Baltimore Ravens Veteran Continues Dominant Career as One of NFL’s Best Over 30 and a Core Leader for Championship Pursuit
In a league that is constantly evolving, with younger, faster, and stronger players entering every year, longevity and sustained excellence are among the most difficult achievements for any NFL player. Yet for Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, now 30 years old, his place among the league’s elite remains firmly intact. Entering his eighth season, Andrews stands not only as one of the best players on the Ravens’ roster, but as one of the NFL’s premier talents over the age of 30—a rare mix of production, leadership, toughness, and consistent excellence.
Andrews’ rise from a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to one of the most dominant tight ends in the game is a testament to both his natural ability and his relentless work ethic. Over the years, he has built a reputation for being a matchup nightmare—too quick for linebackers, too big for defensive backs, and too savvy for most defenders to contain. That skillset hasn’t diminished with age. In fact, despite battling injuries in recent seasons, Andrews continues to prove why he remains a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offensive identity and one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most trusted targets.
There is something remarkable about the consistency with which Andrews plays the game. Since 2019, he has been a regular fixture among the top five tight ends in every major statistical category. He’s recorded multiple 800+ yard seasons, double-digit touchdown campaigns, and delivered countless clutch performances in both regular-season and playoff settings. But beyond the numbers, it’s the manner in which he contributes—physically, emotionally, and strategically—that separates him from the pack.
At age 30, many NFL players—especially those who play physically demanding positions like tight end—begin to experience a noticeable decline in production. But Andrews bucks that trend. He remains in peak condition, having worked tirelessly in recent offseasons to improve flexibility, reduce wear and tear on his joints, and adapt his game to stay productive and dangerous. His offseason training regimen has evolved with his age: fewer heavy-impact sessions, more emphasis on recovery and mobility, and an even greater focus on mental preparation. The result? A player who is as sharp, effective, and imposing as he was in his mid-20s—perhaps even more so.
Andrews’ connection with Lamar Jackson has played a pivotal role in his sustained dominance. The two have been teammates since Andrews’ rookie season and have developed one of the most potent quarterback-tight end duos in the league. Their chemistry is the product of years of shared reps, trust, and understanding. Jackson knows where Andrews will be before the ball is snapped. And Andrews, with his innate feel for defensive spacing, knows how to find open windows and make himself available in high-leverage situations.
This relationship has made Andrews Jackson’s go-to target in critical moments. Whether it’s third-and-long, a red zone trip, or a must-have play late in a game, the ball often finds its way to No. 89. He’s caught passes in traffic, dragged defenders for extra yards, and hauled in game-saving grabs—all hallmarks of a player who not only possesses elite physical tools but also the mental toughness and poise that define greatness.
But Andrews’ contributions go far beyond the stat sheet. As one of the Ravens’ most experienced veterans, he plays a crucial leadership role in the locker room. He’s a mentor to younger players, a standard-setter during practice, and a vocal presence on game days. His work ethic is contagious, and his ability to push others while still being supportive is one of the reasons he is so respected inside the organization.
For younger players like Isaiah Likely, Zay Flowers, and rookie pass-catchers, Andrews is both an example and a resource. He takes time to teach, to explain film study details, and to offer advice on how to navigate the challenges of an NFL season. It’s a role he’s embraced more in recent years, recognizing the responsibility that comes with his tenure and status. This off-the-field impact is harder to measure but is invaluable to a team with championship aspirations.
Andrews’ durability has also become a defining trait. Despite the physical punishment inherent to playing tight end—where blocking duties often pit players against 280-pound defensive ends, and routes bring them into heavy traffic—he’s missed remarkably few games over the course of his career. Even when injuries have sidelined him, like the ankle injury that limited him in 2024, his recovery time and return to form have been swift and effective. That toughness is part of what has endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
What makes Andrews especially dangerous is his versatility. He can line up inline like a traditional tight end and handle blocking assignments against defensive ends. He can flex into the slot and run routes like a big-bodied wide receiver. He can even line up out wide and beat corners on fade routes. This ability to move around the formation creates matchup problems for defenses and gives the Ravens and offensive coordinator Todd Monken endless options when designing plays.
Entering the 2025 season, expectations for Andrews remain sky-high. With the Ravens reloaded offensively—having added veteran running back Derrick Henry, drafted Quinshon Judkins, and welcomed back a healthy Rashod Bateman—the attention defenses will have to pay elsewhere should only create more opportunities for Andrews to thrive. Monken has hinted at expanding the role of tight ends in his scheme, including more two-tight end sets with Isaiah Likely, which could put Andrews in even more favorable matchups.
Andrews also has the added motivation of unfinished business. The Ravens came painfully close to reaching the Super Bowl last season, falling short in the AFC Championship Game. Andrews, sidelined for that contest due to injury, had to watch from the sidelines as his team fought for a chance at history. That experience has left him hungrier than ever to help bring a title back to Baltimore. Every practice rep, every film session, every meeting is approached with a renewed sense of urgency. He’s not just playing to pad his stats or extend his career—he’s playing for a ring.
In the context of the league, Andrews’ name belongs in any conversation about the best players over 30. While quarterbacks often dominate that conversation due to their longer career arcs, tight ends typically peak earlier and decline faster. The fact that Andrews continues to perform at a Pro Bowl level, while maintaining his physical edge and impact on the field, is a testament to his greatness.
Compare his trajectory to other greats at the position—players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Rob Gronkowski—and you see that Andrews is following a similar path. He may never be the flashiest or most headline-grabbing figure, but his value to the Ravens is immeasurable. He’s the kind of player who changes games, alters defensive game plans, and elevates the performance of everyone around him.
As the 2025 season draws near, Andrews is poised to add another strong chapter to what has already been a remarkable career. The Ravens will count on him not only for catches and touchdowns but for leadership, toughness, and the kind of poise that only comes with experience. And in a league that often moves on quickly from veteran players, Andrews is proving that age, when paired with talent and preparation, can still be an asset.
In a sport that rewards the young and brutalizes the aging, Andrews is standing tall as one of the rare exceptions—a player who has not only survived the grind of the NFL but continues to thrive in it. His age has not dulled his edge, and his experience has only sharpened his instincts. In Baltimore, he is a symbol of consistency, resilience, and excellence.
So as the Ravens prepare for another run at a title, they’ll do so with one of the game’s best 30-and-over players leading the charge. Mark Andrews is far from finished. In fact, he may just be getting started on the most important stretch of his storied career. And in the process, he continues to show the league that greatness doesn’t fade with age—it evolves, it matures, and sometimes, it even gets better.
