Andre McXavier Roberts (born January 9, 1988) is an
American football
American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with ...
wide receiver and
return specialist
A return specialist or kick returner is a player on the special teams unit of a gridiron football team who specializes in returning punts and kickoffs. There are few players who are exclusively return specialists; most also play another position ...
for the
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. T ...
of the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
(NFL). He played
college football
College football (french: Football universitaire) refers to gridiron football played by teams of student athletes. It was through college football play that American football rules first gained popularity in the United States.
Unlike most ...
at
The Citadel
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, commonly known simply as The Citadel, is a Public college, public United States senior military college, senior military college in Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1842, it is one ...
and was drafted by the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division, and play t ...
in the third round of the
2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League (NFL) franchises to select newly eligible football players. The 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, New York, with the firs ...
. Roberts has also played for the
Washington Redskins
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) N ...
,
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The team play their home games at Ford ...
,
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons joined th ...
,
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Jets compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The J ...
,
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in the Buffalo metropolitan area. The Bills compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. ...
,
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division, and play their home ga ...
, and the
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are a professional American football team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Chargers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division, and ...
.
Early years
A native of
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks is a home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Fairbanks is the largest city in the Interior region of Alaska and the second largest in the state. The 2020 Census put the po ...
, Roberts attended Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina, where he was a two-sport star in
football
Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball to score a goal. Unqualified, the word ''football'' normally means the form of football that is the most popular where the word is used. Sports commonly c ...
and
track
Track or Tracks may refer to:
Routes or imprints
* Ancient trackway, any track or trail whose origin is lost in antiquity
* Animal track, imprints left on surfaces that an animal walks across
* Desire path, a line worn by people taking the shorte ...
. He earned All-region and All-area honors as a senior and led the Vikings to the regional championship and state semi-finals. He earned MVP honors for his performance in the 2005 North-South All-Star game.
In addition to football, Roberts lettered in
track & field
Track and field is a sport that includes athletic contests based on running, jumping, and throwing skills. The name is derived from where the sport takes place, a running track and a grass field for the throwing and some of the jumping events ...
while at Spring Valley, leading his team to the state championship in 2003 and a second-place finish as a senior, the season he captured All-State recognition. He posted personal-bests of 11.2 in the
100-meter dash
The 100 metres, or 100-meter dash, is a sprint race in track and field competitions. The shortest common outdoor running distance, the dash is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the sport of athletics. It has been contest ...
, 21.91 in the
200-meter dash
The 200 metres, or 200-meter dash, is a sprint running event. On an outdoor 400 metre racetrack, the race begins on the curve and ends on the home straight, so a combination of techniques is needed to successfully run the race. A slightl ...
and 48.60 in the
400-meter dash
The 400 metres, or 400-meter dash, is a sprint event in track and field competitions. It has been featured in the athletics programme at the Summer Olympics since 1896 for men and since 1964 for women. On a standard outdoor running track, it is on ...
.
College career
Roberts attended
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, commonly known simply as The Citadel, is a public senior military college in Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1842, it is one of six senior military colleges in the United States. ...
from 2006 to 2009, where he played football and ran track. He was a three-time All
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference (SoCon) is a collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly ...
selection and two-time FCS All American who set school records for receptions in a game (14), season (95) and career (286); receiving yards in a season (1,334) and career (3,743);
touchdown
A touchdown (abbreviated as TD) is a scoring play in gridiron football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone. In Ameri ...
receptions in a game (4), season (14) and career (37); punt return yards in a season (461) and career (1,160) as well as career all-purpose yards (5,203).
Roberts joined The Citadel outdoor track team in mid-March 2007, earning his first Penn Relays Championship watch. He made his debut at the Furman Invitational (4/07), as he finished third in the 400 meters, running 50.91. Also at Furman, he finished second in the 200 meters with a time of 23.49. He ran a collegiate-best 200-meter time of 23.05 at the Chanticleer Invitational (4/14). He ran the anchor leg of the 4x100-meter relay that clocked 41.94 at the Southern Conference Championships (4/22), garnering All-Conference honors. Also ran the anchor leg of the 4×100-meter relay team that won at the Penn Relays for the fifth consecutive time in Citadel history. He graduated in three and a half years with a degree in accounting.
Professional career
Arizona Cardinals
Roberts was taken in the third round with the 88th overall pick by the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division, and play t ...
in the
2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League (NFL) franchises to select newly eligible football players. The 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, New York, with the firs ...
. The Cardinals originally obtained the pick used to select Roberts by trading
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Kenmile Boldin Sr. (; born October 3, 1980) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida State University and was drafted by the Arizona Ca ...
to the Baltimore Ravens.
Roberts started out his rookie season playing limited time as a punt returner. As the season went on, Roberts started playing more snaps and started to move into the second receiver slot. He caught his first NFL touchdown against the
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion ...
, a 27–24 loss in OT. He caught his second NFL touchdown, a 74-yard completion, on
Christmas
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating Nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus, Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people Observance of Christmas by country, around t ...
Day against the
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divisi ...
, a game that was won in the last minute 27–26.
Washington Redskins
![Andre roberts redskins](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Andre_roberts_redskins.jpg)
On March 11, 2014, Roberts and the
Washington Redskins
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) N ...
agreed to terms on a four-year contract, worth roughly $16 million. The contract was finalized the next day. Later that month, Roberts made a $12,000 donation to the
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Daniel Cousins (born August 19, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State and was drafted by the team then known as the Washingto ...
Football Camp, allowing Roberts the rights to wear number 12, which he wore for four seasons in Arizona. He originally signed with the intention to be the Redskins' number two wide receiver, opposite of
Pierre Garçon
Pierre Andre Garçon (; born August 8, 1986) is a former American Football wide receiver. He played college football at Norwich University and Mount Union College, and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Dra ...
, but became the number three receiver after the signing of
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the California Golden Bears, where he was recognized as a con ...
. He also became the team's new return specialist.
In the Week 4, 45–14 loss against the
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. ...
, Roberts scored one of the only two Redskins' scores in the game after catching an 18-yard pass from Cousins. It was his first touchdown with the Redskins.
In Week 11 of the
2015 season, Roberts returned a kick 99 yards for a touchdown against the
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. T ...
. On December 21, 2015, he was placed on
injured reserve
The injured reserve list ( IR list) is a designation used in North American professional sports leagues for athletes who suffer injuries and become unable to play. The exact name of the list varies by league; it is known as "injured reserve" in th ...
with an knee injury, ending his season.
Roberts was released by the Redskins on May 17, 2016.
Detroit Lions
On June 13, 2016, Roberts signed a one-year deal with the
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The team play their home games at Ford ...
.
On October 2, 2016, Roberts returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown against the
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The Bears have won nine NF ...
. During a week 11 victory over the
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The team play ...
, Roberts had another punt return touchdown, this time for 55 yards. Roberts also had several critical catches during the regular season, and finished the year with 14 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown.
Atlanta Falcons
On March 14, 2017, Roberts signed a one-year contract with the
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The Falcons joined th ...
.
On September 10, 2017, in his Falcons debut, Roberts was the kickoff and punt returner in the 23–17 victory over the
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The Bears have won nine NF ...
at
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is a multi-purpose stadium on the Near South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1924 and reconstructed in 2003, the stadium has served as the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) since 1 ...
. He served as the Falcons' primary kick and punt returner in 2017, while only recording one catch for 12 yards on offense.
New York Jets
On March 23, 2018, Roberts signed with the
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Jets compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The J ...
. On September 10, in the season opener against the
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The team play their home games at Ford ...
, Roberts scored his first punt return touchdown, which went for 78 yards, as a Jet. In a week 15 game against the
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division, and play their home ga ...
he had a touchdown reception and added 93 yards in kick returns; he was named to the 2018 AFC
Pro Bowl
The National Football League All-Star Game (1939–1942), Pro Bowl (1951–2022), or Pro Bowl Games (starting in 2023) is an annual event held by the National Football League (NFL) featuring the league's star players.
The format has changed thro ...
squad as a return specialist. In Week 16, against the
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. It ...
, he had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a career high 215 return yards. Roberts finished with career bests for both punt and kickoff returns with 324 and 1,174 yards, respectively, in addition to adding 10 catches for 79 yards and a score on offense. He was the first member of the Jets named to the All-Pro team since 2011.
Buffalo Bills
![Andre Roberts](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Andre_Roberts.png)
On March 13, 2019, Roberts signed a two-year contract with the
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in the Buffalo metropolitan area. The Bills compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. ...
. During the 2019 season he caught 3 passes and returned 53 kicks for 888 yards; he was named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl where he returned 2 punts and caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from
Josh Allen Josh or Joshua Allen may refer to:
* Josh Allen (offensive lineman) (born 1991), former American football player
* Josh Allen (quarterback) (born 1996), American football quarterback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills since 2018
* Josh Allen (defen ...
.
On September 5, 2020, Roberts was released by the Bills, but was re-signed the following day after some additional roster adjustments.
During the 2020 season, Roberts caught four passes for 34 yards, returning 29 punts for 286 yards (9.9 yards per return) and 32 kick returns for 961 yards (league-leading 30.0 yards per return). Roberts also led the league in total return yards and was named a Pro Bowler and Second-team All-Pro.
Houston Texans
On March 24, 2021, Roberts signed a two-year deal with the
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division, and play their home ga ...
. On October 18, 2021, Roberts was released by the Texans.
Los Angeles Chargers
On October 21, 2021, Roberts signed with the
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are a professional American football team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Chargers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division, and ...
.
Carolina Panthers
On May 2, 2022, Roberts signed with the
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. T ...
. He was placed on injured reserve on September 13, 2022 with a knee injury.
He was activated on December 31.
References
External links
Washington Redskins bioArizona Cardinals bio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Roberts, Andre
1988 births
Living people
Players of American football from Columbia, South Carolina
African-American players of American football
American football wide receivers
American football return specialists
American people of United States Virgin Islands descent
The Citadel Bulldogs football players
The Citadel Bulldogs men's track and field athletes
Arizona Cardinals players
Washington Redskins players
Detroit Lions players
Atlanta Falcons players
New York Jets players
Buffalo Bills players
Houston Texans players
Los Angeles Chargers players
Carolina Panthers players
21st-century African-American sportspeople
20th-century African-American people
American Conference Pro Bowl players
Ed Block Courage Award recipients