Andre Rison

Andre Previn Rison, born on March 18, 1967, in Flint, Michigan, began his football career as a prominent wide receiver. He attended Flint Northwestern High School and later Michigan State University, where he was a key contributor to the 1987 Michigan State squad that secured a Rose Bowl victory. Rison was drafted in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. His significant professional career spanned from 1989 to 2000 in the NFL, followed by a stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Rison’s career progression included successful tenures with multiple NFL teams. After a rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts in 1989, he spent five productive years with the Atlanta Falcons (1990-1994), where he consistently ranked among the league’s top receivers. He led all NFL players with 15 receiving touchdowns in 1993 and was recognized with five Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor during his career. He subsequently played for the Cleveland Browns (1995), Jacksonville Jaguars (1996), Green Bay Packers (1996), Kansas City Chiefs (1997-1999), and Oakland Raiders (2000). A notable achievement includes winning Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers in 1997, where he scored the opening touchdown. Rison also achieved a Grey Cup championship with the Toronto Argonauts in 2004, distinguishing him as one of the few players to win professional football championships in both the United States and Canada.

Following his playing days, Rison transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Beecher High School in Flint, Michigan, from 2006 to 2008. He later became the head coach for his alma mater, Flint Northwestern High School, in 2010. His coaching journey continued with roles such as offensive coordinator at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and currently as the interim head coach at University Liggett School. Beyond coaching, Rison has engaged in various media projects, including an appearance on MTV’s “Made,” Spike TV’s “Pros vs. Joes,” and the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “Broke.” He was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.