BOZEMAN, Mont. — Former Montana State University linebacker Troy Andersen had a good start to his NFL career after being taken by the Atlanta Falcons with the 58th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Andersen appeared in all 17 regular season games his rookie season, recording 69 total tackles, including three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a pass deflection and a blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown. But Andersen caught the injury bug.
A shoulder/pectoral injury in the second game of the 2023 season and a knee injury in 2024 limited him to nine total games in the past two seasons. During that span, Andersen logged 67 total tackles, including two tackles for loss and a half sack, and snagged a 47-yard pick-6 in a win over the New Orleans Saints that ended with the knee injury.
“My main goal is to get healthy and stay healthy,” Andersen jokingly said as he enters his fourth season with the Falcons. “I had a couple tough ones that are just unfortunate, fluke deals, but yeah, it’s definitely flown by. Kind of crazy thinking that I’m going into year four.”
But for the Dillon native, he not only needs to be in great physical shape to get back on the field, but also great mental shape. There’s no better treatment for Andersen than returning to the Treasure State.
“I grew up on a cattle ranch, and my parents were out there baling hay this morning like before camp,” Andersen described the Montana mentality while back home to host his annual camp. “There’s just no days off and it helps you push through tough things, and instills that work ethic.”
Andersen mentioned how the offseason work in the NFL is different compared to the high school and collegiate level, especially coming off an injury, as it is more personal training than working with the team. He still utilizes his lessons from over the years at Beaverhead County High School and MSU, but his memories with his coaches and teammates are what helps him on the field.
“I’ve taken, first and foremost, some great relationships. Some of my best friends in the world I met over there and some of the best coaches I’ve had were there, and same with high school,” Andersen said about he took away most from his playing days in Montana. “It’s just the relationships and the experience, and that personal connection to them and the state of Montana in general. It’s something special and it can’t be beat.”
Andersen understands that he’s not only representing Dillon and Montana State on the national stage, but the Treasure State as well in the Peach State.
“The people here are so special,” Andersen said. “That’s why Montana will always be home, and I spend as much time as possible around here. They’re just so genuine and care for you as a person, let alone a football player. They don’t really care about that which is awesome.”
Troy Andersen reports for Atlanta Falcons training camp on July 24.