Andrew Rupcich Bio
Andrew Rupcich (born April 1, 1999) is an American professional football guard for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Culver–Stockton Wildcats and was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Rupcich has made significant contributions to his teams and is recognized for his skills on the field, particularly as an offensive lineman.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Rupcich was born on April 1, 1999, in Wonder Lake, Illinois. He attended McHenry High School, where he excelled in both basketball and football. On the football field, he was a two-way lineman, earning all-conference honors at right tackle during his senior year. After high school, Rupcich chose to play college football with the Culver–Stockton Wildcats of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), opting for this route rather than pursuing junior college football or walking on at a higher-level program.
Path to American Football
Rupcich gained a starting role at left tackle as a freshman in 2017 and played every snap for the remainder of his collegiate career. He started all 11 games in his freshman year and continued this trend in 2018, earning first-team All-Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) North Division honors. In 2019, he again started all 11 games, receiving first-team All-HAAC North Division recognition for the second consecutive year, and helping his team achieve its first winning season since 2001. Rupcich was also named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), marking a significant milestone as he became the fifth All-American in the school’s history and the first since 2007. His performances during his college years established him as a standout player, culminating in his graduation in December 2021 with a degree in physical education and health.
Andrew Rupcich Career
Early Career (2022)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Andrew Rupcich was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. He was initially released during the final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad shortly after. Although he did not appear in any games during his first season, he spent the entire year on the practice squad as the Titans finished with a record of 7–10.
Breakthrough (2023)
Rupcich signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans on January 23, 2023. He was released again during the final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but returned to the practice squad the following day. He made his NFL debut in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing 45 offensive snaps and three special teams snaps. This marked a significant achievement as he became the third player from Culver–Stockton to reach the NFL. By the end of the 2023 season, Rupcich had appeared in five games, starting in two.
Notable Works and Milestones
Andrew Rupcich’s signature achievement includes being the first player in NAIA history to be named first-team All-American at the same position three times. His consistent performance and resilience have made him a notable player in the league.
Andrew Rupcich Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Andrew Rupcich has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his college years, where he was named first-team All-American multiple times.
Andrew Rupcich Awards Won
Andrew Rupcich’s accolades include being named the school’s athlete of the year in 2018 and earning multiple All-American honors during his college career. His achievements reflect his dedication and skill as a football player.