Andre Dillard’s journey to the NFL was riled with challenges. But, with his parents’ consistent support, the offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers and his career have thrived and bloomed. Drafted 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019, he played 27 games for the Eagles with a brief stint in Super Bowl LVII.

While he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2023, he was released in March 2024. But, with his recently signed deal with the Packers, the moment has arrived for him to shine again. And no one is as proud of him as his parents, Jennifer Bollinger and Mitch Dillard.

Jennifer Bollinger, Andre’s mom, has always played an important role in helping him groom his athletic skills. She has never left his side, always providing the emotional support Andre needed. Recalling Andre’s early football experiences, she vividly recounts an incident from his eighth-grade football practice. While his friends had long finished the bear crawls, Andre slowed down. But, his friends cheered him on, rallying him to the finish line.

Bollinger has been proud of her son’s “don’t give up” attitude. She remarked, “I’m just getting choked up thinking about that… There were times where he wanted to quit and when he didn’t love football. But, he never gave up. That’s who he is. No matter how hard things get, he’s got goals and he wants to finish them.” Things were never smooth for Andre, but she is immensely appreciative of her son who never chose to back down.

Staying in Pullman, WSU, where Andre played college football, she immediately accustomed herself to the surroundings,  “I love Pullman… I just love WSU. It’s a home away from home. It’s kind of my adopted hometown and we love it there.” And, she watched her son work hard, as she cheered him up from the sidelines.

While Andre’s mother was always available to provide emotional support, his father, Mitch Dillard, was his mentor and guide across his athletic journey. Growing up in Washington, Andre was inspired by his father’s achievements at Washington State University.

Mitch Dillard had a notable career at WSU, playing for the WSU Cougars from 1983 to 1986. Hence, his influence was prominent in helping Andre Dillard take forward his family legacy, as he was drafted in 2019. It was indeed a moment of ultimate satisfaction for his parents.

Andre’s parents express pride on his NFL draft day

As Jennifer Bollinger reflected on his son’s journey to the NFL Draft, she depicted her feelings of both pride and concern for Andre. She expressed her happiness as Andre kept himself grounded, saying, “I’m more proud of Andre for how he’s staying true to himself, though.”

Both Jennifer and Mitch, along with other family members travelled to Nashville for the NFL Draft. Prior to the announcement, Bollinger also exhibited her projected feelings, saying, “I expect to cry like a baby when his name is called.”

A special moment from the 2019 NFL draft that is enough to make a grown man cry is Mitch Dillard’s handwritten letter to Andre, after his NFL success. As Andre reads out the letter in an emotional video, he responds, “I can’t even put it into words right now.” Expressing joy about who Andre is growing up to be as a person, Mitch addressed him as a “good strong man with a kind heart.”

His dad also reminded him, “You are loved by your family regardless of your success.” Andre is always mindful of his parents’ relentless support, despite everything, which gives him the courage to face challenges head-on.