Andrew Dowell (born November 16, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans.

Andrew Dowell
Personal information
Born: (1996-11-16) November 16, 1996 (age 28)
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
College:Michigan State (2015–2018)
Position:Linebacker
Undrafted:2019
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles:22
Forced fumbles:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Dowell attended St. Edward High School. As a junior, he started at running back, collecting 158 carries for 968 yards (6.1-yard avg.), 13 rushing touchdowns, 17 receptions for 246 yards (14.5-yard avg.) and 3 receiving touchdowns.

As a senior, he started at safety and contributed to the team winning the 2014 Division I state championship. He tallied 153 tackles (2 for loss), 6 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns), 11 passes defensed, 47 carries for 241 yards (5.1-yard avg.), 6 rushing touchdowns, 10 receptions for 148 yards (14.8 avg.) and 3 receiving touchdowns. He received All-Ohio and Cleveland.com All-Star honors.

He also practiced basketball and track.

College career

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Dowell accepted a football scholarship from Michigan State University (MSU). As a true freshman, he played 13 games mainly on special teams, leading the team with 10 tackles.

As a sophomore, he made eight-of-12 starts at linebacker, posting 67 tackles and 7 special teams tackles (second on the team).

As a junior, he started all 13 games at linebacker, making 74 tackles (second on the team), 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 4 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

As a senior, he again started all 13 games at linebacker, making 97 tackles (ranking him 10th in the Big Ten Conference) along with career high tackles for losses (8.5), pass break-ups (9) and sacks (3.5).[1] While at Michigan State, he played alongside his twin-brother David.[2] He earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors by coaches and media, and earned the MSU Tommy Love Award for most improved player on defense.

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11+34 in
(1.82 m)
225 lb
(102 kg)
31+78 in
(0.81 m)
8+34 in
(0.22 m)
4.64 s 1.62 s 2.70 s 4.25 s 7.06 s 31.0 in
(0.79 m)
9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)
20 reps
All values from Pro Day[3]

Dallas Cowboys

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Dowell was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2019 NFL draft on May 1.[4] He was waived by Dallas, with an injury designation, on August 1, 2019.[5] He was waived from injured reserve on August 10, 2019.

New Orleans Saints

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2019–2020

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Dowell signed to the New Orleans Saints' practice squad on November 20, 2019.[6] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints on January 7, 2020.[7] He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day.[8] He was elevated to the active roster on January 2, 2021, for the team's week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.[9] On January 18, 2021, he signed a reserve/future contract at the conclusion of the 2020 season.[10]

2021

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Dowell made the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster following the 2021 training camp.[11][12] On September 26, 2021, in week 3, he blocked a punt against the New England Patriots' punter Jake Bailey in the second-quarter.[13] On December 19, 2021, in a week 15 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dowell became the first NFL player in 2021 to record 5 special teams stops (four solo) in a single game.[14] He played in 16 games and finished the 2021 regular season tied for fourth in the league with 15 special teams tackles.

2022

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Dowell appeared in all 17 regular season games for the Saints in 2022, racking up two forced fumbles and 7 combined tackles. He did not receive a qualifying offer following the season and became a free agent on March 15, 2023.[15] On April 3, 2023, he re-signed with the Saints.[1]

2023

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On August 2, 2023, after sustaining a torn ACL during practice, Dowell was placed on the injured reserve.[16]

2024

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On August 23, 2024, Dowell re-signed with the Saints, but was released four days later.[17][18]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Andrew Dowell". Michigan State Athletics. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  2. ^ "Bro, no mo: David Dowell adapting to life at MSU without twin Andrew". The Detroit News. August 3, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  3. ^ "2019 NFL Draft Scout Andrew Dowell College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  4. ^ "MSU LB Andrew Dowell signs with Dallas Cowboys as UDFA". Spartans Wire. May 1, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  5. ^ "Andrew Dowell: Cut loose by 'Boys". CBS Sports. August 1, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  6. ^ "Updated Saints practice squad after signing LB Andrew Dowell". Saints Wire. November 21, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  7. ^ "Saints sign 9 of 10 practice squad players to reserve/future deals". Nola.com. January 6, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  8. ^ "Saints trim down to 53-man roster". Fox8. September 5, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  9. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. January 2, 2021. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  10. ^ "Saints sign Christian Ringo, 13 more to Reserve/Future contracts". ESPN 1420. January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  11. ^ "Andrew Dowell has made the New Orleans Saints 53-man roster". Spartans Wire. August 31, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  12. ^ "Saints 53-Man Roster 2021 New Orleans Saints released several players to meet the NFL's 53-man roster deadline". si.com. August 31, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  13. ^ Andrew Dowell blocks the punt vs. New England (Saints). September 26, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  14. ^ "New Orleans Saints notes from 9-0 win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers". New Orleans Saints. December 19, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  15. ^ "Saints make a surprising decision at the beginning of free agency". atozsports.com. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  16. ^ "Saints Place Special Teams Standout LB on IR". Sports Illustrated New Orleans Saints News, Analysis and More. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  17. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. August 23, 2024.
  18. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. August 27, 2024.
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