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Elandon Roberts

Elandon Roberts
refer to caption
Roberts with the New England Patriots in 2017
No. 50 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1994-04-22) April 22, 1994 (age 30)
Port Arthur, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:238 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High school:Memorial (Port Arthur, Texas)
College:Morgan State (2012)
Houston (2013–2015)
NFL draft:2016 / round: 6 / pick: 214
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 14, 2024
Total tackles:593
Sacks:14.5
Forced fumbles:5
Fumble recoveries:2
Interceptions:1
Pass deflections:12
Defensive touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Elandon Roberts (born April 22, 1994) is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Houston.[1] He was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft.[2][3] He plays primarily as a linebacker on defense, but when injuries during the 2019 season left the Patriots without a fullback on the roster, Roberts began to play that position as well.

Early life

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Roberts attended Memorial High School in Port Arthur, Texas.[4] He was a member of both the football team and the track & field team.[5]

College career

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Roberts played college football for Morgan State as a freshman linebacker in 2012. He finished the season with 107 tackles to lead the team and finish second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) while at Morgan State University, which competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The 107 tackle total marked the second-best single-season effort in program history. He also had nine tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks, one interception, and two pass breakups. Roberts was named to the All-MEAC second-team in 2012 and finished 11th for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the nation's top freshman on the FCS level. Roberts was also named the MEAC Rookie of the Week three times.[6]

After his freshman season, Roberts transferred to play football at the University of Houston from 2013 to 2015. In his sophomore year, he saw action in eight games as a backup linebacker.[7] As a junior in 2014, Roberts appeared in 12 games as a linebacker and on special teams.[8] As a senior, Roberts was a team captain and made 142 total tackles, which was good enough to lead the American Athletic Conference and place him fourth in the nation.[9] Additionally, his 88 solo tackles led all of the FBS.[10]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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On December 22, 2015, it was announced that Roberts had accepted his invitation to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.[11] On January 23, 2016, Roberts recorded one tackle for a four-yard loss during the game; he was part of Mike Holmgren's National team that defeated the American team 18–17. On March 24, he participated at Houston's pro day and had an impressive performance. Multiple scouts stated they were impressed with his power, mobility, and his performance in positional drills supervised by Houston Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel.[12] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts projected Roberts to be a sixth or seventh round pick, with some expecting him to be selected as early as the fourth or fifth round. He was ranked as the tenth best inside linebacker prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com.[13]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11+3⁄8 in
(1.81 m) 		234 lb
(106 kg) 		30+5⁄8 in
(0.78 m) 		9+3⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.60 s 1.67 s 2.64 s 4.26 s 7.20 s 36.0 in
(0.91 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)		 25 reps
All values from Houston's Pro Day[13][12]

New England Patriots

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The New England Patriots selected Roberts in the sixth round (214th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. He was the 27th linebacker selected.[14] On May 7, 2016, the Patriots signed Roberts to a four-year, $2.44 million contract, that includes a signing bonus of $100,356.[15]

External videos
video icon Patriots draft Elandon Roberts 214th overall

Throughout training camp, Roberts competed against Kamu Grugier-Hill, Rufus Johnson, Kevin Snyder, and C. J. Johnson for a roster spot as a backup linebacker.[16][17] Head coach Bill Belichick named Roberts the backup middle linebacker to begin the regular season, behind Dont'a Hightower.[18]

He made his first NFL start on October 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals and tied for second-highest tackles on the team with seven in the win.[5][19] In Week 16 against the New York Jets, Roberts led the team with 11 tackles, including a forced fumble recovered by Malcolm Butler.[20] On February 5, 2017, Roberts was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, he recorded two tackles as the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.[21][22] The Patriots trailed 28–3 in the third quarter, but rallied back to win the game; it featured the first overtime game in Super Bowl history, as well as the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.[23][24]

Roberts entered the 2017 season as one of the Patriots' starting linebackers. He recorded his first two career sacks in a Week 12 win over the Miami Dolphins.[25] Overall, he recorded 67 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery.[26] Roberts helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LII, but they lost 41–33 to the Philadelphia Eagles; he recorded six tackles in the game.[27]

In 2018, Roberts played in all 16 games while starting in 11. The Patriots finished the season 11–5; Roberts recorded 65 tackles, 1.0 sack, and four passes defended on the season.[28] The Patriots reached Super Bowl LIII after defeating both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.[29][30] In the Super Bowl, Roberts recorded one tackle in the team's 13–3 victory against the Los Angeles Rams.[31]

In 2019, Roberts was voted a team defensive captain for the first time, replacing safety Patrick Chung.[32] He was a member of the team's high-performing linebacker corps, and nicknamed "The Boogeymen" by teammate Dont'a Hightower. Starting in Week 7, he began to play on offense as well as defense, where he was primarily used as a fullback after injuries to teammates James Develin and Jakob Johnson. Roberts finished the season with 29 tackles, 1.0 sack, a pass defense, and a tackle for loss.[33]

On December 29, 2019, Roberts scored his first career touchdown against the Miami Dolphins; he caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady during the 27–24 loss.[34]

Miami Dolphins

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On March 24, 2020, the Miami Dolphins signed Roberts to a one-year, $2 million contract that includes a $1 million signing bonus.[35][36] The signing reunited Roberts with Dolphins' head coach Brian Flores, who had previously been the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots. Roberts was also reunited with former Patriots' linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Kamu Grugier-Hill. He was named a starting inside linebacker alongside Jerome Baker. On December 31, Roberts was placed on injured reserve.[37] He played in 13 games with 11 starts, recording 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.[38]

Roberts re-signed with the Dolphins on March 24, 2021.[39] He was named a starting linebacker that season, playing in all 17 games with 15 starts, recording a career-high 83 tackles, 1.0 sack, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and an interception.[40]

On March 18, 2022, Roberts re-signed for a third season with the Dolphins.[41] He finished the season with 4.5 sacks and 107 total tackles. He started in all 17 games.[42]

Pittsburgh Steelers

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On March 16, 2023, Roberts signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[43]

Personal life

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Roberts has three siblings. His older brother, Eli Roberts, graduated from Sam Houston State University with a major in Criminal Justice. His older sister, Elexsia Roberts, graduated from Wiley College in Education. Younger sister Elondria Roberts is a current student at Lamar University in Beaumont. His cousin Jermire played football at Iowa and his cousin Calvin played football at Oklahoma State.[5][44][45]

References

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  1. ^ "Elandon Roberts College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  2. ^ Kyed, Doug (April 30, 2016). "Patriots Select Houston Linebacker Elandon Roberts 214th Overall". NESN.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  3. ^ Duarte, Joseph (February 3, 2019). "UH's Elandon Roberts gets 2nd Super Bowl ring with Patriots". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  4. ^ Young, Matt (January 23, 2019). "Former Houston area high school stars in Super Bowl LIII". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c "New England Patriots Player Bio". Elandon Roberts Bio - New England Patriots. Archived from the original on October 29, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  6. ^ "Elandon Roberts Player Bio". UH Cougars 44 - Elandon Roberts. CBS Interactive Media. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  7. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2013 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  8. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  9. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2015 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  10. ^ "Elandon Roberts College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  11. ^ "Roberts Invited to NFLPA Collegiate Bowl". UHCougars.com. December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  12. ^ a b Aaron Wilson (March 25, 2016). "UH Linebacker Elandon Roberts boosts stock at Pro Day - Houston Chronicle". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  13. ^ a b "Elandon Roberts, Houston, ILB, 2016 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". DraftScout.com. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  14. ^ "2016 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  15. ^ "Spotrac.com: Elandon Roberts contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  16. ^ Duffy, Kevin (June 14, 2016). "New England Patriots roster projection: D.J. Foster, Aaron Dobson, Clay Harbor make the cut". MassLive.com. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  17. ^ Perry, Phil (September 1, 2016). "Five Patriots players who can help themselves in preseason finale". nbcsports.com. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  18. ^ Hill, Phil (September 4, 2016). "New England Patriots 2016 depth chart and team needs after final 53-man roster cuts". PatsPulpit.com. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  19. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots - October 16th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  20. ^ "New England Patriots at New York Jets - November 27th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  21. ^ "Super Bowl LI - National Football League Game Summary" (PDF). National Football League. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  22. ^ "Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons - February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  23. ^ Wesseling, Chris (February 5, 2017). "Patriots erase deficit, defeat Falcons in Super Bowl LI". NFL.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  24. ^ Clarke, Liz (May 24, 2023). "Julian Edelman's Super Bowl miracle catch gives Patriots answer to David Tyree". Washington Post. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  25. ^ "Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots - November 26th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  26. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  27. ^ "Super Bowl LII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots - February 4th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  28. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  29. ^ "Divisional Round - Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2019". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  30. ^ "AFC Championship - New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs - January 20th, 2019". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  31. ^ "Super Bowl LIII - Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots - February 3rd, 2019". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  32. ^ Dussault, Mike (September 5, 2019). "Unfiltered Notebook 9/5: Captains announced as Pats prep for physical Steelers defense". Patriots.com. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  33. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  34. ^ "Dolphins stun Patriots 27-24, denying NE first-round bye". ESPN. Associated Press. December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  35. ^ "Elandon Roberts". Spotrac.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  36. ^ Florio, Mike (March 21, 2020). "Dolphins announce deals with 10 unrestricted free agents". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  37. ^ "Dolphins Sign Jake Rudock, Place Ryan Fitzpatrick On Reserve/COVID-19 List". MiamiDolphins.com. December 31, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  38. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  39. ^ "Miami Dolphins Re-Sign LB Elandon Roberts". MiamiDolphins.com. March 24, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  40. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  41. ^ "Roster Moves: Dolphins re-sign LB Roberts". MiamiDolphins.com. March 18, 2022.
  42. ^ "Elandon Roberts 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  43. ^ Varley, Teresa (March 17, 2023). "Roberts signed to two-year contract". Steelers.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  44. ^ "FOX Sports". Jermire Roberts - LB for the Iowa Hawkeyes | FOX Sports. Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  45. ^ "Calvin Roberts". Oklahoma State University Athletics - Calvin Roberts. Oklahoma State University Athletics. June 21, 2006. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
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