Andre Strode facts for kids

Andre Strode, born on June 19, 1972, is a former American football player. He was a defensive back in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Andre played for three different teams over five seasons. These teams were the Birmingham Barracudas, the BC Lions, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Before turning professional, he played college football at Colorado State University.

Early Life

Andre Strode was born in Denver, Colorado, on June 19, 1972. He grew up in Denver and went to Montbello High School.

College Football Career

Andre Strode played college football for the Colorado State Rams. He was part of the team from 1991 to 1994. During his time in college, he showed great skill as a defensive player.

Key College Stats

• In 1991, he made one interception, running it back for nine yards. An interception happens when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player.
• In 1992, he had another interception, gaining five yards.
• His best year was 1993, when he made three interceptions. He ran these back for a total of 128 yards and scored two touchdowns.
• His three interceptions that year were the most in the Western Athletic Conference.
• His two interception return touchdowns were tied for the most in the entire country.
• Overall, Andre recorded 246 tackles during his college career. A tackle is when a defensive player stops an offensive player who has the ball.

Professional Football Career

Andre Strode played five seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was known for his strong defensive play.

Birmingham Barracudas (1995)

In 1995, Andre joined the Birmingham Barracudas in the CFL. He played in all 18 games that season.

• He made 65 defensive tackles and eight special teams tackles. Special teams tackles happen during plays like kickoffs or punts.
• He also had seven interceptions, which he returned for 109 yards and one touchdown.
• He broke up seven passes, meaning he stopped the ball from reaching the intended receiver.
• Andre also recovered two fumbles. A fumble is when a player drops the ball.
• His seven interceptions were tied for the second-highest in the CFL that year.

The Barracudas finished with a 10–8 record. They lost in the playoffs to the San Antonio Texans. Andre was recognized for his excellent play and was named a CFL Southern All-Star in 1995.

BC Lions (1996–1998)

In 1996, the BC Lions picked Andre Strode in the CFL Dispersal Draft. He was the 15th overall pick.

• He started all 18 games for the Lions in 1996.
• He had 59 defensive tackles and six special teams tackles.
• Andre also recorded two sacks, which is when a defensive player tackles the opposing quarterback.
• He made three interceptions, returning them for 81 yards and one touchdown.
• He broke up five passes and recovered one fumble.

The Lions finished the season with a 5–13 record. Despite the team's record, Andre's performance earned him a spot as a CFL Western All-Star for 1996.

In 1997, Andre suffered an injury in the very first game of the season. Because of this, he was unable to play for the rest of the year. He returned to play in 1998. He played in 17 games that season.

• He made 53 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle.
• He also had two interceptions, gaining 72 yards.
• Andre broke up four passes during the 1998 season.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1999)

In 1999, Andre Strode played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL. He played in six games for the team.

• During his time with the Blue Bombers, he recorded 24 defensive tackles.
• He also had one pass breakup.