Troy Andersen Bio
Troy Andersen (born April 23, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Montana State Bobcats, where he lined up at quarterback, running back, and fullback before settling at linebacker. He was named a first-team FCS All-American and the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Andersen has been a versatile presence on the field since entering the league in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Troy Andersen was born on April 23, 1999, and grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in Dillon, Montana. The small-town ranch lifestyle shaped his work ethic and physical toughness, qualities that would later define his play on the gridiron. He attended Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, where he starred in multiple sports.
At Beaverhead County, Andersen played quarterback and safety for the football team, while also competing on the basketball and track squads. As a senior, he was named first-team All-State at quarterback and safety and earned Montana Defensive Player of the Year honors. That season, he passed for 1,403 yards, rushed for 877 yards, and scored 30 total touchdowns on offense, while adding 71 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries on defense as Beaverhead won the Class A state championship.
Path to American Football
Andersen’s journey to the NFL began with an unusual college path. He arrived at Montana State in 2017 and immediately contributed on both sides of the ball, starting games at running back and linebacker as a true freshman. That year, he rushed for 515 yards and five touchdowns while also recording nine tackles and a sack, earning Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year honors.
Before his sophomore season, Andersen shifted to quarterback after two-year starter Chris Murray was ruled academically ineligible. He completed 115 of 208 passes for 1,195 yards with three touchdowns and seven interceptions, while also rushing for 1,412 yards and a school-record 21 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Sky recognition. His rare two-way talent and leadership soon attracted national attention from NFL scouts evaluating small-school prospects.
Troy Andersen Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Andersen’s college development at Montana State was unlike most prospects. After his freshman year on both sides of the ball and a sophomore season at quarterback, he moved back to linebacker and also played fullback as a junior. That year, he posted 54 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, with one interception and five passes broken up, again earning first-team All-Big Sky honors.
He redshirted his senior year while recovering from injuries, then returned for a redshirt senior season that cemented his draft stock. He was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and finished as the runner-up for the Buck Buchanan Award, awarded to the top defensive player in the FCS. Andersen also participated in the 2022 Senior Bowl, where he showcased his versatility to NFL evaluators.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2022–Present)
Andersen was selected in the second round with the 58th overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft, a pick previously acquired in the trade that sent Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans. He made his season debut in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams and earned his first professional start in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, recording a season-high 13 tackles in a 28–14 win. He finished his rookie year with 69 tackles across 17 games and five starts.
His second season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on September 26, 2023, after suffering a shoulder and pectoral injury in Week 3. Andersen bounced back in 2024, recording 16 tackles and returning an interception 47 yards for a touchdown in a 26–24 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, a performance that earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. As of 2025, Andersen’s contract tolled for the season after he began training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
Driving Style and Strengths
Andersen brings rare versatility to the linebacker position, with experience at quarterback, running back, fullback, and safety dating back to high school. His background as an offensive playmaker gives him strong football instincts, and his 6-foot-4 frame allows him to match up with tight ends and running backs in coverage. Coaches value his sideline-to-sideline speed, open-field tackling, and comfort in space, all of which trace back to his two-way background at Beaverhead County and Montana State.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Andersen’s signature moments are his 2021 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year award, his invitation to the 2022 Senior Bowl, and his second-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. His 47-yard interception return for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in 2024 stands as one of his most memorable professional plays, while his 13-tall, and his selection earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Across his first three NFL seasons, he has recorded 135 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown.
Troy Andersen Career Wins
Through three NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Troy Andersen has been a steady contributor on defense, highlighted by his 2024 NFC Defensive Player of the Week performance. While his primary statistical impact has come in tackles and coverage rather than in win totals at the professional level, his development reflects a steady upward trajectory from a versatile small-school athlete into a reliable NFL linebacker.
NFL Highlights
Andersen’s most celebrated professional performance came in Week 4 of the 2024 season against the New Orleans Saints, when he tallied 16 tackles and a 47-yard pick-six that helped seal a 26–24 win. That effort earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Earlier, in his 2022 rookie campaign, his first start against the San Francisco 49ers produced a 13-tackle outing in a victory, signaling his readiness for an expanded role.
Other Wins and Performances
At Montana State, Andersen’s most decorated stretch came between 2018 and 2021, when he earned first-team All-Big Sky honors three times. His high school career peaked with a Class A state championship at Beaverhead County in 2017, capping a senior season in which he earned Montana Defensive Player of the Year recognition. These milestones laid the foundation for his professional career and underscored his two-way impact at every level of the sport.
Troy Andersen Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andersen comes from a tight-knit family with deep agricultural roots in Dillon, Montana. He grew up working on his family’s cattle ranch, an upbringing that helped build the durability and toughness that have defined his football career. His father played college basketball at Eastern Oregon University, and his sister ran track at Montana State, making athletics a clear family tradition.
Personal Life
Andersen is a cousin of Major League Baseball pitcher Codi Heuer, extending the family’s reach into professional sports. He graduated from Montana State with a degree in agricultural business in May 2021, reflecting his continued ties to the ranching community of his youth. Off the field, he has remained connected to his Montana background, and his social media presence showcases his lifelong ties to ranching and the outdoors.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging chapter for Troy Andersen, as he was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp and was never activated for any regular-season games. As a result, his contract tolled on what would have been its final year, meaning his deal carried over into 2026 rather than expiring.
Despite the lost season, the Atlanta Falcons remained committed to Andersen’s long-term potential as a versatile linebacker. On March 9, 2026, the team agreed to a contract restructuring that prevented the toll and ensured he would earn $1.54 million in 2026, signaling continued investment in his development. Looking ahead, Andersen is expected to compete for a significant role on Atlanta’s defense as he works to return to full health and rebuild the momentum that produced his 2024 breakout against the Saints.
