
Andrew East spent four years as a player at Vanderbilt University, first as a linebacker and then a long snapper, and was accustomed to success on the field.
He achieved academic success, making the honor roll multiple times and even becoming a Wuerffel Trophy finalist – an award that celebrates academics, athletics, and community service. However, he believes his most meaningful contribution wasn’t anything that happened during a game.
Football player Andrew East jokingly said that marrying Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson has meant his ego doesn’t get much attention. He explained that people often refer to him as ‘Shawn’s husband’ rather than knowing him as an individual.
Though that’s a position he plays with pride.
Andrew shared in an interview with TopMob News that the topic came up during a casual conversation in the car. He said he feels he can be self-absorbed, and he’s grateful to be married to Shawn, who he considers much cooler than himself. He explained that he doesn’t need any extra ego, and Shawn is great at keeping him grounded.
Shawn understood the joke might not have been clear to everyone—she explained that knowing her husband, Andrew, helped understand his delivery, but without that context, it seemed a bit strange. However, she’s used to his self-deprecating humor.
As she said to Andrew during their joint sit-down with TopMob, “You always joke, ‘She humbles me.'”

But, to be clear, the retired NFL player is thrilled to be his wife’s No. 1 fan.
What I’m most proud of isn’t anything I’ve done myself, which is wonderful. I’m incredibly proud of my wife – she’s just amazing.
He wasn’t at all upset when he found out Shawn and fellow contestant Gia Giudice had both been chosen for the elite military unit and were declared the winners of the fourth season of the Fox series.
He was understandably very upset when they took away his armband at the November 20th finale, as he had a difficult time during questioning.
I was really concerned about Shawn, Andrew explained. I know she’s capable, but I felt much better knowing we’d face whatever it was together. As soon as I got her first call, I immediately wanted to jump in and help. Honestly, when Shawn succeeds, we all succeed, and Shawn is consistently achieving great results for the team.
Though while Andrew didn’t nab a podium spot, Shawn would like to nominate him as the season’s MVP.
“You were amazing all season,” she told her husband, who she’d been married to for almost ten years. “The only reason you didn’t win is because you’re a terrible liar, and honestly, that makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world.”
And it wasn’t just Shawn he was rooting for.
“He was the rock for everyone,” she insisted. “You’re literally the people’s golden retriever.”
That meant people from all walks of life – from NFL player Randall Cobb to Gia and podcaster Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, even Kody Brown from Sister Wives – would go to Andrew for advice and support. As Shawn put it, “Anyone who was feeling insecure or anxious relied on him – really, the entire group did.”
As a result, the couple emerged from the 10-day experience with a whole new squad of besties.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by how quickly genuine connections can form, and my recent experience in Nashville was a perfect example! I’ve been hanging out with a fantastic group – Randall, the incredibly talented Ravi Patel, Jessie James Decker and her husband, Eric Decker, who’s a retired football star. We actually started a group chat that’s buzzing with activity, and it’s been so much fun! It’s amazing to me how, in just a few days, we’ve built these really strong, lifelong friendships. There’s something truly special about the bond you create when you go through a challenging experience together – it’s really cool to witness.
Going through a really tough time, feeling helpless and scared, actually brought our team closer together,” Shawn explained. “Because we all experienced that struggle alongside each other, we’ve become a tightly knit group, and that bond will last forever.
Though, of course, no one beats her home team. Check out the East fam’s sweetest moment.

Shawn and Andrew appear with their third baby, son Bear, in December 2023.

Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East welcomed their third child on Dec. 12, 2023.

The former NFL player already has a sweet connection with baby No. 3.

The newborn shared a hug with big sister Drew, born in 2019, and brother Jett, born in 2021.

The gymnast captioned this cute shot of her thirdborn with the bear emoji.

Shawn and Andrew, married since 2016, recently shared a photo with their children, Drew and Jett. Shawn playfully referred to the 2022 picture as “Just the Hulk and his family.”

For Halloween 2023, the guys chose their fighters as the girls went for magical vibes.

As a parent, you know things can be wonderfully unpredictable! I was just sharing how my little one recently discovered a new favorite toy. It’s been all smiles and giggles ever since – he absolutely can’t get enough of it and carries it everywhere! It’s those simple joys that make everything worthwhile, right?

The fam was ready for fireworks on July 4, 2022.

Shawn and Andrew relaxed with a swim alongside their kids.

Drew modeled her one-piece swimsuit during a family pool day.
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2025-11-30 16:17