Troy Andersen expects ‘healthy and successful’ third year with Atlanta Falcons

DILLON — Troy Andersen was in tears during the Atlanta Falcons’ road game against the Detroit Lions last September.

The second-year NFL linebacker had nine total tackles entering the Week 3 game after sitting out Week 2 due to concussion protocol.

Then, while making a tackle in the fourth quarter, something went wrong.

“It’s a weird deal,” the former Dillon Beaver and Montana State Bobcat said Wednesday after hosting his second youth football camp at his high school’s Vigilante Stadium. “Tear a (pectoral muscle) making a tackle. That sucks. Get surgery and start the rehab process.”

A promising sophomore campaign – Andersen racked up 19 total tackles in two games played – was hampered by that shoulder/pectoral injury and Andersen wasn’t cleared to return until Week 18. But the only The glimmer of hope he found amidst the disappointment was knowing that this setback happened early enough that he could focus on being 100% in time for the start of his third year. season.

“Unfortunately it happened early, but fortunately it happened early enough that I’m ready to compete this year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a healthy and successful year.

“I can’t wait to get back on the field, as well as our team. We made some good off-season moves and we’re ready to have some fun this year. »

The Falcons open their preseason at Miami on Aug. 9.

Andersen also noted that he followed last year as the Beavers replicated what he and Dillon did during their senior season in 2016-17 — winning the Class A football and basketball championships.

“It was super fun to watch,” Andersen said. “Text Kee Christiansen (Dillon graduate quarterback) before or after the game. (Zach) McRae (Dillon head football coach), he’s awesome. The fact that they’ve continued with the program and taken it to new heights, it’s awesome.”

McRae was an assistant under Rick Nordahl when Andersen was in high school and saw him grow from a high school star to a professional player.

“Troy is a very humble guy, we are very proud of him,” McRae said. “I think he’s first class, he does things the right way. He obviously has some pretty special athletic qualities, but he’s a star. »

Andersen’s football journey has taken him to places he could only dream of as a child. But as he walked around his old stomping grounds in Dillon, he noted that this place will always have meaning for him.

“Friday Night Lights. Montana high school football is hard to beat,” Andersen said. “We were fortunate to be good when I was here and they continued to do a good job with McRae and the guys, so it’s fun to follow them.”