Posted on 02/22/2005 11:48:37 AM PST by rvoitier
He helped kids contribute to society
The good die young. May God keep him and his family.
Too Bad. Watching him boom 65 yarders across Kinnick Stadium for the Hawkeyes was, I suppose, as good as watching a punter gets.
"Long may he run."
Posting it here. 'Net stories have a way of disappearing or moving...
Former Dolphins Punter Reggie Roby Dies Of Unknown Causes
February 22, 2005The family of Reggie Roby has announced that the former NFL punter died earlier today of unknown causes.
Roby, 43, was found by his wife, Melissa, this morning in their Nashville home unconscious and without a pulse. After CPR measures were administered at his home, in the ambulance and in the Emergency Department, he was pronounced dead at Saint Thomas Emergency Department at 8:35 a.m.
Reggie Roby was Marketing & Development Director for Backfield in Motion, a non-profit organization that combines athletics and academics to inspire inner-city boys to reach their maximum potential and become significant contributors to society.
Roby, a University of Iowa graduate, spent 16 years playing in the NFL, including ten years with the Miami Dolphins and stints with the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 2002.
During his football career, Reggie spent much of his free time speaking to kids about the importance of education and character. When he learned about Backfield in Motion’s innovative programs, he immediately signed on, citing the ability to make a difference.
"I was saddened to hear about Reggie Roby," former Dolphins Head Coach Don Shula said. "It always is a shame when someone passes away before their time, and I want to express my condolences to his family.
"He was an outstanding punter for us, and his booming kicks often helped us win the field position battle. I remember him as having one of the strongest legs in the history of the NFL.
"Often on walkthroughs in domed stadiums the day before the game, he always would try to hit the top of the dome with a punt. He sometimes succeeded, which illustrates just how strong a leg he had. Reggie helped define the position, and even after he retired, every time I saw a long, high punt, it always reminded me of one of his kicks."
“For ten years, Reggie Roby was an integral part of the Miami Dolphins and South Florida," Dolphins President Eddie Jones said. "He was an outstanding punter who developed his own following, something rare for a player at that position.
"In addition, he was a visible member of this community for his charitable and civic ventures. He always gave his time to worthwhile causes, and established a number of businesses here. He will be missed by everyone associated with the Dolphins, and on behalf of the team I want to convey our sympathy to his family."
Michael Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Backfield in Motion, said this morning, "Reggie was a kind loving, sweet person with a huge heart. Underneath that strength of a professional athlete, Reggie was just a kid at heart. Reggie was the ultimate package as far as I was concerned. In this type of work that we are in, there is no question that it was his calling. He had such appeal with the kids."
Roby was the father of six children.
Funeral arrangements have not been released.
Thanks.
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