Defensive tackle Andrew Billings has been selected as the Bears' 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee — the NFL's most prestigious honor that acknowledges players who excel on the field and in their communities.
Throughout his 8-year NFL career, Billings has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to giving back to youth in his hometown of Waco, Texas, through his Billings Family Find-A-Way Foundation. Whether it's hosting youth football camps, speaking and inspiring male youth through mentorships, participating in his bikes and books drives initiatives or supporting educational programs, Billings values making a difference in the lives of others.
Get to know Billings as he talks with ChicagoBears.com about his foundation, proudest NFL moment, musical talents and more.
Who inspired you to start your foundation back in 2017?
My family and some of my teammates. I saw their foundations and their community service and just talked with my dad to see what the possibilities were.
What's the best part about your foundation?
Bikes and Books, for sure. At the end of each grading period, we give bikes, helmet and books to students who missed less than two days of school. Those kids get crazy, they come in there screaming. It's a great atmosphere. I saw bike giveaways in my area when I was growing up and I thought, "hey, let's bring this back."
You set a powerlifting record in Texas during high school. You now host and sponsor a powerlifting meet for boys and girls in Waco. What got you into powerlifting?
Just lifting weights. In middle school, we had an option to run or lift. I liked to lift and I didn't want to run, so I've been doing it ever since. When I got to high school, I found out about competitive lifting, so I gave it a try and fell in love with it.
This honor is particularly special to the Bears because of Walter Payton's impact on the organization. Did you have any Walter Payton or Bears fandom growing up?
Yeah, my dad's family is from Chicago, so the Bears are about all they watched on TV. They always talked about the Fridge (William Perry). I remember [Jay] Cutler — that's when I started getting into football. I knew Walter Payton was a great running back, but I didn't know how great he was until I got here. We watched the video of him running up the hill in OTAs and I didn't know all of that about him, so it was pretty cool.
What's been your best moment as a Chicago Bear?
The sack I got this year. That was fun. Nobody blocked me and I caught Andy Dalton, who I played with in Cincinnati, so we just had a party.
What was your welcome to the NFL moment?
It was against us (the Bears). I think it was Cody Whitehair. It was a stretch play. I went backside and he peeled right back around, hit me and I flipped in the end zone. They played that in film all day.
What is your proudest NFL moment?
Probably my first year starting [in 2017]. I had to bounce back. I didn't play my rookie year because I was injured, and then halfway through the following season I ended up starting. That was really, really cool for me. That's like the pinnacle of your career — you're starting in the NFL – so there's really nowhere else you want to be.
Looking back now, what was your reaction to the contract extension you received last season?
That was huge. I had been bouncing around after I got cut from the Browns in 2021. You go from starting to getting cut and it's like well, 'I guess I'll hang it up.' Then you find a new home and it's really, really amazing.
Who is the most difficult player you've played against?
I'd give that to [former Ravens guard] Marshal Yanda. The football part is great, but it's the after-the-whistle stuff that makes it fun.
Who was your sports idol growing up?
Brandon Jacobs and Eli Manning. [The Giants] beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl, as a kid, I loved it.
What's on your bucket list?
Getting my private pilot's license. I always wanted to fly planes. I went to Baylor to be in that program, but it was away from the school, so I couldn't do it. It's something that takes time, so that may be my post-career move.
What are you hobbies outside of football?
Lately Xbox, about all I can do, but also playing music. I play piano, guitar, cello.
