Andy Isabella Bio
Andy Isabella (born November 18, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver. He is best known for his standout college career at the University of Massachusetts and his selection in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. After several seasons moving between NFL active rosters and practice squads, Isabella transitioned into the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the United Football League (UFL), where he continued to compete at a professional level.
Born and raised in Mayfield, Ohio, Isabella developed into one of the most productive pass-catchers in UMass history before turning pro. He is recognized as a Consensus All-American from the 2018 college football season and remains an active professional wide receiver competing across multiple North American football leagues.
Early Life and Background
Andy Isabella was born on November 18, 1996, in Mayfield, Ohio, in the United States. He grew up in his hometown and attended Mayfield High School, where he first gained attention as a multisport athlete. In addition to playing football, Isabella ran track for the Mayfield High School team, which helped him develop the speed that would later define his professional career.
During his senior year of high school, Isabella won the state title in the 100-meter dash, edging out a fellow sprinter who went on to become a Cleveland Browns cornerback in a closely contested race. His track background sharpened his acceleration and stride, both of which became central to his identity as a wide receiver.
Isabella is of Italian heritage. After completing high school, he committed to the University of Massachusetts to play college football, setting the stage for one of the most productive careers in program history.
Path to American Football
Andy Isabella arrived at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2015 and joined the UMass Minutemen football program. Although he was initially recruited as a running back, the UMass coaching staff converted him to wide receiver during his sophomore year, a move that helped unlock his playmaking ability in the passing game.
Across his four collegiate seasons from 2015 to 2018, Isabella developed into one of the most reliable wide receivers in college football. As a senior in 2018, he was named a Consensus All-American and finished as a finalist for the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top college receiver.
That same season, Isabella led the country in receiving yards per game, averaging 141.5 yards per contest. Pro Football Focus also graded him as the highest-rated wide receiver in college football that year, posting an elite season grade that helped solidify his status as a top NFL prospect.
Andy Isabella Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Andy Isabella’s early football career took shape at Mayfield High School, where he starred as a two-sport athlete in football and track. His track success, including the Ohio state title in the 100-meter dash as a senior, gave him the explosive speed that would later become his calling card at the next level.
At the University of Massachusetts, Isabella quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker. By the time he completed his senior season in 2018, he had totaled 231 receptions for 3,526 yards and 30 touchdowns over his college career, leaving the program as one of its all-time leading receivers.
NFL Breakthrough (2019–2022)
Andy Isabella declared for the 2019 NFL Draft following his senior season. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he blazed a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, tying for the third-fastest time at the event and confirming his status as one of the most explosive athletes in the class.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Isabella with the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Cardinals acquired that pick in a trade that sent Josh Rosen to the Miami Dolphins. In his rookie season, Isabella appeared in games and recorded nine receptions for 189 receiving yards. His first career NFL receiving touchdown came in Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, an 88-yard catch in a 28-25 loss.
In 2020, Isabella had one of his most productive regular-season games in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, hauling in four receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow 26-23 defeat. Heading into 2021, he found himself lower on the Cardinals’ wide receiver depth chart and finished that season with limited playing time. On October 4, 2022, the Cardinals waived Isabella, bringing his initial NFL chapter to a close.
Journeyman Phase (2022–2024)
After being released by Arizona, Andy Isabella signed with the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens in October 2022. He was elevated to Baltimore’s active roster in late December and later signed a reserve/future contract with the team in January 2023, before being released in July of that year.
Isabella quickly found a new home with the Buffalo Bills in late July 2023, but his time in Buffalo was brief. He was waived, re-signed to the practice squad, and appeared in only two regular season games and two playoff contests. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Bills in January 2024, but was released in August 2024.
In October 2024, Isabella signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad. His stint with the Steelers was short, and he was released on November 5, 2024. He also spent time with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL during this period, including a re-signing in December 2024, before being released in March 2025.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2025)
On July 31, 2025, Andy Isabella signed with the San Francisco 49ers, marking another attempt to secure a roster spot at the NFL level. However, his time with the 49ers was short, and he was released by the team on August 5, 2025.
Following his release, Isabella continued to pursue football opportunities outside the NFL, including signing with Athletes Untapped as a private football coach in September 2025. His professional journey has reflected persistence, even as roster spots have been hard to come by.
Driving Style and Strengths
Andy Isabella is widely recognized for his elite straight-line speed, which stems from his track background and was on full display at the 2019 NFL Combine. As a wide receiver, he excels as a vertical threat who can stretch defenses down the field, using sharp route-running and acceleration to create separation. His compact build and quick-twitch movement skills have allowed him to contribute on special teams and in perimeter roles throughout his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Andy Isabella’s career was his 88-yard receiving touchdown in Week 9 of his rookie season against the San Francisco 49ers, his first NFL score. He was also a Consensus All-American and a Fred Biletnikoff Award finalist in 2018, and he tied for the third-fastest 40-yard dash time at the 2019 NFL Combine.
Andy Isabella Career Wins
Andy Isabella’s professional career has been defined more by perseverance and team contributions than by headline statistics. Across his NFL career, he has recorded 33 receptions for 447 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns, while also contributing on special teams and practice squads with multiple franchises. His college resume, which featured 231 receptions for 3,526 yards and 30 touchdowns, remains the statistical cornerstone of his football résumé.
NFL Highlights
Andy Isabella’s NFL career began with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was a second-round draft pick and delivered an explosive 88-yard touchdown as a rookie. Although his role diminished over the following seasons, he continued to appear in games for the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, including playoff contests with Buffalo.
Throughout his time in the NFL, Isabella remained a respected practice squad contributor and a reliable special teams presence, even when offensive opportunities were limited. His willingness to embrace multiple roles helped him stay active in the league for several seasons.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NFL, Andy Isabella competed in the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks and signed with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League in February 2026. His willingness to compete across multiple professional leagues underscores his enduring passion for the game.
Andy Isabella Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andy Isabella is of Italian heritage, a part of his family background that he has acknowledged publicly. He grew up in Mayfield, Ohio, where he built the foundation for his football and track career alongside his family.
Personal Life
Andy Isabella has largely kept his personal life private. He is known to maintain an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his football career and training.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 football season was another transitional year for Andy Isabella. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers on July 31, 2025, in hopes of earning a roster spot, but was released just days later on August 5, 2025. His brief tenure with the 49ers reflected the challenges he has faced in securing a long-term NFL home.
Outside of his on-field pursuits, Isabella expanded his off-field profile by signing with Athletes Untapped as a private football coach on September 8, 2025. This move allowed him to share his professional experience with younger athletes while continuing to seek out playing opportunities.
Heading into 2026, Isabella has signed with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League, signaling his commitment to continuing his professional career on a new stage. With his combination of speed, experience, and resilience, he remains focused on contributing to a contending CFL franchise while keeping open the possibility of an NFL return.
