BUFFALO, NY. (WKBW) — On Tuesday, Buffalo Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen was at home with his family when his agent called with exciting news. He told them, “It looks good,” and shared the update with his loved ones.
Describing his feelings about making the initial 53-man roster for his hometown team, Andreessen used the word “grateful.”
“I’m grateful for the trust from the coaches,” Andreessen said after practice on Wednesday. “But it also feels like a switch has flipped. There’s still a lot to accomplish and prove, both for me and my teammates.”
His perspective is shaped by his journey from being undrafted to earning a rookie tryout with the Bills, receiving a training camp invite, and finally securing a spot on the roster. For Andreessen, this achievement carries extra significance.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure—more like a reason to focus even harder,” he explained. “If I get to play on Sunday, I need to make plays for this team. Being a long-time fan of the Bills, I might want this team to win even more than the average player.”
Bills general manager Brandon Beane added, “There are many players we support who don’t make it, so we must make the best choices for the Bills. Up to this point, Joe has done everything asked of him and earned his place on the initial 53-man roster.”
A video from his alma mater, Lancaster High School, shows how much everyone in Western New York is rooting for Joe’s success.
Given that he’s a local player for his hometown team, Joe was asked about his favorite player. The promising news for him is that once he’s back to full health, he might have the opportunity to play alongside his favorite.
“Recently, it’s been Matt Milano,” Andreessen said, despite Milano being his current teammate.
Andreessen’s flexibility on special teams will likely improve his chances of getting game time when the Bills start their regular season next Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
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