Andrew DePaola Jr. Announces Retirement After 10 Seasons in the NFL
Veteran long snapper Andrew DePaola Jr. has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after a 10-year career. DePaola, who spent the last several seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, made his debut in 2014 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went on to establish himself as one of the most reliable long snappers in the league.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment,” DePaola said in a statement. “From going undrafted to earning a Pro Bowl selection, I’ve lived out my dreams on the field. I’m thankful to all the teams, coaches, and teammates who have supported me along the way.”
DePaola’s career highlights include a 2022 Pro Bowl selection and serving as a key contributor on special teams for multiple franchises, including the Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, and the Vikings. Known for his precision and consistency, he became a trusted figure on the field, playing in 100+ games over his career.
Originally a multi-sport athlete in high school, DePaola played both football and baseball before focusing on football at Rutgers University. Despite being undrafted in 2012, he never gave up on his NFL dream, eventually breaking through and making a name for himself as one of the top long snappers in the league.
Reflecting on his career, DePaola added, “Football has taught me so much about hard work, resilience, and teamwork. While it’s time to step away from the game, I’m excited about the next chapter and the opportunities ahead, both on and off the field.”
DePaola’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Vikings’ special teams unit, where he was an anchor for the last few seasons. The Vikings have yet to announce plans for his replacement, but the impact DePaola leaves behind will be felt for years to come.
