his first career sack and fumble recovery against the Buccaneers in 2019 and his first career interception against the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. He also played a role in a notable win that season, as the Jaguars defeated Indianapolis 27-20 in Week 1. Additionally, his three-year, $9.6 million contract extension in March 2023 represented a major career milestone, reflecting his growth from undrafted free agent to a multi-year starter in the secondary.
Andrew Wingard Career Wins
Andrew Wingard’s professional wins are measured through statistical contributions and team victories rather than individual championships. Across his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has recorded multiple interceptions, sacks, and forced fumbles, establishing himself as a dependable safety. His progression from undrafted free agent to a signed-through-2026 veteran underscores a career built on steady production.
NFL Highlights
In his NFL career, Wingard has tallied at least four interceptions, including his first against the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 and a second against the same opponent later that year. He added an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 of the 2023 season and posted one interception in 2022. His career totals also include a sack, multiple forced fumbles, and well over 170 tackles across his first five professional seasons.
College Highlights
At Wyoming, Wingard recorded 454 tackles from 2015 to 2018, the second-highest total in program history. He finished tied for the most tackles all-time in the Mountain West Conference and earned First-team All-Mountain West Conference recognition in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Andrew Wingard Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Andrew Wingard was raised in the United States and attended Ralston Valley High School before beginning his college career at Wyoming. Public information about his parents and broader family background is limited, and he has largely kept his personal and family life out of the public spotlight. He earned the nickname “Dewey,” which has followed him from childhood into his professional career.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, Andrew Wingard remains under contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars through 2026 following his three-year extension signed in March 2023. After being activated from injured reserve in November 2024, he is expected to compete for a role in the secondary and on special teams during the 2025 campaign. His experience and tackling ability should provide veteran depth as the Jaguars continue shaping their defensive backfield.
Wingard’s established track record of producing tackles and turnovers makes him a steady presence heading into the new season. With his contract security and familiarity with the Jaguars’ defensive system, he is positioned to contribute meaningfully as Jacksonville pushes forward in 2025.