Andrew DePaola

Andrew DePaola was born on July 28, 1987, in Parkton, Maryland. He attended high school at Hereford High School in Parkton, where he played football and began developing his skills that would eventually lead him to a professional career in the NFL. He later attended Rutgers University, where he further honed his abilities as a football player, eventually becoming a notable long snapper in the league.

In May 2012, Andrew DePaola was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional football career in the NFL. Although he was initially cut, DePaola continued to train and ultimately made the practice squad, showcasing his determination and skills as a long snapper.

Andrew DePaola made his NFL regular-season debut as the starting long snapper for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7, 2014, against the Carolina Panthers. This game was significant as it marked his entry into active play in the NFL, solidifying his position within the team and demonstrating his skills on the field to a national audience during the opening game of the season.

During a game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 18, 2016, Andrew DePaola maintained his streak of perfect snaps, continuing to deliver consistent and accurate plays. Throughout the 2016 season, DePaola demonstrated exceptional precision and reliability as a long snapper, earning recognition for his contribution to the special teams.

On January 1, 2017, Andrew DePaola suffered a torn ACL in the final game of the season against the Carolina Panthers. This injury was a significant setback, as it required surgery and extensive rehabilitation, putting his career temporarily on hold. The injury occurred during a critical play and highlighted the physical challenges and risks associated with playing in the NFL.

After recovering from his ACL injury, Andrew DePaola signed with the Chicago Bears on May 31, 2017. This moment marked a new chapter in his career as he demonstrated his resilience and determination to return to professional play. The Bears saw potential in DePaola as a long snapper, and he continued to show his capabilities throughout training and preseason.

On March 20, 2018, Andrew DePaola signed a four-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, a move that indicated the team's confidence in his abilities as a leading long snapper in the league. The contract was a significant milestone, reflecting DePaola's successful recovery from injury and his standing as a top performer within the NFL ranks as the Raiders invested in his long-term role.

The Oakland Raiders released Andrew DePaola on January 22, 2019, after he spent the 2018 season mostly on the injured reserve list. The release was a difficult moment in DePaola's career, as he had high hopes for contributing more significantly to the team's success. However, it also presented an opportunity for him to explore new avenues and teams where he could leverage his experience and talent.

Andrew DePaola signed with the Minnesota Vikings on September 24, 2019, as a free agent. His addition to the team was seen as a strategic move to boost their special teams unit. DePaola brought years of experience and a track record of reliability, contributing to the team's performance. The Vikings organization valued his expertise in precise and efficient long snapping.

After another injury setback, Andrew DePaola returned to the field for the Minnesota Vikings on November 29, 2020. His recovery from surgery was seen as a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport. DePaola's return was a morale booster for his team as they regarded him highly for his skill and leadership among the special teams unit, highlighting his ongoing impact in the NFL.