A deep dive into Mark Andrews
A deep dive into Mark Andrews
By Trevor Speetzen January 24, 2025 08:53
Mark Andrews’ drop in the AFC divisional round against the Buffalo Bills will unfortunately be a career-defining moment for him. While Andrews has been under a lot of scrutiny since the drop, let’s not forget what’s already happened to him in his career.
Outside of his infamous drop, Andrews has carved out an impressive career for himself ever since he was drafted.
Andrews was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2018 draft. He was the second tight end drafted by the Ravens in 2018 behind Hayden Hurst who was taken in the first round by Baltimore.
Since joining the team, Andrews has played at a high level in the tight end position. He has been named to the pro bowl three times in his career and was named to a first-team all-pro in 2021.
Andrews even recorded his first and so far only 1,000 yard season in 2021 where he racked up 107 catches for 1,361 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
Andrews’ efforts earned him a four-year $56 million extension just prior to the start of the 2021 season and for a brief moment in time it was worth every penny.
Andrews has also faced several adversities off the field. At nine years old, Andrews was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. However, the disease has not hindered Andrews at all throughout his career.
Andrews is also a part of charities that are connected with diabetes and is a spokesperson for those who have the disease. He also speaks with young people about the effects of diabetes and ways to live with it.
Andrews has excelled on and off the field for the Ravens and has been a staple for Lamar Jackson throughout his career. Despite all of his success, Andrews will likely be remembered for his now infamous drop.
Had Andrews caught that ball, the Ravens would tie the game up and possibly send it into overtime and maybe even win altogether. Andrews has been on the receiving end of ridicule and torment since his blunder.
Andrews’ drop has evoked the memory of hall of fame tight end Jackie Smith. Smith was a former pro bowl tight end for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1960s and was a respected tight end just like Andrews.
Despite his hall of fame career, Smith is mostly remembered for his crucial drop in a crucial moment. In Super Bowl XIII between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith was on the roster for the Cowboys and had a chance to win his first Super Bowl.
Smith dropped a would-be touchdown pass in the endzone from Roger Staubach in the third quarter of the game. The Cowboys would end up kicking a field goal and end up losing the game 35-31.
While Andrews will likely be remembered for his blunder, but he’s still has his whole career ahead of him and still has time to redeem himself.