Bozeman, Mont.- Troy Andersen, former Montana State Bobcat and Dillon Beaver, has caught the injury bug to start his pro career. Andersen is preparing for year four in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, participating in 9 total games the last two seasons. Your best ability is your availability, something that Andersen knows and is seeking ways to make a healthy comeback in 2025.
“I mean, goal is to get healthy and stay healthy. Had a couple, a couple tough ones that, you know, just unfortunate fluke deals.” Andersen said. “Some ups and downs. But, you know, that’s how life is as well. So, football, football parallels it a little bit and teaches some lessons.”
Troy also mentioned how he is feeling good and has looked into turning his bodies weaknesses into strengths this off-season, while taking his strengths and making them even stronger. Many believe that Troy at his peak will be a top NFL linebacker, hoping he can stay healthy for the remainder of his career.
The last three years running, Andersen returns to Dillon to host a youth football camp, a place he proudly calls home. I had the chance to talk with Montana Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Lex Hilliard, and I asked Lex how being born in a small town helped him get through his adversity with injuries. Hilliard answered insightfully about having a different mindset, being raised different, and being built different born in small town Montana, and how it gives you an advantage. Troy felt the same way.
“Growing up in Montana, I think it gives you a leg up. You know, you kind of always have that chip on your shoulder. You’re from a small state, and, you know, nobody really gets recruited out of here. Nobody necessarily makes it to the NFL very often or very readily so that kind of puts a chip on your shoulder.”
Troy also mentioned the type of self-discipline one has being from a small town like Dillon, and emphasized the hard-working mentality instilled inside of him. “I mean, I grew up on a cattle ranch, and it’s like my parents were out there cutting hay or baling hay this morning, like before camp. So, there’s just no days off. And I think that that, you know, it helps you obviously push through tough things and instills that, that work ethic. There’s so many benefits growing up in this state and obviously I’m a bit bias.”
The support from the Montana community is something Andersen deeply values. You can hear it in his answer when he talks about Dillon, the state of Montana, and the culture of this special state. “Yeah, I think there’s definitely some pride in Montana. You know, Dillon, just Montana in general, but the people here are so special, you know, that’s why, I mean, Montana will always be home, and I spend as much time as possible around here. Just, they’re so genuine and care for you as a person, let alone a football player, they don’t really care about that which is awesome.”
We’ve heard this sentiment about Montana from every athlete around the state when asked why Montana is so special. The people, the community, the support is unmatched unlike any other state. There’s a reason why this place truly is The Last Best Place.
The Falcons kickoff the 2025 season at home, September 7th, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.