Andy Katzenmoyer

Andrew Warren Katzenmoyer (born December 2, 1977) is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for two seasons. He played college football for Ohio State University, and became the first Butkus Award-winning middle linebacker to play for the Buckeyes. He was selected in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, where he played his injury-shortened professional career.

Early years

Katzenmoyer was born in Kettering, Ohio. He and his family moved to Westerville, Ohio when Andy was 5. He attended Westerville South High School, and played high school football for the Westerville South Wildcats.

College career

Katzenmoyer attended Ohio State University, where he played for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from 1996 to 1998. In the first game of his college career, he became the first true freshman to ever start at linebacker for the Buckeyes. As a freshman Andy totaled 12 QB sacks including 3 in the 1997 Rose bowl As a sophomore in 1997, he was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American, and won the Dick Butkus Award and Jack Lambert Trophy. Katzenmoyer started 37 consecutive games and finished his college career with 256 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 18 sacks and 6 Interceptions.

Professional career

The New England Patriots selected Katzenmoyer in the first round (28th pick overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. He suffered a neck injury during his first season with the Patriots that eventually forced him to have surgery and miss half of the 2000 season. During training camp in 2001, Katzenmoyer walked out citing concern about a feeling in his neck. He was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. The Patriots released Katzenmoyer before the beginning of the 2002 season.

Life after football

Katzenmoyer is now owner of Katzenmoyer Performance, a training facility along with KP CrossFit also in Westerville, Ohio.