Andrew Wingard Bio
Andrew Wingard, nicknamed “Dewey,” is an American professional football safety who has built his career as a reliable presence in the secondary of National Football League (NFL) teams. Born on December 5, 1996, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Wingard developed into a tackling machine during his college years at the University of Wyoming before transitioning to the professional ranks. He currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, where he continues to bring hard-nosed defensive play and veteran leadership to the field.
Standing at 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing approximately 209 pounds, Wingard plays with a physical style that belies his size, often delivering big hits while maintaining the discipline required of a starting safety. After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft, he worked his way into a meaningful role in the league through dedication, preparation, and steady on-field production. His journey from undrafted free agent to multi-year NFL starter reflects a story of persistence and a deep commitment to his craft.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Wingard was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on December 5, 1996, and grew up with a strong interest in athletics from an early age. He spent his formative years developing into a competitive athlete, eventually attending Ralston Valley High School in Arvada, Colorado, where he played football and began showcasing the physical, downhill style of play that would later become his trademark. His high school career provided the foundation for his defensive fundamentals, helping him earn attention from college programs across the region.
Wingard’s upbringing in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain region shaped his blue-collar approach to the game. He learned the value of preparation, hard work, and consistency, traits that he carried with him as he advanced to the next level of competition. By the time he finished his high school career, he had drawn the attention of several college programs looking for a safety with a tackling-first mentality and a willingness to contribute in run support as well as in coverage.
Path to American Football
Wingard chose to continue his football career at the University of Wyoming, where he joined the Wyoming Cowboys between 2015 and 2018. From the moment he stepped on campus, he earned significant playing time, becoming a fixture in the Cowboys defensive secondary throughout his four seasons. The Wyoming program provided him with an opportunity to develop his skills against Mountain West Conference (MWC) competition, and he responded with consistent production and leadership.
During his time at Wyoming, Wingard established himself as one of the most productive tacklers in program history, finishing his college career with 454 total tackles, the second most in Wyoming history. He also concluded his tenure tied for the most tackles all-time in the Mountain West Conference, a notable achievement that highlighted his ability to consistently be around the football. His reliability and football IQ made him a centerpiece of the Cowboys defense and helped him earn recognition as a three-time First-team All-MWC selection in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Andrew Wingard Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Wingard went undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft, but his resume and reputation as a tackling machine did not go unnoticed. On April 29, 2019, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to a three-year, $1.76 million contract that included a signing bonus of $5,000, betting that his college production would translate to the professional level. He made the Jaguars’ final 53-man roster on August 31, 2019, an important milestone that confirmed his standing with the team heading into his rookie season.
In his first NFL action, Wingard wasted little time making an impact. During a Week 13 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded a strip sack on quarterback Jameis Winston and recovered the fumble, marking his first career sack in the NFL. The following year, in Week 1 of the 2020 season against the Indianapolis Colts, Wingard recorded his first career interception, picking off a pass from Philip Rivers. He later added a second interception against the Colts in Week 17, further cementing his growing role in Jacksonville’s secondary despite a brief stint on injured reserve.
Jacksonville Jaguars Breakthrough (2021–2025)
Wingard’s role with the Jaguars expanded significantly during the 2021 season, when he posted one sack, 88 tackles, one interception, and one pass defended. His tackling volume and on-field reliability made him a key contributor to a young Jacksonville defense, and he continued to build momentum the following year. In 2022, the Jaguars placed a restricted free agent tender on him, signaling their commitment to keeping him in the fold, and he appeared in all 17 games, starting three, while recording 37 total tackles, one interception, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.
His value to the franchise was rewarded on March 15, 2023, when Wingard signed a three-year, $9.6 million contract extension with the Jaguars. That season, he continued to produce, finishing with 45 tackles, one interception, two passes defended, and one forced fumble, including an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. In 2024, Wingard began the season on injured reserve but was activated on November 9, continuing his role as a veteran leader in the Jaguars’ secondary as the team transitioned to a new era.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2026–Present)
On March 11, 2026, Wingard signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, opening a new chapter in his professional career. The move to Arizona represented a fresh opportunity for the veteran safety, who brought with him years of NFL experience, an established tackling reputation, and a familiarity with multiple defensive schemes. He joined the Cardinals’ secondary looking to provide steady play, leadership, and run support.
Wingard’s arrival in Arizona was viewed as a low-risk, high-upside addition for a team seeking experienced depth at the safety position. His track record of availability when healthy, combined with his football intelligence, made him a natural fit for a defense that values versatility in the secondary. As he settles into his new role, Wingard continues to embrace the same underdog mentality that has fueled his career since arriving in the league as an undrafted free agent.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wingard has racked up several notable moments throughout his career, including his first career strip sack and fumble recovery against Jameis Winston in 2019, his first career interception off Philip Rivers in 2020, and an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. A three-time First-team All-MWC selection at Wyoming and the second-leading tackler in program history, he has built a reputation for consistency, durability, and a team-first approach to the game.
Andrew Wingard Career Wins
Andrew Wingard’s professional career has been defined more by consistent production and reliability than by milestone win totals in the box score, but he has contributed to team success throughout his time in the NFL. As an undrafted free agent who carved out a long career in one of the most competitive leagues in the world, his wins are best measured in the steady improvements he has helped bring to defenses and the trust he has earned from coaching staffs.
NFL Highlights
Throughout his NFL career, Wingard has accumulated 349 total tackles, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 22 pass deflections, and 6 interceptions, as reflected in his career statistics through the 2025 season. He has appeared in multiple seasons as a starting or rotational safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars, contributing to a defense that has gone through significant transitions in recent years. His first career interception, recorded against the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, stands as a highlight moment, as does his multi-interception season in 2023 with the Jaguars.
Andrew Wingard Family
Personal Life
Andrew Wingard is widely known by his nickname “Dewey,” a moniker that has followed him from his early playing days into his professional career. Off the field, he maintains an active presence and is recognized as a dedicated professional who values hard work and consistency. Further public details about his immediate family members and personal relationships are not widely documented in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Andrew Wingard within the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. He continued to serve as a veteran presence in the secondary, providing leadership and dependable play despite the physical demands of a long NFL career. Although he was placed on injured reserve to begin the 2024 season, he was activated in November and carried that experience into the following campaign, using the 2025 season as an opportunity to demonstrate his durability and commitment to the team.
Throughout the 2025 season, Wingard remained a key contributor on special teams and in the defensive rotation, offering valuable snaps against both the run and the pass. His ability to read offensive schemes, communicate with teammates, and finish tackles made him a trusted option for the Jaguars’ coaching staff. The statistics he accumulated during the season, including tackles, pass deflections, and interceptions, reinforced his reputation as a steady and productive safety.
Looking ahead, Wingard’s performance during the 2025 season helped pave the way for his next career move, which would eventually lead to a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals in March 2026. The experience he gained in 2025, combined with the leadership he provided in the locker room, ensured that he would remain an attractive option for teams seeking veteran depth at the safety position. His career arc remains a testament to the value of perseverance, preparation, and professionalism in the National Football League.
