Andre James

Andre James is a twenty-five-year-old former UCLA Bruin. During his five years of college, Andre played as an offensive right tackle. He declared for the NFL Draft in 2018 and became an undrafted free agent. The Raiders signed him to a two-year contract worth more than 8 million dollars in 2019. In 2024, the night before being a free agent, Andre James signed a three-year, $24 million deal which was his 3rd Raiders contract in five years.

The Center of Attention

At 6’4″ and 300 pounds, he was a second-string offensive linesman. In 2021, with his renewed contract, Andre got a new challenge and a lot of excitement. After spending his college career as a tackle, Andre personally expected that he would always be a tackle for the Raiders. But to his surprise, he got to change positions from tackle to playing the center. 

More than the fact that Andre had never played center before, he had some big cleats to fill. With a three-day notice, Andre was chosen to step into the cleats of Rodney Hudson. Andre had some intense pressure while making his Raiders entry into the NFL. (In 2021, the Raiders traded All-Pro Center Rodney Hudson to the Arizona Cardinals) 

The change in such an important position was a big thing for both Andre and the team. Analysts predicted that he would “do well” playing center. He started off rough with a few penalties, but things certainly improved.

Dynamic Duo with Derek

While preparing to play center for the Raiders, Andre spent a lot of time with Derek Carr. The two developed chemistry while spending two seasons together in Oakland and then 2020 in Las Vegas. The team dubbed them “The Raiders’ Dynamic Duo.

Fans noted their friendship after learning that the two spend time together doing something other than practicing reps together. Their favorite thing to do? Eating grilled American Wagyu Tomahawk steaks and smoked 16-pound brisket. Aside from football, Andre says he loves to eat! Sounds good to us!

In The Center of Raider Nation