Andrew Dowell (born November 16, 1996) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans. He is current a scouting assistant for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League.
Early life Dowell attended St. Edward High School. As a junior, he started at running back, collecting 158 carries for 968 yards (6.1-yard avg.), 13 rushing touchdowns, 17 receptions for 246 yards (14.5-yard avg.) and 3 receiving touchdowns.
As a senior, he started at safety and contributed to the team winning the 2014 Division I state championship. He tallied 153 tackles (2 for loss), 6 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns), 11 passes defensed, 47 carries for 241 yards (5.1-yard avg.), 6 rushing touchdowns, 10 receptions for 148 yards (14.8 avg.) and 3 receiving touchdowns. He received All-Ohio and Cleveland.com All-Star honors.
He also practiced basketball and track.
College career Dowell accepted a football scholarship from Michigan State University (MSU). As a true freshman, he played 13 games mainly on special teams, leading the team with 10 tackles.
As a sophomore, he made eight-of-12 starts at linebacker, posting 67 tackles and 7 special teams tackles (second on the team).
As a junior, he started all 13 games at linebacker, making 74 tackles (second on the team), 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 4 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
As a senior, he again started all 13 games at linebacker, making 97 tackles (ranking him 10th in the Big Ten Conference) along with career high tackles for losses (8.5), pass break-ups (9) and sacks (3.5). While at Michigan State, he played alongside his twin-brother David. He earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors by coaches and media, and earned the MSU Tommy Love Award for most improved player on defense.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys Dowell was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2019 NFL draft on May 1. He was waived by Dallas, with an injury designation, on August 1, 2019. He was waived from injured reserve on August 10, 2019.
New Orleans Saints 2019–2020 Dowell signed to the New Orleans Saints' practice squad on November 20, 2019. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints on January 7, 2020. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated to the active roster on January 2, 2021, for the team's week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers, and reverted to the practice squad after the game. On January 18, 2021, he signed a reserve/future contract at the conclusion of the 2020 season.
2021 Dowell made the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster following the 2021 training camp. On September 26, 2021, in week 3, he blocked a punt against the New England Patriots' punter Jake Bailey in the second-quarter. On December 19, 2021, in a week 15 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dowell became the first NFL player in 2021 to record 5 special teams stops (four solo) in a single game. He played in 16 games and finished the 2021 regular season tied for fourth in the league with 15 special teams tackles.
2022 Dowell appeared in all 17 regular season games for the Saints in 2022, racking up two forced fumbles and 7 combined tackles. He did not receive a qualifying offer following the season and became a free agent on March 15, 2023. On April 3, 2023, he re-signed with the Saints.
2023 On August 2, 2023, after sustaining a torn ACL during practice, Dowell was placed on the injured reserve.
2024 On August 23, 2024, Dowell re-signed with the Saints, but was released four days later.
Memphis Showboats On April 14, 2025, Dowell signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League (UFL).
Dallas Renegades On January 13, 2026, Dowell was selected by the Dallas Renegades in the 2026 UFL Draft.
Post-playing career On June 2, 2026, Dowell was hired to serve as a scouting assistant for the Washington Commanders.
References
External links Michigan State Spartans football bio