Andre Purvis

Andre Purvis (born July 14, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He was selected by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 1997 NFL draft.

Early life Purvis originally attended White Oak High School, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, before transferring to Swansboro High School to be closer to his ill grandmother, there he enjoyed much success for the east Carolina school. Then as a senior in 1996, he recorded 24 tackles, 4.5 tackle-for-loss, 2.5 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures. For the season, he was named team's most improved player. He graduated from North Carolina with a degree in communications. He played three seasons for the Bengals. As a rookie, he appeared in seven games with one start (against the New York Giants) during Week 8. For the season he recorded three tackles. In 1998 he spent the first eight weeks of the season on the inactive list. He appeared in the final nine games as a back-up nose guard. For the season he recorded six tackles and his only career sack, against John Elway. For the 1999 season, he appeared in five games recording two tackles.

XFL After spending a year away from football, Purvis was selected in the 18th round (141st overall) of the XFL Player Allocation and Selection System draft by the Orlando Rage. While with the Rage, he recorded 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Arena Football League (AFL) After the XFL folded, Purvis joined the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League (AFL) for one season. In his lone season with the Cobras, he recorded four tackles and one fumble recovery.