Andre Waters was a professional American football player who played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals during his career. Waters was known for his hard-hitting style of play and was considered one of the most feared players in the league during his time.
Waters was born on March 10, 1962, in Belle Glade, Florida. He attended Pahokee High School, where he played football and was a standout player. He went on to attend Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, where he continued to play football and was named an All-American in his senior year.
In 1984, Waters was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly made an impact on the team and became a starter in his second season. Waters was known for his physical style of play and was a key player in the Eagles' defense during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
During his time with the Eagles, Waters was named to the Pro Bowl twice and was named an All-Pro once. He was also a team captain and was known for his leadership on and off the field. Waters played for the Eagles for eight seasons before being released in 1994.
After being released by the Eagles, Waters signed with the Arizona Cardinals for the 1995 season. He played in 14 games for the Cardinals before suffering a career-ending injury. Waters retired from the NFL after the 1995 season.
Waters' hard-hitting style of play took a toll on his body, and he suffered from numerous injuries throughout his career. After retiring from football, Waters struggled with depression and other health issues. He was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma, after his death.
Waters' legacy as a football player is complicated by his struggles with CTE and the impact of his physical style of play on his health. However, he is remembered as a fierce competitor and a leader on the field. Waters' impact on the game of football is still felt today, as the NFL continues to grapple with the issue of player safety and the long-term effects of head injuries.
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