ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Joe Andreessen's second NFL tackle resulted in his first NFL fine.
When that news spread last weekend, Buffalo Bills fans showed a tidal wave of support for the Western New York native who went from undrafted free agent back in the spring to making the 53-man roster out of training camp.
In fact, the backlash to the fine was so strong that former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick offered to step in and pay that fine for the Bills rookie linebacker.
Apparently, Fitzpatrick won't have to do that. Tom Pelissero, who works for NFL Network, said Friday on social media that Andreessen's $4,421 fine for unnecessary roughness has been rescinded following an appeal.
The NFL had fined the undrafted rookie free agent following the Buffalo Bills' 31-10 road victory against the Seahawks in Week 8. While he was not flagged, the NFL fined him for "use of the helmet."
The play happened late in the third quarter, moments after the Bills extended their lead to 24-3 on a James Cook touchdown run. Andreessen made a tackle on the ensuing kickoff, stopping Laviska Shenault Jr. at the Seattle 25.
Andreessen immediately received a strong show of support, including that offer from Fitzpatrick.
"DM me Joe’s info and I’ll pay the fine for him….can’t be taking money away from Mr. Buffalo," Ryan Fitzpatrick posted to X following news of the fine.
Three Seahawks also drew fines from that game on Sunday: linebacker Derick Hall for unnecessary roughness (late hit), $11,510; quarterback Geno Smith for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $11,255; and cornerback Tariq Woolen for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $5,934.
Andreessen played high school football in Lancaster, spent five years at Bryant University, then played at UB in 2023 as a graduate student. What really caught the attention of local sports fans was his rise up the depth chart with the Bills during the spring and then in training camp.
The NFL announces player fines each Saturday afternoon during the regular season. In Week 8, there were 26 plays resulting in fines for on-field discipline during 2,606 total plays.
Other Bills fines from the NFL this season include:
- Week 1, O'Cyrus Torrence, unnecessary roughness (facemask), $7,855
- Week 4, Dawuane Smoot, unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing), $8,156
- Week 6, Dion Dawkins, unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), $11,255
- Week 6, Taron Johnson, unnecessary roughness (low block), $11,817
- Week 7, Taron Johnson, unnecessary roughness (hit on a defenseless player), $16,883