Andre James Bio
Andre James is an American professional football center in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the UCLA Bruins, he entered the NFL in 2019 as an undrafted free agent and has since built a reputation as a durable and dependable interior offensive lineman. Over the course of his career, he has spent time with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Tennessee Titans.
Early Life and Background
Andre James was born on May 2, 1997, in Herriman, Utah. He grew up in the nearby community of South Jordan, Utah, where he developed an early passion for athletics. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, he combined size with the discipline and work ethic that would later define his professional career.
James attended Herriman High School, where he played both football and competed in track and field. As a senior, he was recognized as a first-team All-State selection at offensive tackle, highlighting his ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage. In addition to his football accomplishments, he was a three-time Utah Class 5A state champion in the shot put, demonstrating the strength and explosiveness that translated directly to his future on the gridiron.
Rated as a four-star recruit, James received scholarship offers from several elite programs, including Oregon, USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Utah. He ultimately chose to play his college football at UCLA, setting the stage for his development into a top-level offensive lineman.
Path to American Football
At UCLA, James was a member of the UCLA Bruins and redshirted his true freshman season in order to develop physically and adjust to the speed of the college game. He earned his first significant opportunity during his redshirt freshman year, becoming a starter after an injury to teammate Kolton Miller. The promotion gave him valuable playing time and helped accelerate his growth into a reliable offensive lineman.
From that point forward, James started the final 32 games of his collegiate career, appearing in a total of 35 games for the Bruins. One of the most defining moments of his college career came during his redshirt junior season, when he chose to play in UCLA’s Week 7 game against Arizona despite the loss of his father to cancer earlier that week. The decision reflected the resilience and commitment that have continued to define his professional journey.
On December 18, 2018, James declared for the NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of NCAA eligibility. His combination of size, experience, and toughness positioned him as a promising prospect ready to compete at the next level.
Andre James Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Andre James signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2019, reuniting with his former UCLA teammate Kolton Miller. He made his NFL debut on September 9, 2019, against the Denver Broncos. Later that season, he earned his first career start at center in Week 9, filling in for the injured Rodney Hudson. As a rookie, he appeared in 12 games with one start, providing a glimpse of his potential along the offensive line.
James continued to develop with the Raiders over the following seasons, earning increased responsibility and the trust of his coaching staff. His work ethic and consistency allowed him to grow into a full-time role, eventually securing a long-term future with the organization.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2021–2024)
On March 22, 2021, the Raiders signed Andre James to a three-year, $12.5 million contract extension through the 2023 season, solidifying his place as a core member of the offensive line. He became the full-time starting center for all three seasons, anchoring the middle of the line and demonstrating remarkable durability. During this stretch, he started nearly every game and became a respected voice in the locker room.
Following the conclusion of his prior deal, James signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the Raiders on March 11, 2024. The agreement reflected the organization’s confidence in his leadership and consistent performance. His tenure with the franchise, which had relocated to Las Vegas, marked the most productive and stable chapter of his early career.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025)
Andre James was released by the Las Vegas Raiders on March 12, 2025, opening the door for a new chapter in his career. He did not remain a free agent for long, as the Los Angeles Chargers signed him on March 18, 2025. The move gave him an opportunity to bring his veteran experience to a new offensive line and compete at a high level in the AFC West.
Although his time with the Chargers was brief, the signing represented an important transition point in his career. It also underscored his value as a starting-caliber center capable of contributing immediately to a contending roster.
Tennessee Titans Era (2026–Present)
On June 16, 2026, Andre James signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he currently wears jersey number 61. He is listed as an active member of the roster, continuing his career as a starting center in the NFL. The move provides him with a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills within a developing offensive system.
Driving Style and Strengths
While Andre James is not a race car driver, his professional style at the center position is defined by physicality, intelligence, and consistency. He excels in pass protection, using his length and strength to anchor against powerful defensive tackles, and he demonstrates the lateral agility needed to handle stunts and twists at the line of scrimmage. His track and field background, particularly his success in the shot put, has given him exceptional functional strength and balance in the trenches.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Andre James’s career came during his junior season at UCLA, when he chose to play through personal grief after his father’s death. In the NFL, his milestones include signing two major contract extensions with the Raiders and being trusted as a full-time starting center for multiple seasons. Through 2025, he has appeared in 106 career games with 61 starts.
Andre James Career Wins
Andre James’s career achievements are measured primarily by his durability, longevity, and consistency rather than traditional win totals. As an offensive lineman, his contributions are reflected in his ability to remain in the starting lineup and protect the quarterback at a high level across multiple seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders Highlights
During his time with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders from 2019 to 2024, Andre James appeared in 106 career games with 61 starts. He signed two major contract extensions with the franchise, including a three-year, $12.5 million deal in 2021 and a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024, reflecting his importance to the team.
Other Wins & Performances
James earned first-team All-State honors as a senior at Herriman High School and was a three-time Utah Class 5A state champion in the shot put. He was also rated a four-star college recruit, an accomplishment that underscored his elite athletic potential.
Andre James Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andre James grew up in South Jordan, Utah, and attended Herriman High School, where he built the foundation for his football career. During his redshirt junior season at UCLA, his father passed away from cancer earlier in the week of a game against Arizona, and James chose to play in the contest, an emotional and defining moment that reflected the strength of his family values.
Personal Life
Andre James keeps much of his personal life private. His commitment to his family and his resilience in the face of adversity are well documented, and he remains focused on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Andre James. After being released by the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2025, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, bringing veteran stability to their offensive line. He continued to demonstrate the durability and consistency that have defined his career, contributing as a starting-caliber center.
Through 2025, Andre James has appeared in 106 NFL games with 61 career starts, a testament to his long-term availability and reliability. His journey from undrafted free agent to multi-year starter reflects his steady development and work ethic.
Looking ahead, Andre James signed with the Tennessee Titans on June 16, 2026, signaling the next stage of his professional career. With his contract running through 2028, he is positioned to remain a fixture along an NFL offensive line for years to come.
