Andrew Mitchell Billings Bio
Andrew Mitchell Billings is an American professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Baylor University and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Billings was born on March 6, 1995, in Waco, Texas. He attended Waco High School where he excelled in football and powerlifting. Billings notably broke Mark Henry’s Texas powerlifting record with a combined total of 2,010 pounds, demonstrating exceptional strength with an 805-pound squat, 500-pound bench press, and 705-pound deadlift.
His athletic prowess in high school earned him a four-star recruit rating from Rivals.com, leading to his commitment to Baylor University to continue his football career. His early exposure to strength training and competitive sports laid a solid foundation for his future in football.
Path to American Football
At Baylor, Billings quickly established himself as a dominant defensive tackle. As a true freshman in 2013, he played in 11 games and started twice, recording 29 tackles. His sophomore year saw him start all 13 games and earn First-Team All-Big 12 honors with 37 tackles and two sacks.
In 2015, his junior year, Billings posted career highs with 39 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. His outstanding performance earned him the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, and a second consecutive First-Team All-Big 12 selection. Following this season, he declared for the NFL Draft, foregoing his senior year.
Andrew Billings Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Billings entered the 2016 NFL Draft as a highly regarded defensive tackle prospect. Despite projections placing him as a late first or second-round pick, he was selected in the fourth round, 122nd overall, by the Cincinnati Bengals. Concerns about his height and a knee injury contributed to his draft position.
Billings signed a four-year contract with the Bengals and competed for the starting nose tackle position. However, a torn meniscus during training camp sidelined him for his entire rookie season. He made his professional debut in 2017, earning his first career start later that year and gradually increasing his playing time.
Cleveland Browns and Other Teams (2020–2022)
In March 2020, Billings signed with the Cleveland Browns but opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was waived by the Browns in November 2021 and briefly joined the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad later that year.
Billings then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad in January 2022 before moving to the Las Vegas Raiders, where he started 14 games and recorded a career-best 39 tackles in the 2022 season.
Chicago Bears Era (2023–Present)
On March 16, 2023, Billings signed with the Chicago Bears. He became a key starter, playing all 17 games at defensive tackle during the 2023 season. In November 2023, he secured a two-year contract extension worth $8.5 million, with $6 million guaranteed.
Billings recorded his first career forced fumble in September 2024 but was placed on injured reserve in November 2024 after surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.
Driving Style and Strengths
Billings is known for his exceptional strength and quickness for his size, traits that have allowed him to excel at the defensive tackle position. His ability to combine raw power with agility makes him effective against both the run and pass. His work ethic and resilience have been key to his professional longevity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Billings’ career milestones include being named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2015. His first career forced fumble in 2024 marked a significant personal achievement at the professional level.
Andrew Billings Career Wins
As a defensive tackle, Billings’ contributions are measured more by tackles and defensive impact than traditional wins. Throughout his NFL career, he has been a consistent starter and contributor across multiple teams.
College Highlights
At Baylor, Billings earned two First-Team All-Big 12 selections and was recognized as the conference’s top defensive lineman in 2015. His collegiate performance established him as a top defensive prospect heading into the NFL.
Professional Highlights
Billings has demonstrated durability and skill, starting all games for the Chicago Bears in the 2023 season and achieving a career-best tackle count with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.
Andrew Billings Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Andrew Billings’ family background are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Information regarding Billings’ personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, Billings is expected to continue as a vital part of the Chicago Bears’ defensive line. Following his contract extension, he is positioned to contribute significantly, assuming full recovery from his 2024 pectoral surgery. His experience and skill set will be important assets as the Bears aim to strengthen their defense.