Andrew Ritter's story is one of those that sticks with you. In 2009, he graduated from Jackson Academy after attending college preparatory school since pre-kindergarten. During high school, he was already making waves on the football field. His skills as a kicker landed him a spot on the team at the University of Mississippi, where he played for four years, including a redshirt year.
In 2013, Ritter made one of the biggest plays of his life. With the score tied 24-24 with LSU–which happened to be ranked sixth in the nation–Ritter was sent out to kick a field goal with two seconds left on the clock. As the fans of both teams collectively held their breath, Ritter made the field goal, securing the Rebels' victory over the Tigers. This was a moment Ole Miss fans—and Ritter, plus his parents Betsy and George Ritter—won't forget anytime soon.
But Ritter's life isn't all about football. In April, the now Oxford resident spoke to the Young Business Leaders of Jackson (YBL) at the Country Club of Jackson. This group brings people together who want to make a positive impact, using their faith as a guide. That's precisely what Ritter talked about - how his faith helped him through the ups and downs of his football career and continues to be a guiding light in his life.
Ritter spoke to the young business leaders about how success is not just about achievements on the field but also off it. He shared personal stories on life, challenges, faith, and purpose.
Practicing patience and maintaining peace during times of waiting are among his stories, he said in a later interview. "There have certainly been many moments that have challenged my faith," he admitted. "Athletically, one thing that really sticks out to me is how long it took for me to earn the starting job as the placekicker at Ole Miss. I started at kick-offs my freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons while I was the backup placekicker.
“My ultimate dream was to kick field goals, so I decided to sit out my true senior season and redshirt that year in order to have a chance to win the starting job as the placekicker for my fifth season. During that time, my faith played a pivotal role in giving me patience and peace by understanding that God is ultimately in control and He has a plan for me. That hope allowed me to continue to fight for my dream while also trusting in the process."
Adjusting from one phase of life to another is another of his stories. "Closing the door on my football career was harder than I ever anticipated," Ritter said. "At the time, I was excited to move on and start my career. However, it didn't take long at all to realize how much I actually missed playing the game and being around my teammates. It is impossible to replicate the feeling of competing at that level - the butterflies, the emotions, the highs and lows, etc. That being removed from my life was very challenging to accept.
“However, I eventually realized the real root of that struggle was where I had been placing my identity. Whether I like to admit it or not, I had placed a lot of my identity and self-worth in my athletic career. Now that it was over, I was struggling spiritually. Through the encouragement from my wife and family, along with the mentorship and fellowship that I received from getting involved with YBL Jackson, I was finally able to recognize that and begin to place my identity back in Jesus Christ. That was a game changing moment for me as I then began to see my business career as my platform for the Gospel, and no longer a search for self-worth."
While at Ole Miss, Ritter studied managerial finance and was involved in Campus Crusade for Christ, FCA, the Sigma Chi fraternity, and the football team. His career as a student at Ole Miss ended when he graduated in 2014 with an MBA.
Ritter went on to work for Southern Ag Credit in Jackson for four years and then for Puckett Machinery in sales. In those roles, he gained valuable experience in both business and finance while working with people who positively impacted his life. Ritter currently serves as a Development Partner for The Blackburn Group, LLC, in Oxford, focusing on multi-family communities in different markets.
Ritter, his wife, Haleigh, and their children, Lilly Love and Walters, reside in Oxford and are active members of Oxford-University United Methodist Church. He serves on the FCA Emerging Leaders Board at Ole Miss.
His journey from Jackson Academy to Ole Miss football to fatherhood and business proves that a life filled with purpose and heart defines true success.
"My time at JA was an incredible blessing in my life," Ritter recalls. "It was a nurturing environment where I was constantly encouraged, challenged, and surrounded by people who truly cared about helping me establish a solid foundation for my future. Then, at Ole Miss and in my business career, God continued to put great people in my life who selflessly poured into me. My hope is that I can carry that forward and be that for others, just as so many teachers, coaches, mentors, family, and friends have been for me."
Haleigh and Andrew Ritter
Parents George and Betsy's emotions were displayed after the winning field goal kick
