Joe Andreessen Attends Lancaster Legends Game Ahead of Bills Season

LANCASTER, N.Y. (WIVB) — Joe Andreessen used to play under the lights on Friday nights at Lancaster High School. Now he’s headed to the big leagues to play for the team he’s watched his whole life, but he’ll never forget where he came from.

Andreessen attended the Lancaster Legends game on Friday night, as they played their first game of the season at Lancaster High School.

“Yeah, I loved coming here on Fridays. That meant the world to me when I was in high school,” Andreessen said. “So it’s just a cool feeling.”

The Western New York native was an All-State linebacker at Lancaster High School. He finished his college career at the University at Buffalo. Just a few weeks ago, he learned he was continuing his hometown story by making the Bills 53-man roster.

He supported the team from the sidelines all night and called it a very nostalgic moment.

“It’s hard to put into words. Just the best feeling, playing high school football,” Andreessen said. “There’s nothing that compares to it, especially at Lancaster.”

“When he was in high school, it would probably be hard to imagine where I am now,” Andreessen said. “So I’m happy and excited to see how far I’ve come.”

Members of the Bills mafia are just as excited to see him realize his dream while representing the small town of Lancaster.

“I think it’s a good idol for the younger generation to come and play football with us,” said Kaylin, a senior at Lancaster High School.

“Every teacher I’ve had this week has been like, ‘Oh Joe sat here, Joe sat there,’ and everyone says he was the most humble kid to be in school with,” said Samantha, a senior at Lancaster High School.

“I mean, we’ve had players that have made it and gone to NFL teams, but for a local kid to watch his Buffalo Bills and get to play for them, it doesn’t get any better than that,” said Jeff Schuler, a Depew resident.

This week’s game is at 4 p.m. The Buffalo Bills will take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 1 p.m.