Buffalo Bills rookie linebacker Joe Andreessen is receiving assistance with paying his first NFL fine.
The linebacker was one of the biggest offseason shocks, joining the team on a rookie minicamp trial before earning a position on the regular roster. As ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg reported on November 2, Andreessen was fined for a hit he made in the previous week’s game.Buffalo Bills rookie linebacker Joe Andreessen is receiving some help paying his first NFL fine.
The linebacker was one of the biggest offseason shocks, joining the team on a rookie minicamp trial before earning a position on the regular roster. On November 2, ESPN’sAlaina Getzenberg reported on Nov. 2, Andreessen was hit with a fine for a hit he made in last week’s game.
“Bills LB Joe Andreessen was fined $4,421.29 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) during the win vs. the Seahawks last week making a tackle on a kickoff return in the third quarter,” Getzenberg said in a message to X. “He was not flagged on the field.”
However, the former University of Buffalo star has received an offer to pay the punishment from a beloved former Bills quarterback.
Joe Andreessen Getting Some Financial Help
After the fine was announced, Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson took to X to express his disgust with the decision. Ferguson’s remark drew the attention of former Bills quarterback turned commentator Ryan Fitzpatrick, who offered to front the money for Andreessen.
“DM me Joe’s info and I’ll pay the fine for him….can’t be taking money away from Mr. Buffalo,” said Fitzpatrick in a tweet.
Andreessen rose to prominence during the preseason, when he delivered many impressive performances. The linebacker is a local product, having starred at nearby Lancaster High School before attending Bryant, where he established the school’s single-season tackle record with 116 in 2022.
Andreessen transferred following that season, but only received one offer, from the University of Buffalo. He proceeded to succeed during his last collegiate football season, catching the attention of the Bills, who invited him to rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
The Bills eventually signed Andreessen, who went on to become one of the team’s best preseason players, earning a spot on the final 53-man roster.
“I would say definitely grateful,” Andreessen remarked after making the squad, according to ESPN. “… I’m grateful just to have the coaches’ trust, but it felt like a switch because there’s still a lot to do. There’s a lot left to prove, not only to myself, but also to my teammates, now that I’ve been given the opportunity to be a part of this team and help it win.”
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Close Ties to the Bills
Fitzpatrick played for nine different clubs over his 17 seasons in the NFL, but he has particularly strong links to the Bills. He developed a tight relationship with Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who provided some exclusive information with Fitzpatrick earlier this season.
After injuring his left (non-throwing) hand in a season-opening win over the Arizona Cardinals, Allen informed Fitzpatrick on a Facetime call that it would not hinder him in the following game.
