1. The University at Buffalo pipeline stays hot thanks to “Buffalo Joe”
The Bills now have three former University at Buffalo players on their active roster: DB Cam Lewis, CB Ja’Marcus Ingram and LB Joe Andreessen. Andreessen is the latest player to join the pipeline of players who once played at the college level and are now playing on a much bigger stage.
Andreessen, a Western New York native from Depew, was invited to try out for the Bills as an undrafted rookie free agent in May. The LB was one of 26 players who participated in the tryout and the only player signed by Buffalo.
One of Andreessen’s biggest opportunities of the preseason came in Week 2 when he started at middle linebacker against the Steelers. The LB led the team with 12 tackles that night.
General manager Brandon Beane felt the rookie did an impressive job leading the defense.
“He really passed the test that day, and that probably gave us a lot of confidence that this guy is on the up and up and deserves this opportunity,” Beane said.
The WNY native earned several nicknames from his teammates after his performance against the Steelers – “Buffalo Joe” and “The Lancaster Legend.”
Andreessen played high school football for Lancaster, less than 20 miles from Highmark Stadium, and now gets to play for the team he idolized as a child.
“Buffalo Joe. What a really cool story for Joe,” Beane said.
Beane said her first contact with Andreessen was when they invited him to their town hall meeting, and each time after that he continued to do things right.
“Every step of the way, he checked off all the boxes,” Beane said. “He kept himself in the game and never worried about whether he did five reps or 15 in practice.”
Andreessen continued to get opportunities throughout camp due to injuries at the linebacker position – Matt Milano (IR), Nick Morrow, Eddie Ulofoshio and Baylon Spector all missed practice throughout training camp.
“Some guys are ready for their chance, some guys aren’t,” Beane said. “And I think Joe has done everything you could ask for. He’s a rookie, so I don’t want to put him in the Hall of Fame yet. But I think we should give him recognition and praise.”
“How can you not cheer him on… He did what was asked of him and he earned the chance to be in our starting 53.”
