Joe Andreessen Bio
Joseph Andreessen, born on February 7, 2000, in Depew, New York, is an American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 105 kilograms, Andreessen has quickly emerged as a promising young talent on the Bills’ defense and special teams units. He is best known for his standout preseason performance in 2024 that earned him a roster spot and the nickname “Buffalo Joe” from quarterback Josh Allen.
Andreessen’s journey to the NFL is rooted in his Western New York upbringing. After developing his game at Lancaster High School and Bryant University, he transferred to the University at Buffalo, where he became one of the top defensive players in college football. In 2024, he signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professionally for his hometown team.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Andreessen grew up in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area, surrounded by a region with deep football traditions. From a young age, he played little league football in his community, developing the physical and mental toughness that would later define his playing style. His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for a career built on relentless effort and preparation.
Andreessen attended Lancaster High School, where he was recognized for his strong work ethic and on-field performance. He earned numerous accolades during his high school career, including being named Defensive Player of the Year in Western New York. These achievements drew limited college interest, but his determination and potential did not go unnoticed. He was the only player to receive a football scholarship offer from Bryant University, a moment that would change the course of his athletic career.
Path to Professional Football
Andreessen enrolled at Bryant University, where he competed for the Bryant Bulldogs as a member of the Big South Conference, which later became part of the Northeast Conference structure during his tenure. During his time at Bryant, he developed into one of the most productive linebackers in the program, earning multiple All-Conference honors. He was named First-team All-Northeast Conference in both 2020 and 2021, establishing himself as a consistent defensive force.
His senior season in 2022 proved to be a defining moment in his college career. Andreessen set a Bryant school record with 112 tackles, ranking eighth in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) that year, and finished third in career tackles in Bryant Bulldogs history. These efforts earned him Associated Press FCS Second-team All-American and First-team All-Big South Conference honors, cementing his status as one of the top defensive players in the subdivision. Seeking a final year of eligibility, he transferred as a graduate student to the University at Buffalo, his hometown program, where he started 12 games and led the Bulls in tackles. This strong senior campaign set the stage for his professional opportunity with the Buffalo Bills.
Joe Andreessen Career
NFL Debut and Rookie Season (2024–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Joseph Andreessen signed with the Buffalo Bills on May 11, 2024, following a successful rookie minicamp tryout. He quickly impressed coaches with his tackling ability and football instincts. When starting linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard were sidelined due to injury and precaution respectively, Andreessen earned the start in the second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Playing against the Steelers’ starters and second-stringers, Andreessen delivered a strong performance, finishing with a team-high 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a fourth-down sack of quarterback Justin Fields. Quarterback Josh Allen nicknamed him “Buffalo Joe” following the game, a tribute to his Western New York roots. Andreessen was subsequently named to the NFL’s “All Preseason team” and made the Bills’ initial 53-man roster alongside fellow University at Buffalo alumnus Ja’Marcus Ingram. He wears number 44, a jersey historically reserved in honor of Elbert Dubenion, a key figure from the Bills’ American Football League era.
During his rookie regular season, Andreessen played mostly on special teams while occasionally contributing on defense as a reserve. He received extensive playing time during a Week 17 blowout win over the New York Jets, finishing as the Bills’ leading tackler in the game. This performance further demonstrated his readiness to take on an expanded role within the defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Andreessen’s first major NFL moment came in the 2024 preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his 12-tackle performance earned him national recognition. The nickname “Buffalo Joe” from Josh Allen cemented his connection to the city and its football culture. His inclusion on the NFL’s All Preseason team stands as one of the early highlights of his young career.
Joe Andreessen Career Wins
As an undrafted free agent linebacker, Joe Andreessen’s professional achievements are measured primarily through individual accolades and consistent performance rather than championship victories. His career milestones include his standout preseason performance, his NFL All Preseason team selection, and his role as a tackling leader on special teams.
NFL Highlights
Andreessen’s most notable NFL moment came in the 2024 preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a fourth-down sack of Justin Fields. This performance earned him a spot on the NFL’s All Preseason team and secured his place on the Bills’ 53-man roster. During the regular season, he led the Bills in tackles during a Week 17 victory over the New York Jets, demonstrating his potential as a defensive contributor.
College Awards and Performances
At the collegiate level, Andreessen earned Associated Press FCS Second-team All-American honors in 2022 and was named First-team All-Big South Conference that same year. He was also a two-time First-team All-Northeast Conference selection in 2020 and 2021. His 112-tackle senior season set a Bryant Bulldogs single-season record, ranking eighth in the FCS nationally.
Joe Andreessen Family
Family Background and Football Roots
Joseph Andreessen was raised in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area, a region with a deep and passionate football culture. His upbringing in Western New York shaped his identity as a player and connected him to the Bills franchise long before he joined the team. Andreessen’s little league football experience and his development at Lancaster High School provided the foundation for his future success.
Personal Life
Andreessen is known for his strong ties to the Buffalo community, a connection that has only deepened since joining his hometown NFL team. He maintains an active presence on social media, where fans follow his journey as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
As Joseph Andreessen enters his second NFL season with the Buffalo Bills in 2025, expectations are high for an expanded role within the team’s defense. Following a rookie year spent primarily on special teams with selective defensive snaps, Andreessen is positioned to compete for a larger role at linebacker. His preseason heroics and Week 17 tackling performance against the New York Jets have provided a strong foundation for his development.
The Bills’ defensive scheme, combined with Andreessen’s tackling instincts and football IQ, should provide opportunities for him to contribute more consistently in 2025. With his physicality and proven ability to make plays against both starters and reserves, Andreessen has the tools to develop into a reliable defensive contributor. His familiarity with the team’s system after a full offseason should accelerate his growth.
Andreessen’s continued progression will be closely watched by Bills fans who have already embraced “Buffalo Joe” as one of their own. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a roster lock with his childhood team exemplifies the perseverance that has defined his career. The 2025 season represents an opportunity for Andreessen to establish himself as a mainstay in Buffalo’s linebacker rotation.