Quick Read
- Andrew East retired from the NFL in March 2022 to prioritize family and new career goals.
- He and his wife, Shawn Johnson East, are now full-time media creators with 1.7 million YouTube subscribers and a podcast.
- On Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, East discussed living in the shadow of his wife’s Olympic fame.
- The couple faced challenges together on the show, reinforcing their bond and teamwork.
- East played three professional NFL games across several teams before retirement.
Andrew East once dreamed of gridiron glory. A long snapper by trade, he carved a niche in the NFL—a role mostly hidden from the limelight, yet crucial to every team. But in 2022, East announced he was hanging up his cleats, closing the door on a career that had spanned multiple teams and just three official games. Now, his journey is taking a very different turn, as he and his Olympic gold medalist wife, Shawn Johnson East, step into the spotlight on FOX’s reality show, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
Why Andrew East Stepped Away from the NFL
For many fans, Andrew’s sudden retirement was a surprise. In a candid message on social media, he admitted, “I realized that the best decision for me and the best next step for me is to retire from professional football.” The decision wasn’t just about the sport—it was about family and finding purpose beyond the field.
As East’s football career wound down, calls from NFL teams slowed to a trickle. He confessed the passion that once fueled his athletic dreams had begun to “simmer,” and perhaps he should have stepped away even earlier. But the timing, he felt, was right. With three young children—born in 2019, 2021, and 2023—East saw a new chapter unfolding, one where he could be present for his family and pursue fresh ambitions.
From Athlete to Media Creator: A New Chapter
Retirement from football didn’t mean stepping out of the public eye. Instead, Andrew and Shawn pivoted into the world of digital media. Their YouTube channel, which began as a casual project, quickly gained traction, amassing 1.7 million subscribers. The couple’s podcast, Couple Things, offers a glimpse into their lives—parenthood, marriage, and the challenges of navigating fame together.
They’ve also launched products aimed at families, including “Beam Kids,” a nutritional supplement for children that claims to support growth, immunity, digestion, and focus. On social media, Andrew describes their content as “family friendly, kinda cheesy, and hopefully cute”—an honest, relatable brand that resonates with millions.
Living in the Shadow: Fame, Ego, and Identity
On the latest season of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Andrew East confronted something deeper than physical trials. The show, known for its brutal military-style challenges, also tests emotional resilience. In a poignant moment, fellow contestant Kody Brown asked Andrew whether his football career had brought him the recognition he desired.
Andrew’s response was raw: “My ego has never had a chance to shine. It is always like, ‘You’re Shawn’s husband, right?’” Despite his own accomplishments, public perception often reduces him to the spouse of an Olympic champion. He admitted, “No one cares about Andrew.” It’s a sentiment that many partners of celebrities quietly wrestle with, and East’s openness struck a chord.
Shawn Johnson East has recognized these dynamics as well. In an interview with US Weekly, she shared how the show’s directing staff tried to pit them against each other to test their mental strength and break their unity. “They tried really hard… but we were not shaken by it at all,” Shawn explained. Instead, the experience brought them closer, allowing Shawn to see “sides of him that I’ve never seen before.”
The Road to Special Forces: Teamwork Under Pressure
Andrew and Shawn’s relationship began in 2012, introduced by Andrew’s brother. Their partnership has always been about mutual support—whether under the stadium lights or in front of the camera. Married since 2016, they now juggle the roles of parents, creators, and competitors.
On Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, they face relentless physical and mental challenges. But more than the obstacles, it’s their bond that stands out. Shawn recounted how producers tried to break their unity, even framing situations to test their loyalty and resilience. Yet, each attempt only reinforced their togetherness. “I kind of think it’s endearing. It’s kind of great,” Shawn said, describing Andrew’s protective nature.
Legacy, Identity, and What Comes Next
Andrew East’s story is not one of typical celebrity triumph. His NFL career was marked by short stints—signed, waived, signed again—with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Commanders. In total, he played just three professional games, a testament to the volatility of professional sports.
But for East, the journey was never just about football. It’s about embracing new roles, building a meaningful life outside the stadium, and grappling with the complexities of fame and identity. As he puts it, his new mission is to “impact thousands of families in a meaningful way.”
Episodes of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test air Thursdays on Fox, offering viewers a front-row seat to Andrew and Shawn’s unique partnership—one forged in adversity, rooted in family, and tested by the demands of reality television.
Andrew East’s transition from the NFL to media and family life reflects a broader shift faced by many athletes: how to redefine success when the cheers fade. His openness about living in the shadow of his wife’s fame—and his willingness to tackle new challenges—offers a nuanced look at identity, resilience, and the evolving meaning of legacy in today’s media-driven world.