UB Alumni and Western New York Natives Making Waves in the NFL

Buffalo, New York, is not just a city known for its snowy winters and passionate sports fans; it is also a breeding ground for NFL talent, particularly from the University at Buffalo (UB). The UB football program has been instrumental in shaping the careers of several players who are now making their mark in the NFL. Among these standout athletes is Joe Andreessen, an undrafted free agent who made the Buffalo Bills’ initial 53-man roster after playing at UB as a graduate student. Andreessen’s journey is a testament to perseverance and hard work, having played high school football in Lancaster before spending five years at Bryant University. His time at UB in 2023 was nothing short of impressive, as he excelled during rookie minicamp and continued to climb the depth chart throughout the summer. Andreessen started all 12 games at linebacker and led the team in tackles, showcasing his talent and determination.

In addition to Andreessen, there are ten other players from UB currently on NFL rosters, with three of them playing for the Buffalo Bills. This speaks volumes about the quality of the UB football program and its ability to produce NFL-caliber talent. One such player is Ike Awosika, now in his third season with the Detroit Lions. Awosika’s journey to the NFL began with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, where he spent his rookie year. He had a stellar college career at UB, starting 25 games at right tackle in 2018 and 2019 before moving to left tackle in 2020. His performance earned him a first-team All-MAC selection, solidifying his reputation as a formidable offensive lineman. Awosika’s transition to the NFL has been smooth, and he continues to be a valuable asset for the Lions.

Another notable UB alumnus making waves in the NFL is Demone Harris, who is now in his second season with the Atlanta Falcons. Harris, a product of Bishop Timon High School, played for UB from 2014 to 2017. Over his seven seasons in the NFL, Harris has played for various teams, accumulating 10 tackles in his 14 career games. His journey is a testament to his resilience and adaptability, qualities that have served him well in the highly competitive world of professional football. Harris’s story is one of determination and hard work, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Ledarius Ingram is another UB alumnus who has found success in the NFL. Entering his third season with the Buffalo Bills, Ingram has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad. He appeared in five games, two in 2022 and three in 2023, after joining the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Ingram’s college career saw him play at Utah State and Texas Tech before joining UB in 2021, where he finished with 47 tackles. His journey to the NFL has been marked by perseverance and hard work, traits that have helped him secure a spot on the Bills’ roster.

K.J. Jones, now in his second season with the Cincinnati Bengals, is another UB alumnus making a name for himself in the NFL. Jones originally played at UB in 2017, where he had 18 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns in 2018 before transferring to Iowa and Purdue. His versatility and skill set have made him a valuable asset for the Bengals, and he continues to build on his impressive college career. Jones’s journey is a testament to the quality of the UB football program and its ability to produce NFL-ready talent.

Malcolm Koonce is another standout UB alumnus who has found success in the NFL. Now in his fourth season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Koonce played all 17 games last season, achieving career highs in tackles and sacks. His college career at UB from 2017 to 2020 saw him earn first-team All-MAC selections in 2019 and 2020, solidifying his reputation as a dominant defensive player. Koonce’s transition to the NFL has been seamless, and he continues to be a key player for the Raiders, showcasing his talent and determination on the field.

Other UB alumni making their mark in the NFL include Davon Mack, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, Tyler Osborn, now with the New England Patriots, and Jaret Patterson, also with the Chargers after a successful run at UB. These players exemplify the quality of the UB football program and its ability to produce NFL-caliber talent. Their journeys are a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the strong foundation provided by their time at UB.

Orchard Park, NY, is another hotspot for NFL talent, particularly those with ties to western New York. The Buffalo Bills have three former UB players on their team: Joe Andreessen, Cam Lewis, and Ja’Marcus Ingram. These players are part of a larger group of 11 UB alumni currently playing in the NFL, highlighting the strong connection between the university and professional football. Andreessen’s journey from high school football in Lancaster to the Bills’ roster is a testament to his hard work and determination. His successful season with the Bulls, where he led the team in tackles, had a sack, two pass breakups, and forced a fumble, showcases his talent and potential.

Keith Towbridge, a Jamestown native and 2015 high school graduate, is currently on the Chicago Bears roster. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns in 2019, Towbridge has played in 26 games, recording six catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. His journey from high school football to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, qualities that have helped him succeed at the highest level of professional football. Towbridge’s story is one of determination and resilience, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Joe Judge, the head coach of the New York Giants, also has ties to western New York. A graduate of St. Francis High School in 1993, Judge joined the Bills in 2018 before becoming the head coach of the Giants in 2021. Under his leadership, the Giants achieved a 9-7-1 record in 2022 and a 6-11 record in 2023. Judge’s journey from high school football in western New York to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and dedication, qualities that have helped him succeed as a head coach in the highly competitive world of professional football.

Buffalo native Deon Yelder has also found success in the NFL, being part of three Super Bowl-winning teams with the Kansas City Chiefs. During the offseason, Yelder signed with the Miami Dolphins but did not make the 53-man roster. He then re-signed with the Chiefs, where he has recorded 14 catches for 155 yards and four touchdowns in 19 games. Yelder’s journey from Buffalo to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, qualities that have helped him achieve success at the highest level of professional football.

Khalil Mackenzie, a South Park High graduate and former Erie Community College player, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2019. After spending two seasons on the practice squad, Mackenzie was signed to the active roster. His journey from high school football in Buffalo to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and determination, qualities that have helped him succeed at the highest level of professional football. Mackenzie’s story is one of perseverance and resilience, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Derrius Guice, a Buffalo native and Bennett High graduate, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. His journey from high school football in Buffalo to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, qualities that have helped him succeed at the highest level of professional football. Guice’s story is one of determination and resilience, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible. The success of these players with ties to western New York and UB highlights the region’s rich football tradition and its ability to produce NFL-caliber talent.