Joe Andreessen has been turning heads in the 2024 NFL preseason, with his stellar performance on the field raising questions about his potential future with the Buffalo Bills. The linebacker put on a show during Week 2, racking up 12 total tackles and two tackles for a loss in the Bills’ 9-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Signed as an undrafted free agent earlier this year, Andreessen was initially seen as a long shot to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster. However, his impressive showing in training camp and in preseason games has forced the team to take notice, especially with star linebacker Matt Milano dealing with an injury.
Hailing from the Buffalo area, the 24-year-old Andreessen has quickly become a fan favorite. Bills quarterback Josh Allen even revealed that the team affectionately refers to him as “Buffalo Joe.”
Originally from Depew, New York, just a short distance from the Bills’ home stadium, Highmark Stadium, Andreessen’s roots in the community run deep. He attended Lancaster High School before heading to Bryant University in Rhode Island for the first five years of his college career.
During his time at Bryant, Andreessen showcased his skills on the field, tallying impressive numbers including 256 total tackles, 37.5 tackles for a loss, 15 passes defended, five interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 39 games. His standout performance caught the attention of scouts, leading him back to Western New York for his senior season at the University at Buffalo.
In his final collegiate year, Andreessen continued to shine, leading the Bulls in tackles with 90, along with 12 tackles for a loss. His impact on the field did not go unnoticed, earning him a spot on the Bills’ rookie minicamp roster in May.
Now, Andreessen’s journey from undrafted free agent to standout player in the NFL preseason has put him in a position to potentially secure a spot on the Bills’ final roster. As the team navigates the challenges of injuries and player evaluations, all eyes are on “Buffalo Joe” to see if he can continue to impress and earn a place among Buffalo’s elite.
