Andre James
PositionCenter
Birth dateMay 2, 1997 (age 29)
Birth placeHerriman, Utah, U.S.
Height6 ft
Height in4
Weight lb300
High schoolHerriman
CollegeUCLA (2015–2018)
Undraftedyear2019
Pastteams
StatleagueNFL
Statseason2025
Statlabel 1Games played
Statvalue 1106
Statlabel 2Games started
Statvalue 261
PfrJ/JameAn01

Andre James (born May 2, 1997) is an American professional football center. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, before signing as an undrafted free agent with Oakland Raiders in 2019.

Early life

James grew up in South Jordan, Utah, and attended Herriman High School,[1][2] where he was a member of the football and track and field teams. He was named first-team All-State as a senior at offensive tackle. James was also a three time class 5A state champion in the shot put.[3] He was rated a four-star recruit and committed to play college football at UCLA over offers from Oregon, USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Utah.[4]

College career

James was a member of the UCLA Bruins, redshirting his true freshman season. He became a starter during his redshirt freshman season following an injury to Kolton Miller.[5] James started the final 32 games of his collegiate career, appearing in 35 games total.[6] As a redshirt junior, he made the decision to play in the Bruins' week seven game against Arizona and continue his consecutive games started streak despite his father dying of cancer earlier that week.[7] James declared for the NFL Draft on December 18, 2018, forgoing his final season of NCAA eligibility.[6]

Professional career

Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders

James signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2019. He was reunited with UCLA offensive tackle Kolton Miller.[8] He made his NFL debut on September 9, 2019, against the Denver Broncos.[9] He made his first career start at center in Week 9 in place of the injured Rodney Hudson. James appeared in 12 games with one start as a rookie.[10]

On March 22, 2021, the Raiders signed James to a three-year, $12.5 million contract extension through the 2023 season.[11] He was the full-time starting center for all three seasons.

On March 11, 2024, James signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the Raiders.[12]

James was released by the Raiders on March 12, 2025.[13]

Los Angeles Chargers

James signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on March 18, 2025.[14]

References

  1. ^ Reed, Tashan (2021-11-30). "‘I feel like I’ve grown a lot’: Andre James is settling in to his role as the Raiders’ starting center". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  2. ^ "Andre James' father refused to let cancer take the fight out of him to the end". Las Vegas Raiders. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  3. ^ "Andre James: Four-star OT from Utah signs NLI with UCLA". Los Angeles Daily News. February 4, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  4. ^ Conway, Tyler (July 10, 2014). "Andre James to UCLA: Bruins Land 4-Star OT Prospect". Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  5. ^ Kamrani, Christopher (November 1, 2017). "An emotional Utah homecoming is on tap for UCLA tackle, Herriman grad Andre James". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  6. ^ Nguyen, Thuc Nhi (December 18, 2018). "UCLA LT Andre James declares for NFL draft". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  7. ^ "Andre James starts for UCLA five days after father's passing". Los Angeles Daily News. October 20, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  8. ^ Bair, Scott (May 3, 2019). "Raiders sign 10 undrafted free agents, these three can make roster". NBC Sports Bay Area. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  9. ^ Bair, Scott (September 10, 2019). "Raiders snap count: Darren Waller moved all around, never left field". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  10. ^ "Andre James 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  11. ^ Williamson, Bill (March 22, 2021). "Raiders sign center Andre James to contract extension". Silver and Black Pride. SB Nation. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  12. ^ Johnson, Marcus (2024-03-11). "Silver Minings: Andre James re-signs before free agency". Silver And Black Pride. SB Nation. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
  13. ^ "Raiders release quarterback Gardner Minshew II and center Andre James". Raiders.com. March 12, 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  14. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Sign Andre James". chargers.com. March 18, 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-27.