Andre Gurode life and biography

Andre Bernard Gurode is an American football center for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted with the fifth pick of the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of the University of Colorado.

PRO:
After an outstanding career at Colorado, Andre Gurode was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He has started 106-of-122 games at center and guard, and he hit his stride in 2006, when he started every game and made his first career Pro Bowl as a center. He duplicated that feat in both 2007 and 2008 and earned the starting nod for the NFC team - joining Flozell Adams and Leonard Davis as Pro Bowl nominees for the NFC. Both he and Davis started every game in 2009 as they each earned another Pro Bowl berth. With his size, great natural strength, and athleticism, Gurode is expected to be a key part of the Dallas offensive line for many years. In 2009 he helped the Cowboys offense enjoy one of the most prolific seasons in club history. Gurode played a key role in 2009 in helping Dallas produce Pro Bowl players at quarterback (Tony Romo), wide receiver (Miles Austin) and tight end (Jason Witten). As a rookie in 2002, Gurode made six starts at center, and then had 39 starts at right guard over the next 56 games, including the postseason. From 2002 to 2004, he made 42 regular season starts, the second-most by a Dallas offensive lineman. Since the start of the 2006 season he has been a fixture as one of the top centers in the NFL. The Cowboys took Gurode with the 37th pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, the highest pick the team has used to draft an offensive lineman since 1981, when Howard Richards was selected with the 25th pick.

2009:
# Started all 16 games at center and earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl berth - joining fellow offensive lineman Davis.
# The Cowboys finished second in the NFL (second in the NFC) in total offense, averaging 399.4 yards-per-game.
# Dallas' passing game finished sixth in the NFL (second in the NFC) with 267.9 yards-per-game.
# The rushing offense ranked seventh in the NFL (third in the NFC), gaining 2,103 yards on the season, 131.4 yards-per-game.
# Dallas gained 6,390 total yards of offense to mark the most in a season in team history and the first 6,000-plus yard season in team history.
# Offensive line returned all five starters from 2008 in the season opener at Tampa Bay (9/13) to help the Cowboys churn out 8.9 yards-per-play for 462 total yards. Line allowed time for Romo to complete 16-of-27 passes for a single-game career-high 353 yards and three touchdowns - all over 40-yards - and one for a career-long 80 yards to Patrick Crayton, while allowing just one sack.
# Helped clear the way for 251 net rushing yards against the N.Y. Giants (9/20) as the ground game averaged 8.7 yards-per-carry, marking the highest rushing yard average for any game dating back to the 1970 season. The 251 net rushing yards was the most for the club since rushing for 271 net yards at Philadelphia (10/31/93).
# Blocked for back-to-back 200-plus yard rushing games for the first time since 1979 (at Minnesota, 10/7 and against Los Angeles, 10/14) and sixth time in team history as the team amassed 212 rushing yards against Carolina (9/28).
# The line helped the club gain a season-high 498 total net yards on 61 plays at Kansas City (10/11). Also allowed time for Romo to complete 20-of-34 passes for 351 yards - the second-highest of his career - and two touchdowns, while giving up just one sack. On the ground, Cowboys runners were able to garner 150 yards on 26 carries (5.8 avg.) with one score.
# Against Atlanta (10/25) the line once again provided Romo with time to pass for 300-plus yards (311) while completing 72.4% of his passes (21-of-29) for three touchdowns with a season-best 141.6 quarterback rating. Also helped the running game eclipse 100 rushing yards (115) for the fifth game this year.
# The offense amassed 358 total yards with 282 through the air as Romo completed 21-of-34 passes with one touchdown and one interception at Philadelphia (11/8) as the team garnered its fourth consecutive win - marking the club's longest winning streak since seven straight in 2007.
# The offensive line was forced to re-shuffle when Marc Colombo suffered a broken left fibula and high ankle sprain on the second offensive series of the game at Green Bay (11/15). With Doug Free taking over, the line was still able to help Romo complete 24 passes for 251 yards with one touchdown and one interception while allowing five sacks.
# Free took over as starting right tackle against Washington (11/22), as the line allowed only one sack of Romo on 27 passing attempts as he threw for 158 yards and the running game was able to grind out 153 yards.
# The offense amassed 494 yards of total offense (195 rushing, 309 passing) against Oakland (11/26) to mark the fifth time to reach 400 yards in a season, which tied the second-highest figure in a season in club history. The offense was able to record 10 plays of 20-or-more yards and had eight plays of 25-or-more yards.
# The line allowed only two sacks of Romo at the N.Y. Giants (12/6), as he established career-bests in attempts (55) - second in team history - completions (41) - team record - and passing yards (392) for a completion percentage of 74.5 with three touchdowns. The team totaled 424 yards of offense marking the sixth game of the season with 400-or-more yards, which tied the most games of 400-or-more yards in a season in club history (1979, 1981, 1983 and 2007).
# The offensive line helped the offense rack up 439 total yards at previously undefeated New Orleans (12/19) to mark the seventh game of 400-or-more yards this season, which is the most in a season in club history. The team had 195 yards of total offense in the first quarter and 156 passing yards as they jumped out to an early 14-0 lead on the Saints. The offense scored touchdowns on its first two possessions for the first time since against Seattle (11/27/08). The line also helped pave the way for Cowboys running backs to gain 145 yards on the ground including two rushing touchdowns by Marion Barber.
# In the win to clinch a playoff berth at Washington (12/27), the line allowed time for Romo to complete 25-of-38 passes for 286 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The offense totaled 393 yards giving them 5,916 through 15 games for the most in team history through 15 games. The line also controlled the clock for 35:02 as the team converted seven-of-13 on third down.
# Helped the club win its 17th NFC East Division title while paving the way for 179 rushing yards and 311 passing yards for 474 total yards of offense - upping its single-season club high of 400-yard games to eight against Philadelphia (1/3/10). The offense gained 6,390 total yards on the season to establish a single-season club record and mark the first time the club has topped 6,000 yards in a season.
# Colombo returned to the starting line-up against Philadelphia (1/9/10) in the NFC Wild Card Game, as the Dallas offense racked up 27 points in the second quarter for the most points in a single quarter in team playoff history while gaining 426 of total offense for the seventh-most in a playoff game in club history. The line also blocked for 198 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns while controlling the clock for 39:34 and converting nine-of-16 on third down.
# As part of the offensive line at Minnesota (1/17/10), allowed time for Romo to complete 22-of-35 for 198 yards with one interception while allowing six sacks - tying the third-most yielded in a playoff game in club history. Also blocked for a running game that gained 92 yards on 25 attempts and controlled the clock for 30:34.

2008:
# Earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth in 2008 as he started all 16 games at center for Dallas. Fellow offensive linemen Adams and Davis also earned Pro Bowl nominations.
# Dallas' passing game finished ninth in the NFL (fifth in the NFC) with 236.8 yards-per-game.
# The rushing offense ranked 21st in the NFL (ninth in the NFC), gaining 1,723 yards on the season, 107.7 yards-per-game.
# With an average of 344.5 yards-per-game of total offense, the Cowboys finished the season 13th in the NFL (eighth in the NFC).
# In the win at Cleveland (9/7), the offensive line did not allow a sack as the offense rolled up 487 total yards - the highest yardage output on the road since 541 yards at Washington (9/12/99). The ground game picked up 167 yards with three touchdowns while Romo had time to complete 24-of-32 passes for 320 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
# Allowed time for Romo to throw for 312 yards to mark back-to-back 300-yard passing games in the home opening win against Philadelphia (9/15). Also did not allow a sack for the second consecutive week.
# Provided holes for a running game that finished with 217 total yards on 35 carries at Green Bay (9/21) - the most team rushing yards since 217 on 41 carries at Tennessee (10/1/06). Barber finished for a career-high 142 rushing yards.
# The line did not allow a sack in 47 passing attempts against Washington (9/28) as Romo threw for 300 yards - his 13th career 300-yard passing game, tying him with Troy Aikman for the most in club history.
# In the overtime loss at Arizona (10/12), the line allowed time for Romo to throw for 300 yards for the 14th time of his career to become the club's all-time leader.
# The offensive line blocked for the second 100-yard rusher of the season as Barber picked up 100 yards on 18 carries for a 5.6 average and one score at St. Louis (10/19). The passing game - led by Brad Johnson - gained 217 yards on 17-of-34 passing with one touchdown and three interceptions.
# In a defensive battle against Tampa Bay (10/26), the offense only managed 172 total yards but was able to come away with a victory with no turnovers. The 172 total yards were the least amount gained in a win in team history. The club did not record a turnover - snapping a streak of 21 consecutive games with a turnover.
# In Romo's first game back at Washington (11/16), the line did not allow a sack in 27 passing attempts and also blocked for Barber, who gained 114 rushing yards on 24 attempts and completely dominated the last six minutes of the game, allowing the Cowboys to run out the clock and seal the win.
# Romo threw for a season-high 341 yards in the win against San Francisco (11/23) marking his fifth 300-yard passing game of the season - on 23-of-39 passes.
# The offense scored on its first four possessions en route to a 34-9 victory against Seattle (11/27). The line did not give up a sack and allowed time for Romo to throw for 331 yards - the third-most yards by a Cowboy on Thanksgiving Day and his sixth 300-yard game of the season.
# Helped block for rookie running back Tashard Choice, who finished with 88 rushing yards on 23 carries at Pittsburgh (12/7) - for the highest individual rushing total against the Steelers all season.
# Against Baltimore (12/20) in the final game at Texas Stadium, the line protected Romo as he threw for 252 yards on 24-of-45 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions while allowing only two sacks. They also created holes for Choice, who finished with 17 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown.

2007:
# Named a starter for the NFC Pro Bowl squad - his second Pro Bowl selection in as many years. Was one of 13 Cowboys selected - setting a team and NFL record.
# Was also the All-Pro center as selected by The Sporting News.
# Played a key role in one of the most prolific offensive seasons in club history, while helping the team to a club-record tying 13 victories and the first NFC East title for Dallas since 1998.
# The Dallas offense finished the 2007 season second in the NFL in scoring (first in the NFC) with an average of 28.4 points-per-game. The 455 points scored marked the second-most in club history behind only the 1983 team (479 points).
# With an average of 365.7 yards-per-game, the Cowboys were third in the NFL (second in the NFC) in total offense.
# Dallas ranked fourth in the NFL (third in the NFC) in passing with an average of 256.6 yards-per-game.
# In the rushing offense category, the Cowboys were 17th in the NFL (seventh in the NFC) with an average of 109.1 yards-per-game.
# In the win over the N.Y. Giants (9/9), the line allowed just one sack on 24 pass plays and the running game picked up 142 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries (4.7 avg.). The offense scored six touchdowns - which tied for the fourth-most in club history in a season opener as they racked up 478 total yards - the most in a non-overtime game since 1996.
# At Chicago (9/23) helped the line put up 431 total yards as the Cowboys produced a 100-yard rusher (Barber), 100-yard receiver (Terrell Owens) and a 300-yard passer (Romo) for the first time in a game since an overtime win at Washington (9/12/99).
# In the win over St. Louis (9/30), the line allowed just one sack as Romo completed 21-of-33 passes for 339 yards. The running game gained 171 yards as the offense racked up 502 total yards for the first time since the Washington overtime win (9/12/99).
# Against Minnesota (10/21) helped give Romo the time to complete 28-of-32 first half passes and 31 completions in the game for a single-game career-high.
# At Philadelphia (11/4) the line did not allow a sack on 25 pass plays as Romo completed 80.0% (20-of-25) of his throws for 324 yards and three touchdowns.
# In the win over Washington (11/18), the offense allowed only one sack on 32 pass attempts with Romo completing 22 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns. It was the first time in team history a quarterback threw four touchdowns in back-to-back weeks.
# In the Thanksgiving Day win over the N.Y. Jets (11/22), helped provide the holes for the second 100-yard rusher of the season - Barber (103) - as the running game picked up a season-high 174 yards.
# Against Green Bay (11/29) the line did not allow a sack for the third time in 2007 as Romo completed 19-of-30 passes for 414 yards and four touchdowns. It was the fifth time the offense amassed 400-or-more yards this season and the sixth 300-yard passing game of the year for Romo.
# At Detroit (12/9) the Dallas offense racked up 368 total yards as Romo compiled his seventh 300-yard game of the season - and a 110.4 passer rating - his seventh consecutive game with a passer rating above 100.0.
# In the playoff loss to the N.Y. Giants (1/13/08), the line led a season-long 20-play, 90-yard drive for a touchdown in the second quarter that consumed 10:28, marking the longest time of possession on any drive in 2007. The line also provided holes for Barber - who finished with a career-high 129 yards on 27 carries (4.8 avg.).

2006:
# Was the starting center for 16 regular season games and made the Pro Bowl as a replacement player when Chicago's Olin Kreutz pulled out with an injury.
# Became the fourth center in club history to make the Pro Bowl, joining Dave Manders (one Pro Bowl), Mark Stepnoski (three), and Ray Donaldson (two).
# Played a prominent role in one of the Cowboys most productive and efficient offensive seasons. The offense scored 425 points, the fourth-most in the NFL and the most by the Cowboys since 1995.
# Dallas was second in the NFL with 48.8 percent third down efficiency, the club's highest rating in that category since 1980.
# Dallas also averaged 360.8 total yards-per-game, the fifth-most in the NFL in 2006 and the most by the Cowboys since 1995.
# The Cowboys also had two 1,000-yard receivers (Owens and Terry Glenn) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Julius Jones) in the same season for the second time in team history.
# In the season opener at Jacksonville (9/10), started at center for the first time since Oct. 27, 2002.
# Did not allow a sack, and helped Dallas rush for 138 yards and a touchdown against Washington (9/17).
# In the win at Tennessee (10/1), helped Dallas rush for 217 yards and three touchdowns, the team's most rushing yards in a game since December 14, 2003, when it had 222 yards. The Cowboys also passed for 179 yards and two touchdowns without yielding a sack.
# Midway through the third quarter of the Titans game (10/1), suffered several facial lacerations when Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth stepped on him. Gurode did not return and received several stitches to repair the cuts.
# Returned to the lineup the following week at Philadelphia (10/8), and for the second straight week, the line helped Jones rush for 100 yards.
# At Carolina (10/29) Romo was sacked just twice in 38 pass plays in his first NFL start. He also threw for 270 yards. The Cowboys rushed for 156 yards (4.1 yards-per-carry) and controlled the clock for a season-best 38:16. They finished with 414 total yards, picked up 27 first downs, and scored 35 points.
# In the Thanksgiving Day victory over Tampa Bay (11/23), limited the Bucs to one sack on 30 pass plays and helped the offense gain a season-high 435 total yards - 306 passing and 137 rushing. Romo tied the club record with five passing touchdowns in the game.
# In the playoff-clinching win at Atlanta (12/16), helped Dallas control the ball for 33:21, gain 352 yards, and score 31 offensive points.

2005:
# Played most of the season in a rotation with starting center Al Johnson, but an injury to Marco Rivera made him the starting right guard for the final two games.
# In the season-opening win at San Diego (9/11), played center in the third and early fourth quarter, including the third quarter touchdown drive.
# Rotated at center in the win at San Francisco (9/25), helping the Cowboys gain 443 total yards. Drew Bledsoe passed for 363 yards, at the time the eighth-most in club history.
# In the following week's loss at Oakland (10/2), took over at center in the second quarter and stayed in the lineup until the final drive of the game. Was on the field for all three Dallas scoring drives against the Raiders.
# Again rotated with Johnson in the win over Kansas City (12/11), helping Bledsoe pass for 332 yards and three touchdowns.
# At Washington (12/1) replaced Rivera at right guard on the final drive after Rivera suffered a strained neck.
# Made his first start of the season, in place of Rivera, at Carolina (12/24). Helped running back Jones rush for 194 yards, the fourth-best performance in club history.

2004:
# Started 13 of the 14 games he played at right guard, helping Vinny Testaverde throw for what was then the third-most yards in a season in club history (3,532).
# Sprained his left knee in the third quarter of the opener at Minnesota (9/12). Did not return to the game but helped the Cowboys finish with 423 total yards, their best showing since they gained 437 total yards (1/2/00).
# Missed the next two weeks and returned to the starting lineup in the home loss to the N.Y. Giants (10/10).
# In the win over Detroit (10/31), the line helped running back Eddie George rush for 99 yards, his top rushing total of the season.
# In the Thanksgiving Day win over Chicago (11/25), sprained his left knee on the second play of the game and did not return.
# Returned to the lineup in the Monday night win at Seattle (12/6), helping Jones rush for 198 yards, the third-best rushing day in club history and the second-best by a Dallas rookie.

2003:
# After making the switch from center to guard midway through the 2002 season, was the Cowboys starting right guard for nearly all of 2003.
# The team returned to the playoffs as a wild card for the first time since 1999.
# At the N.Y. Giants (9/15) was part of a line that gave Quincy Carter time to throw for a career-high 321 yards in a come-from-behind, overtime victory.
# Dallas rushed for 202 yards on 41 carries (4.9 yards-per-carry) at the N.Y. Jets (9/28).
# Against Arizona (10/5) sprained his ankle in the third quarter but helped the Cowboys gain 365 total yards and control the clock for 36:28.
# Against Washington (11/2) Dallas gained 400 total yards, including 208 rushing yards, and allowed only one sack in 34 pass plays.
# Did not start at Philadelphia (12/7), and only saw limited action on special teams.
# Returned to right guard at Washington (12/14) and, despite straining his groin late in the third quarter, helped lead Troy Hambrick to 189 rushing yards, the then fourth-best rushing performance in club history.

2002:
# Became the first Cowboys rookie to start the season at center since Mark Stepnoski in 1989. In his NFL debut at Houston (9/8), helped the team rush for 155 yards.
# Suffered a sprained toe on his left foot in practice Oct. 2 that forced him to miss two games - against the N.Y. Giants (10/6) and Carolina (10/13).
# Returned to the lineup at Arizona (10/20) and helped Dallas rush for 148 yards.
# Was the starting center against Seattle (10/27) when Emmitt Smith broke Walter Payton's record for career rushing yards. Smith rushed for 109 yards, his first 100-yard rushing game of the season.
# Started at right guard at Detroit (11/3).
# Against Jacksonville (11/24) gave quarterback Chad Hutchinson time to throw for 301 yards, and the Cowboys rushed for 118 yards. Their 405 net yards was a season high. Helped limit Jaguars defensive tackles John Henderson and Marcus Stroud to two tackles and no sacks.
# Suffered a strained groin in the Thanksgiving Day win over Washington (11/28), and did not finish the game.
# Despite bruising his jaw in the second quarter against San Francisco (12/8), returned to action and helped hold the 49ers without a sack in 28 pass plays.

COLLEGE
# As a senior at Colorado, earned All-America honors after starting every game at right guard. Was also a unanimous All-Big 12 selection.
# For his career, allowed just 7.5 sacks in 2,653 plays over three-plus years as a starter for the Buffaloes.
# Started his first two and a half seasons at center before moving to guard in the middle of his junior year.
# As a junior, earned All-Big 12 honors and the John Mack Award, which the coaches award to CU's most outstanding offensive player.
# Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors as a sophomore and helped the Buffaloes go 7-5 and defeat Boston College in the Insight.com Bowl.
# As a freshman, tore cartilage in his right knee the second week of the season and missed the next six games. Returned to start the final three regular season games and the 51-43 win over Oregon in the Aloha Bowl.

PERSONAL
# Andre Gurode attended North Shore High School in Houston, Texas.
# As a senior, was a PrepStar and SuperPrep All-America, and USA Today selected him as an honorable mention All-America.
# Was also named to the Houston Chronicle Top 100 List and made the Austin American-Statesman "Fab 55" team.
# Earned all-area honors as a senior and second-team honors as a junior. Was all-district and All-Greater Houston as a junior and senior, when he also was his team's most outstanding offensive lineman.
# Lettered three times in basketball and four times in track.
# Had personal bests of 186-0 in the discus and 54-1 in the shot put.
# As a junior in high school, won third place in a drafting competition for intermediate computer design.
# Earned a degree in ethnic studies at Colorado, where he was a member of the school's 'Academic Starters' team.

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