Troy Andersen Bio
Troy Andersen (born April 23, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 58th overall pick, Andersen has established himself as a versatile defender capable of making significant contributions from the linebacker position. Prior to his professional career, Andersen played college football for the Montana State Bobcats where he transitioned from offensive skill positions to become a dominant defensive player. He was named a First-Team FCS All-American and the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, showcasing the unique athletic ability that made him an attractive NFL prospect.
Early Life and Background
Troy Andersen was born on April 23, 1999, and grew up on his family cattle ranch in Dillon, Montana. This rural upbringing instilled in him the work ethic and discipline that would later define his football career. Andersen attended Beaverhead County High School where he became a dual-threat quarterback and defensive safety, demonstrating exceptional athleticism across multiple positions.
During his senior year at Beaverhead County High School, Andersen delivered a standout performance that earned him first-team All-State honors at both quarterback and safety. He was also named the Montana Defensive Player of the Year after passing for 1,403 yards, rushing for 877 yards, and scoring 30 total touchdowns on offense while recording 71 tackles with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries on defense. His exceptional play helped Beaverhead County win the Class A state championship, establishing him as one of Montana top high school football prospects.
Path to American Football
Following his remarkable high school career, Andersen chose to continue his football journey at Montana State University in Bozeman. He enrolled at Montana State in 2017 and immediately made an impact as a true freshman, starting games at both running back and linebacker. His versatility was on full display as he earned Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year honors after rushing for 515 yards and five touchdowns with seven receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown on offense while recording nine tackles with one sack on defense.
Before his sophomore season, Andersen transitioned to quarterback after then-starting quarterback Chris Murray was ruled academically ineligible. This move showcased his adaptability as he threw for 1,195 yards while rushing for an impressive 1,412 yards and a school-record 21 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Sky recognition. His unique skill set of throwing ability combined with elite running ability made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Troy Andersen Career
Montana State Bobcats (2017–2021)
Andersen continued to evolve his game during his time at Montana State. Prior to his junior season, he moved back to linebacker while also contributing as a fullback. This position change unlocked his full potential as a defensive player. He delivered a dominant junior season with 54 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks with one interception and five passes broken up, earning first-team all-conference honors.
Despite suffering injuries that caused him to redshirt his senior season, Andersen returned as a redshirt senior and achieved the pinnacle of his collegiate career. He was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and finished as the runner-up for the Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the top defensive player in the FCS division. His exceptional collegiate career included First-team FCS All-American recognition and three First-team All-Big Sky selections. Andersen also showcased his abilities at the 2022 Senior Bowl, further solidifying his draft stock.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2022–Present)
Andersen was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 58th overall pick. The Falcons had acquired this selection through a trade that sent star wide receiver Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans, demonstrating their confidence in Andersen potential to contribute immediately. He signed his four-year rookie contract and began preparing for his transition to the professional level.
Andersen made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 2022 season against the Los Angeles Rams. His first professional start came in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, where he recorded a season-high 13 tackles in the 28-14 victory. He finished his rookie season with 69 tackles across 17 games and five starts, demonstrating his ability to contribute on defense and special teams while learning the complexities of the NFL game.
The 2023 season saw Andersen face adversity when he was placed on injured reserve on September 26 after suffering a shoulder and pectoral injury in Week 3. This setback limited his playing time and required a focused rehabilitation effort. However, Andersen returned with renewed determination in 2024.
Driving Style and Strengths
Andersen brings a unique combination of speed, instincts, and versatility to the linebacker position. His experience playing multiple offensive positions, including quarterback, running back, and fullback, gives him exceptional field awareness and understanding of opposing offensive schemes. His background as a former quarterback provides him with valuable insight into play recognition and defensive keys, allowing him to anticipate plays and close on ball carriers quickly.
Notable Events and Milestones
Andersen achieved a significant milestone in Week 4 of the 2024 season when he recorded 16 tackles and returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown in a 26-24 win over the New Orleans Saints. This standout performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, validating his development into an impactful NFL defender. This game showcased his playmaking ability and highlighted the promise that made him a second-round draft selection.
Troy Andersen Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Andersen has accumulated impressive statistics across multiple categories. His tackle totals demonstrate his reliability as a starter, while his forced fumbles, pass deflections, and interception return for a touchdown highlight his ability to make game-changing plays.
NFL Career Highlights
Andersen career totals through the 2025 season include 135 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two pass deflections, one interception, and one defensive touchdown. His Week 4 2024 interception return for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints stands as one of the defining moments of his professional career, earning him recognition as one of the NFC top defensive players that week.
Collegiate Achievements
At the FCS level, Andersen distinguished himself as one of the premier defenders in the country. His 2021 season, in which he earned Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year honors and First-team FCS All-American recognition, established him as a dominant college defender capable of making an immediate impact at the next level.
| Level | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 135 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 |
Troy Andersen Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Troy Andersen comes from an athletic family with notable achievements in multiple sports. He is a cousin of Major League Baseball pitcher Codi Heuer, connecting him to professional baseball. His father played college basketball at Eastern Oregon University, providing Troy with basketball genes that contributed to his athletic development. His sister also pursued athletics, competing in track at Montana State University, following in Troy footsteps as a Bobcat.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Andersen has maintained strong connections to his Montana roots. He graduated from Montana State University with a degree in agricultural business in May 2021, reflecting his upbringing on the family cattle ranch in Dillon. This educational background demonstrates his commitment to having a plan beyond football and honoring the agricultural heritage of his family.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented unique challenges for Troy Andersen. He began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and was never activated during the season, resulting in his contract tolling for the 2026 season. This was a difficult development for a player who had shown such promise in his first few NFL seasons. Andersen work ethic and resilience will be tested as he prepares to return to the field in 2026.
Despite the setback, the Falcons organization demonstrated continued confidence in Andersen by agreeing to a contract restructuring on March 9, 2026. The new agreement prevents his contract from tolling and provides him with a guaranteed $1.54 million salary for the 2026 season. This financial commitment signals the team belief in his ability to contribute when healthy and reflects the importance they place on his long-term development within the organization.