What’s Your Story? ‘Big Whit’s’ Homecoming

WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE) - In this edition of What’s Your Story?, we take a walk down memory lane with a Northeast Louisiana favorite, Andrew Whitworth.

Andrew Whitworth will take his place in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend, 25 years after he roamed the hallways of West Monroe High School.

The three-time state champion had the opportunity to visit his alma mater and deliver a message after one of their practices.

“It brings back all the memories. You know, the opportunities. In high school I had here to play at a really special place in West Monroe.” Whitworth said.

In 1994, Whitworth was a seventh grader at OCS. It was here when he went head-to-head for the first time against Molly Harper.

“I will never forget that first day he put us head to head. I ran right over him. He hated that I was a girl and showing him up,” Harper said.

Whitworth simply used that as extra motivation.

“I look at those moments, maybe you got ran over by the coach’s daughter the first time you did something. But eventually, if that gets you to hoist that Lombardi Trophy at the end of your career, it was well worth it. That’s for sure.”

Whitworth’s work ethic eventually lead to All-American honors and a National Championship at LSU.

“Nick Saban walked in my living room and sat down. And after that, I knew I wanted to be an LSU Tiger.”

Whitworth’s journey certainly did not stop in Death Valley. His 16 year NFL career features accolades that are as long as his six-foot-seven frame.

The 2021 NFL Man of the Year was a four-time Pro Bowler and went to two Super Bowls. His storybook career eventually ended with championship confetti.

“Winning the Super Bowl, I think is a great representation of a team and being a part of something bigger than yourself.”

This weekend, Whitworth becomes a Louisiana Hall of Famer. He wants his legacy to be defined by the impact he continues to have outside of the game of football.

“That’s not what I live my life for, to be recognized. I live it for making a difference and making someone feel like they can go achieve whatever it is they want to achieve.”