Andre James

Andre James's Biography

Andre James, born on the 2nd of May in 1997, is an acclaimed American professional football player. Known broadly for his position as a center for the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL), James presents a biography filled with determined progression, ambition, and personal triumph. His journey, spanning 27 years as of 2024, extends from his high school days in South Jordan, Utah, to his present-day status as a top-tier player in the NFL.

Born and raised in South Jordan, Andre James spent his school years attending Herriman High School. It was here that his athletic prowess began to show through his contributions to the school’s football and track teams. In his senior year, he earned the designation of first-team All-State as an offensive tackle, cementing his reputation as a pivotal player.

In addition to his football success, James showed excellence in the track field, specifically shot put. He managed to claim recognition as a class 5A state champion in shot put not once but three times. This achievement alone garnished attention from notable institutions.

Rated as a four-star recruit, James was met with offers from competitive universities such as Oregon, USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Utah. After considering his options, he committed to UCLA to play college football. Little did he know that UCLA would serve as a catalyst, propelling him towards a bright professional future.

During his time with the UCLA Bruins, James redshirted his true freshman season. However, this did not hinder his progress. Taking advantage of an injury to Kolton Miller, James secured his place as a starter during his redshirt freshman season. In total, he started 32 games in a row, adding up to a total of 35 games throughout his collegiate career.

However, his career wasn’t without personal tragedy. In his junior year, despite losing his father to cancer, James made the decision to continue with his game against Arizona. His commitment to the game, even in times of immense personal loss, is testament to his steadfast dedication.

In December 2018, James declared for the NFL Draft, opting to forego his final season of NCAA eligibility. His professional career took off on May 3, 2019, when he signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent. His NFL debut came on September 9, 2019, against the Denver Broncos. A few weeks later, he started at center in place of the injured Rodney Hudson. James made 12 appearances with one start in his rookie year.

As of March 2021, James signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract extension with the Raiders, which laid a foundation for his continued success through the 2023 season. Within this period, James cemented himself as a full-time starting center, showing extreme professionalism and capability.

By March 11, 2024, the Raiders acknowledged James’ exceptional abilities with a further three-year contract extension, worth an impressive $24 million. In this extension, the Raiders demonstrated their faith in James’ success, ensuring his continued presence as a fantastic asset to the Las Vegas Raiders. The journey of Andre James remains a testament to his dedication, displaying a career filled with determination and continuous personal achievements.