Andrew Dean East, born on September 17, 1991, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a former American football long snapper who played for several NFL teams. Though he may not be a household name in football, East’s unique position as a long snapper helped him build a notable career, which also includes ventures outside the sport. Known for his versatility and endurance, East has played for many renowned NFL teams, including the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Jacksonville Jaguars. As of 2023, East’s estimated net worth is around $5 million.
Early Life and Education
Andrew East was born to Martha East and Guy East in Indianapolis, Indiana. His father, Guy, was also an athlete, playing football during his younger years. Andrew has one sister, Christine, and three brothers: Grant, James, and Guy. Raised in a sports-oriented family, Andrew was naturally drawn to football from a young age. His mother was a cheerleader, adding to the athletic spirit that defined his early life.
East attended North Central High School in Indianapolis, where he excelled in football, eventually becoming the team captain. His leadership and athletic abilities led him to Vanderbilt University, where he played college football and further honed his skills as a long snapper. He also pursued his education at Owen Graduate School of Management.
NFL Career
Andrew East’s professional football career began when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2015. Unfortunately, his time with the Chiefs was short-lived, as he was released on August 30, 2015. This would become a pattern for East, whose career saw him move from team to team.
On January 4, 2016, East signed a reserve/future contract with the Seattle Seahawks, but his stint there ended on March 24, 2016. The following month, on April 5, 2016, he signed with the Oakland Raiders, only to be waived on August 29, 2016.
East continued to sign contracts with several NFL teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Oakland Raiders (twice), and Jacksonville Jaguars. His longest contract was with the Oakland Raiders, where he signed a reserve/future contract on January 19, 2018, but was waived on April 9, 2018. His professional football career culminated with the Washington Redskins, with whom he signed in December 2018. East officially retired from the NFL in February 2022.
Despite the constant transitions, East’s professionalism and dedication to his craft allowed him to maintain a steady career as one of the top long snappers in the league. His best financial season was 2018-2019, during which he signed a contract worth $525,000 per year.
Family and Personal Life
In addition to his career in football, Andrew East is known for his marriage to Shawn Johnson East, a former Olympic gold medalist gymnast. The couple first met through mutual friends in 2012, and they got engaged in a memorable proposal at Wrigley Field during a Chicago Cubs game on July 24, 2015. They tied the knot on April 16, 2016, in Franklin, Tennessee.
Shawn Johnson, born in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history, having won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and multiple golds at the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. After retiring from gymnastics in 2012, Johnson ventured into television and other projects, including appearances on The Apprentice and Adventure Capitalists.
The couple welcomed their first child, Drew Hazel East, on October 29, 2019. In July 2021, they expanded their family with the birth of their son. The Easts have been open about their journey, sharing personal milestones and challenges with their followers, including a miscarriage that Shawn suffered in 2017. Shawn has also shared insights about motherhood, from feeding their children with Enfamil formula to experiencing everyday parenting struggles.
Life Beyond Football
After retiring from football, Andrew East transitioned into other ventures. Together with his wife Shawn, they run a popular YouTube channel that has garnered more than 534 million views and boasts over 1.66 million subscribers. The couple shares a variety of content, including family vlogs, lifestyle advice, and insights into their personal lives. Their YouTube success, combined with sponsorships and endorsements, has helped supplement their income. The channel’s estimated revenue is around $1.5 million before taxes.
Andrew also co-hosts two podcasts—Couple Things with his wife and Redirected, a personal project where he interviews guests about navigating career changes. These podcasts have further expanded Andrew’s presence in the media and allowed him to explore new avenues after football.
In addition to his media endeavors, East competed in the 13th season of American Ninja Warrior, showcasing his athleticism in a different arena.
Health and Life Lessons
Andrew East has faced health challenges throughout his athletic career, including a significant incident in November 2019. While working out, he fainted and hit his head, leading to an emergency room visit. The accident required nine staples to his head. Reflecting on the event, East admitted it was a wake-up call about the importance of taking care of himself, especially now that he is a father. He realized that his life is no longer just his own, and that he needs to be cautious for the sake of his children.
Andrew East Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2023, Andrew East’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His earnings primarily came from his time in the NFL, sponsorships, and his YouTube channel. His wife, Shawn Johnson East, has an estimated net worth of $10 million, which has also contributed to their family’s financial stability.
East’s financial success can be attributed to his adaptability and hard work, both on and off the football field. His career as a long snapper may not have brought him widespread fame, but it provided him with a strong foundation for his post-football endeavors.
Conclusion
Andrew East’s journey from the football field to media personality is a testament to his perseverance and willingness to embrace new opportunities. Despite facing numerous challenges in his career, including being waived multiple times and dealing with health scares, East has successfully transitioned into family life and a new career as a content creator. With a growing family and a successful partnership with his wife Shawn, Andrew continues to inspire others with his story of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to his loved ones.
