Introduction
Andrew Brian Frederick (born July 25, 1954) is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Chicago Bears. He played college football at the University of New Mexico.
Early years
Frederick attended St. Joseph High School where he played as tight end. He also practiced basketball. He accepted scholarship to play for the University of New Mexico where he was converted into a defensive tackle.
In 2010, he was inducted into the University of New Mexico Athletics Hall of Honor.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Frederick was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft, to convert him into an offensive lineman. As a rookie, he played on special teams and backed up Ralph Neely at left tackle, who was bothered by an injured knee. He was a part of the Super Bowl XII winning team.
In 1978, he was named the starter at right tackle to replace Pat Donovan who moved to the left side to take the place of the retired Neely. He was relegated into a reserve role after the fifth game after Rayfield Wright reclaimed his old position.
In 1979, he was one of the last cuts in preseason, but was brought back after rookie tackle Richard Grimmett suffered a knee injury one week before the season opener. He contributed on special teams and as a backup.
In 1980, he was the team's only backup tackle and started in the eleventh game against the St. Louis Cardinals in place of an injured Jim Cooper. The next year he remained as a backup tackle. On September 3, 1982, he was waived after being passed on the depth chart by rookie Phil Pozderac.
Cleveland Browns
On September 9, 1982, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. He was traded the Chicago Bears on April 28, 1983, in exchange for past considerations.
Chicago Bears
In 1983, he started 6 games at right tackle for the Chicago Bears. During the Super Bowl run in 1985, he was mostly used as an extra tight end in goal line situations. He was placed on the injured reserve list with a toe injury in 1986. The next year, he failed the physical exam and did not make the team.