BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — One of the big stories for Bills fans this season has been Lancaster’s Joe Andreessen being on the team. A lot of players are involved in the community, but for “Buffalo Joe” it’s his hometown. Which is why he’s doing what he can to inspire the kids of Western New York. “That’s important to me, because I was them once in their shoes,” said Andreessen. “It’s been a long journey for me to get here. So kind of just growing up in the area, I know how important it is looking up to the Bills players.” You saw that when Andreessen showed up at the home opener for Lancaster football, his alma mater. “It was easy for me to go,” said Andreessen. “I live right near the high school and yeah, it was a cool experience seeing all the kids kind of embrace me and, you know, look up to me and see how much I mean to them. I mean, it was just, I was grateful to be in that position.” Andreessen realizes that just seeing his journey from Lancaster to the University at Buffalo to the Bills is an inspiration for the community. “There’s been a lot of dips and turns for me to get to where I am,” said Andreessen. “So no matter whatever anyone’s pursuing, I hope they can look at me and see whatever they’re pursuing is possible. To be honest with you, I think God’s been good to me, and I hope people can take God into their life and take what they want and put it towards that.” He’s already involved with various community events, like a recent flag football clinic through the Bills Rookie Club. “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little bit more special to me being where I am,” said Andreessen. “Obviously growing up here and everything like that.” Andreessen plans to grow that involvement over time, focusing on causes that are important to him. “I have two little cousins and they mean a lot to me,” said Andreessen. “I think throughout my football career and stuff, I think kids kind of mean a lot to me, and helping kids grow, no matter what aspect that is. So I definitely think within the community helping kids out in general is something I want to pursue. And obviously in times of need there’s always different things than that, so obviously I just want to help out Western New York as much as I can, in the areas that they need it.” Bills Make Me Wanna Give Bills Make Me Wanna Give: “Buffalo Joe” Andreessen gives back to his hometown Bills’ Christian Benford works to inspire kids beyond football Bills Make Me Wanna Give: Quintin Morris’ community service inspired by his brother Bills Make Me Wanna Give: Fred Jackson proves retirement doesn't stop community involvement Bills Make Me Wanna Give: Kingsley Jonathan takes pride in helping kids in the community Scott Patterson is a co-anchor on News 4 Wake Up! He joined the News 4 team in 2024. See more of his work here.