AMHERST, N.Y. — For former University at Buffalo linebacker Joe Andreessen, the road to earning a chance to play in the NFL brought him back where it all began.

"It does feel like a little part of my childhood dream coming true," Andreessen said last week following a workout at Proformance Sports Training at the Northtown Center in Amherst. 

Andreessen started playing football when he was about 6 years old in Lancaster. He became a standout in the highly successful program at Lancaster High School.

"Growing up in Lancaster football is a big thing. My dad played football at Lancaster and there’s a long history of it," Andreessen said.  

Every level of the game creates a new challenge to overcome. His play at Bryant University in Rhode Island earned him Football Championship Subdivision All-American honors. But after four collegiate seasons, he knew if he wanted to reach the ultimate heights of the NFL, he’d have to show he could succeed against higher caliber competition in college.

"I was out of my comfort zone a little bit, going into a new program you kind of have to establish yourself," he said. 

Andreessen transferred back home to UB to play a final graduate season at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.

The transition worked out — and he led the Bulls in tackles this past season. 

"Ups and downs just within the year itself going to UB but I’m ultimately glad how my year finished and everything like that," he said. 

For the 6'1”, 235 lb. linebacker, it was an opportunity to prove not only to himself — but to NFL scouts — that he could do it.

And they’ve taken notice.

Andreessen worked out at the Buffalo Bills local pro day earlier this month. He and his agent have heard he could be a late round pick or sign with a team as a high-priority free agent after the draft. The Bills, Dolphins, Ravens, Titans and Packers are among the recent list of teams who’ve reached out to him with interest.  

"The biggest thing is you’re getting a high-character guy out of me," Andreessen said. "I think a lot of teams, that’s what they put first and foremost is person you are inside and outside of the locker room and I think you’re getting a high-quality guy there."

It's been hard work every step of the way. His gateway into the league could be on special teams to start, but he’s confident once he’s in the NFL, he’ll be able to make his mark with even loftier goals.

"My mindset is to make the team and make the 53-man roster by the time comes next August, September," he said. "That’s definitely my mentality, but I want to be an All-Pro someday."

A dream the 6-year-old boy playing Lancaster junior football never stopped chasing, no matter where he's had to go or how long it takes to get there.