Andrew Ritter’s Journey: Football, Faith, and Family

April 9, 2024 / Alumni/All News
(From front, left) Abbie Cox, Frances Bussey, Liles Williams, Kayla Mosal, Rebecca Fowler (back, left) Carter Mathison, Andrew Ritter ’09, Jacob Scarbrough

Andrew Ritter’s story is one of those that sticks with you. In 2009, he graduated from Jackson Academy, where he was already making waves on the football field. His skills as a kicker landed him a spot at Ole Miss, where he played for four years, including a redshirt year. The highlight? Kicking the game-winning field goal against LSU, a moment Ole Miss fans won’t forget anytime soon.

But Andrew’s life isn’t all about football. Last week, he spoke to the Young Business Leaders of Jackson at their gathering at the Country Club of Jackson. This group brings people together to make a positive impact, using their faith as a guide. That’s exactly what Andrew talked about – how his faith helped him through the ups and downs of his football career and continues to be a guiding light in his life.

He shared his personal stories, making it clear that success isn’t just about what you achieve on the field but also about who you are off it. Andrew’s chat with the young business leaders wasn’t only about sports. It was about life, challenges, and holding onto faith through it all. His journey from Jackson Academy, through the highs of Ole Miss football, to being a dad and a husband shows that living a life full of purpose and heart is the real win.

(From left) John Scarbrough ’92, Bowen Thigpen ’11, Sarah Love Bickerstaff Crawford ’02, Nathan Best ’00, Andrew Ritter ’09, Will Mosby ’03, Hank Waterer ’09, Jonathan Hontzas ’09, Guy Boyll ’95, and Matthew Brown ’19