Former WashU All-American Andrew Whitaker signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks. (Image courtesy: WashU Athletics)
Steven Millbrook
Staff Writer
SEATTLE, WA — Former Washington University football player Andrew Whitaker -– a two-time graduate in the classrom at WashU and three-time All-American on the field -– signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks this week. Whitaker was a star at both the free and strong safety position during his time with the Bears and was in attendance when the Seahawks began 2023 training camp on Wednesday.
The Seahawk organization has announced that its training camp will run through August 16, with preseason games scheduled for August 10 (vs. Minnesota), August 19 (vs. Dallas), and August 26 (vs. Green Bay).
“I am extremely proud to see Andrew pursuing his dream in an NFL training camp,” WashU head coach Aaron Keen said, in a statement released by the athletic department. “He has committed himself to the pursuit of a professional football career. Andrew is an extremely talented individual who has a bright future in front of him. He has excelled in all areas of his life. This is a tremendous story for a great player, student and person.”
Whitaker spent time playing for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL this past spring and attended a special Seahawks minicamp in May. Analysts that cover the team believe Whitaker made a great impression with the Seattle coaching staff at that camp and believe it is why they wanted to sign him for training camp now.
He is the 33rd player from the XFL to be signed to an NFL team this summer.
During his career with the Bears, Whitaker was named an NCAA Division III All-American three times. He played in 39 games, registered 145 tackles (115 solo). He also had 23 passes defended and seven interceptions, one of those he returned for his lone collegiate touchdown during his senior season.
Academically, Whitaker was a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American, a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection, and a three-time Academic All-CCIW honoree.
Whitaker was a 2021 and 2020 National Football Foundation (NFF) Campbell Trophy Semifinalist and was the inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy Recipient in 2020. Also in 2020, Whitaker earned a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Along with contributing on the football field, Whitaker also starred for the WashU track team, which won the 2022 National Championship, with him winning personal titles in the 60-meter hurdles and the 4×400 meter relay.