Andre Mintze Bio
Andre Mintze is an American former professional football linebacker who most recently played for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). Born on September 10, 1998, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he built his reputation as a hard-working defender after a productive college career at Vanderbilt. Mintze is listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 249 pounds, and he currently holds recognition as a UFL champion following the Defenders’ 2025 title run.
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Mintze signed with the Denver Broncos and later spent time with the Minnesota Vikings before establishing himself in the UFL with the DC Defenders. Across his career, he has been known for his pass-rushing ability, special teams play, and toughness against the run. He announced his retirement in 2026 before later reversing the decision to return to the field.
Early Life and Background
Andre Mintze was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where football was a constant presence in his community. Growing up in a city with a deep gridiron tradition, he developed an early passion for the defensive side of the ball and learned the value of disciplined preparation.
Mintze attended Imhotep Charter High School in Philadelphia, where he emerged as one of the more promising defensive prospects in the region. His size, athleticism, and motor caught the attention of several college recruiters, and he eventually chose to continue his football journey at Vanderbilt University.
His high school years gave Mintze a foundation built on competition, physicality, and the kind of blue-collar work ethic that Philadelphia is known for producing. Those traits would carry over into his college career and into the professional ranks.
Path to American Football
Mintze committed to Vanderbilt, where he joined the Vanderbilt Commodores program and redshirted his true freshman season to develop physically and technically. The redshirt year allowed him to adjust to the speed of the college game and refine his technique at the linebacker position.
Over five seasons with the Commodores, Mintze became a dependable contributor on defense. He finished his collegiate career with 75 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks, along with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, all accumulated across 43 games played. His ability to pressure the passer and disrupt plays in the backfield earned him attention from NFL scouts, even though he ultimately went undrafted in 2021.
The experience at Vanderbilt prepared him for the next level by sharpening his fundamentals and exposing him to high-level competition in the Southeastern Conference. That preparation helped him earn an opportunity as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos.
Andre Mintze Career
Early Career (2021)
Mintze signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2021, shortly after the conclusion of the 2021 NFL Draft. He impressed enough during the offseason program and training camp to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster, a notable accomplishment for a rookie free agent.
His first NFL season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on October 19, 2021, due to a hamstring injury. He was activated on January 1, 2022, but was later waived by the Broncos on May 12, 2022, as the team reshaped its roster.
Minnesota Vikings (2022)
After being released by the Broncos, Mintze signed with the Minnesota Vikings on June 13, 2022. He joined the Vikings with the hope of earning a role on defense or special teams during training camp and the preseason.
His time in Minnesota was brief, as he was released on August 16, 2022, before the start of the regular season. Despite the short stint, the opportunity added valuable experience to his professional resume.
DC Defenders Era (2022–Present)
On November 17, 2022, Mintze was drafted by the DC Defenders of the XFL, beginning a new chapter in his career. He transitioned to spring football and quickly became a contributor on the Defenders’ defense, using the smaller league to showcase his skills and earn a steady role.
Mintze re-signed with the Defenders on February 8, 2024, and again on October 16, 2024, cementing his place as a long-term piece of the roster. During the 2025 season, he was part of the Defenders team that won the UFL championship, a career highlight that validated his perseverance through the early uncertainty of his professional journey.
On June 1, 2026, Mintze came out of retirement and re-signed with the Defenders, signaling his desire to continue competing at a high level. His return added veteran leadership to a roster he had helped build into a championship contender.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mintze is recognized for his pass-rushing ability off the edge, using a combination of length, leverage, and effort to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. He also brings value on special teams, where his pursuit and tackling have been assets throughout his career. His strength at the point of attack and his motor on every snap have made him a reliable piece of defensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Mintze’s career came when he made the Denver Broncos’ 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Another milestone arrived in 2025, when he helped the DC Defenders capture the UFL championship, capping a journey that included stops in two NFL cities before finding sustained success in spring football.
Andre Mintze Career Wins
Andre Mintze’s most celebrated victory came in 2025, when the DC Defenders won the UFL championship. The title run represented the peak of his professional career and rewarded years of persistence after going undrafted in 2021. His statistical production as a pass rusher and run defender contributed to one of the most successful stretches in Defenders history.
UFL Highlights
Mintze joined the DC Defenders through the XFL draft in November 2022 and has remained a fixture on the roster since. He re-signed with the team in February 2024 and again in October 2024, building continuity with the defensive staff and his teammates. His role in the 2025 UFL championship stands as his signature achievement at the professional level.
Other Wins & Performances
During his time with the Vanderbilt Commodores, Mintze compiled 8.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles across 43 games, establishing himself as a productive collegiate defender. His ability to make the Denver Broncos’ roster as an undrafted free agent also counts among his most notable professional accomplishments.
Andre Mintze Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available details about Andre Mintze’s immediate family remain limited, and no widely confirmed information about parents or siblings has been published in verified sources. His Philadelphia roots, however, are well documented through his high school and birthplace.
Personal Life
Mintze was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a football-driven environment that shaped his path to the sport. He has kept much of his personal life private, with no verified public information regarding a spouse or children. His social media presence includes activity on X and Instagram, where he connects with fans under familiar handles.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked the high point of Andre Mintze’s career with the DC Defenders, as the team competed for and ultimately won the UFL championship. Mintze contributed as a linebacker and pass rusher, providing veteran presence on a roster built for a deep postseason run.
Throughout the season, the Defenders leaned on continuity from players who had been with the organization since the XFL era, and Mintze was among the most experienced voices in the locker room. His familiarity with the defensive scheme and his track record of production helped stabilize a defense that played a central role in the championship push.
By the close of the 2025 campaign, Mintze had added a UFL title to his resume, reinforcing his reputation as a durable and dependable defender. The championship season set the stage for his brief retirement before his eventual return to the Defenders in June 2026.