Andy Isabella Bio
Andy Isabella (born November 18, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the UMass Minutemen and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. After a college career in which he posted some of the most productive receiving numbers in the Football Bowl Subdivision, Isabella began a professional journey that has carried him through multiple NFL teams and a spring league stint.
Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and listed at 185 pounds, Isabella has relied on speed and quickness throughout his career. He is of Italian heritage and currently plays at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Andy Isabella was born on November 18, 1996, in Mayfield, Ohio. He grew up in the same small Ohio town and attended Mayfield High School, where he developed into a multi-sport athlete. In addition to playing football, Isabella competed in track and field, which helped build the acceleration and top-end speed that later defined his playing style.
During his senior year at Mayfield, Isabella won the Ohio state title in the 100-meter dash. In the final, he edged a young sprinter who would go on to play in the NFL as a cornerback, demonstrating the kind of straight-line speed that would later earn him national attention. After high school, Isabella committed to the University of Massachusetts to play college football, leaving Ohio for the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Path to American Football
Isabella arrived at UMass in 2015 and was initially recruited as a running back. After his freshman season, the coaching staff asked him to transition to wide receiver, a position change that would eventually showcase his speed in space. The shift required him to refine his route running and pass-catching technique while leaning on the quickness he had developed on the track.
By the time he reached his senior season in 2018, Isabella had developed into one of the most productive receivers in college football. His senior campaign featured record-setting production and national honors, including All-American recognition and a finalist spot for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top college receiver. His success at UMass positioned him as one of the most intriguing small-school prospects heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.
Andy Isabella Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
The Arizona Cardinals selected Andy Isabella with the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Cardinals had acquired that selection through a trade that sent quarterback Josh Rosen to the Miami Dolphins. Isabella joined a wide receiver room that included established veterans, and he spent his rookie season learning the professional game.
In Week 9 of his rookie year, Isabella caught one pass for an 88-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in a 28-25 loss. The play marked his first career NFL receiving touchdown and showed a glimpse of the big-play ability the Cardinals hoped to unlock. He finished his first season with nine receptions for 189 receiving yards and one touchdown. The following year, in Week 3 of the 2020 season, he recorded four receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions in a narrow 26-23 defeat.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2019–2022)
Isabella’s Cardinals tenure began with flashes of production but proved difficult to sustain. He entered the 2021 season buried sixth on the Arizona wide receiver depth chart. He managed only one reception the entire year and was inactive for half of the team’s games. The following season offered limited opportunity as well, and on October 4, 2022, the Cardinals waived him, ending his time in Arizona.
Across his Cardinals stint, Isabella showed the burst that had made him a draft pick, though consistent targets proved elusive. His release opened the door to several shorter stops around the league as he worked to re-establish himself as a reliable NFL receiver.
Baltimore Ravens (2022–2023)
On October 10, 2022, Andy Isabella signed with the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster in late December and saw brief game action before a thigh injury sent him back to the practice squad. Isabella was elevated again for a playoff contest against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023 and signed a reserve/future contract shortly afterward. Baltimore released him on July 25, 2023, as he pursued a clearer path to a roster spot elsewhere.
Buffalo Bills (2023–2024)
Isabella signed with the Buffalo Bills on July 28, 2023. He was waived late in August and quickly brought back to the practice squad. During the season, he appeared in two regular season games and two playoff contests. On January 22, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract with Buffalo, but the team released him on August 27, 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
On October 25, 2024, Isabella joined the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad in search of an opportunity. He was released by the Steelers on November 5, 2024, after a short stint.
St. Louis Battlehawks (2024–2025)
Seeking meaningful playing time, Andy Isabella signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League on October 2, 2024. The Battlehawks offered him a chance to contribute as a featured receiver in the spring league. He was re-signed by St. Louis on December 20, 2024, after a brief return to the NFL with Pittsburgh. Isabella was released by the Battlehawks on March 20, 2025.
San Francisco 49ers (2025)
On July 31, 2025, Andy Isabella signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released on August 5, 2025. Isabella also signed with Athletes Untapped as a private football coach on September 8, 2025, beginning a coaching venture alongside his playing career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Andy Isabella’s professional career came during his rookie season, when he caught an 88-yard touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers. The play stood as the longest reception of his Arizona tenure and served as a reminder of his rare track speed. In college, his senior year produced consensus All-American honors and a Fred Biletnikoff Award finalist nod, capping a UMass career that included 231 receptions for 3,526 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Andy Isabella Career Wins
Across his professional journey, Andy Isabella has yet to record a season as a full-time starter, and his win totals have reflected his role as a depth receiver and practice squad contributor. His most memorable victory contributions came in the form of explosive individual plays rather than weekly stat-sheet leadership.
NFL Highlights
Isabella’s two-touchdown game against the Detroit Lions in 2020 stands as one of his brightest NFL moments. He also contributed on special teams and offense in limited appearances with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2022 postseason. With the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2024, he served as a veteran pass-catcher in a smaller league, helping mentor younger players while pursuing his own production.
Other Wins and Performances
At the high school level, Isabella’s state championship in the 100-meter dash remains one of his most celebrated athletic achievements. His consensus All-American season at UMass also included leading the country in receiving yards per game with 141.5 yards per contest in 2018.
Andy Isabella Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andy Isabella is of Italian heritage and grew up in Mayfield, Ohio. His family supported his transition from a small Ohio town to a college football powerhouse at UMass and ultimately to the NFL.
Personal Life
Isabella’s personal life has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. He is known to have a close connection to his hometown and has remained active in the football community through his work as a private coach with Athletes Untapped.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been one of transition for Andy Isabella. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers on July 31, 2025, in hopes of earning a spot on the roster, though the team released him on August 5. Later that year, he joined Athletes Untapped as a private football coach, expanding his professional footprint beyond playing.
While his NFL roster hopes did not materialize in 2025, Isabella continued to train and pursue opportunities in professional football. His speed and experience remain attractive traits for teams seeking depth at wide receiver.
Looking forward, Isabella is positioned to balance playing opportunities with coaching. His combination of track speed, refined route running, and pro experience makes him a versatile figure who can contribute on the field or help develop the next wave of wide receivers through his private coaching work.