Elandon Roberts

Elandon Roberts Bio

Elandon Roberts is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 22, 1994, in Port Arthur, Texas, Roberts has built a solid NFL career spanning multiple teams and demonstrating versatility as both a defensive linebacker and occasional fullback. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and has since accumulated significant playing time across four NFL franchises. Roberts is known for his leadership qualities, having been voted a team captain during his tenure with the Patriots, and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, including defense, special teams, and offensive sets when needed.

Early Life and Background

Elandon Roberts grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, where he attended Memorial High School. During his time at Memorial High School, Roberts participated in both football and track and field, developing the athletic foundation that would later support his professional football career. His competitive nature and dedication to multiple sports helped him develop the speed, agility, and physical conditioning essential for success at the collegiate and professional levels.

Path to the NFL

Roberts began his collegiate career at Morgan State University in 2012, playing as a freshman linebacker in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). He made an immediate impact, finishing the season with 107 tackles to lead his team and rank second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). This performance marked the second-best single-season tackle total in Morgan State program history and earned him second-team All-MEAC honors. Roberts was also named MEAC Rookie of the Week three times and finished 11th nationally for the Jerry Rice Award, which honors the nation’s top freshman player at the FCS level.

After his freshman season, Roberts transferred to the University of Houston, where he played for the Cougars from 2013 to 2015. He saw limited action as a sophomore backup before becoming a regular starter in his junior year. As a senior in 2015, Roberts served as team captain and recorded 142 total tackles, leading the American Athletic Conference and ranking fourth nationally. His 88 solo tackles led all players in the FBS, and he earned first-team All-AAC recognition. His standout college career positioned him well for the NFL draft.

Elandon Roberts Career

New England Patriots (2016–2019)

Roberts entered the NFL when the New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round with the 214th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the Patriots on May 7, 2016. Throughout training camp, Roberts competed for a roster spot among several linebackers. Head coach Bill Belichick named him the backup middle linebacker behind Dont’a Hightower to begin his rookie season.

Roberts made his first NFL start on October 16, 2016, against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording seven tackles in the victory. He continued to see increased playing time as the season progressed and became a regular starter by his second year. In 2017, Roberts recorded his first two career sacks in a Week 12 win over the Miami Dolphins. He finished that season with 67 total tackles and 2.0 sacks while helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl LII, where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Super Bowl Champion and Leadership Role

Roberts was part of two Super Bowl championship teams during his Patriots tenure. On February 5, 2017, he recorded two tackles in Super Bowl LI as the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime. This game featured the first overtime period in Super Bowl history and the largest comeback in championship game history, with the Patriots rallying from a 28-3 deficit. In 2018, Roberts played in all 16 games with 11 starts, recording 65 tackles and 1.0 sack as the Patriots claimed Super Bowl LIII with a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

In 2019, Roberts was voted a team defensive captain, becoming a leadership figure in the Patriots’ locker room. That season brought an unexpected development when injuries to fullbacks James Develin and Jakob Johnson left the Patriots without a traditional fullback on the roster. Roberts transitioned to play fullback on offense beginning in Week 7, showcasing his versatility. He scored his first career touchdown on December 29, 2019, catching a 38-yard pass from Tom Brady in a game against the Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins (2020–2022)

On March 24, 2020, Roberts signed with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year contract worth $2 million, reuniting with head coach Brian Flores, who had previously served as the Patriots’ linebackers coach. Roberts was named a starting inside linebacker alongside Jerome Baker and played in 13 games with 11 starts before being placed on injured reserve at the end of the season. He recorded 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in his first season with the Dolphins.

Roberts re-signed with Miami in March 2021 and continued as a starting linebacker, playing in all 17 games with 15 starts. He achieved a career-high 83 tackles that season along with 1.0 sack, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one interception. He returned for a third season with the Dolphins in 2022, starting all 17 games and recording 107 total tackles with a career-best 4.5 sacks.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2023–2024)

Roberts joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 16, 2023, signing a two-year contract. In his first season with the Steelers, he recorded 101 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two passes defended while appearing in all 17 games. The 2024 season saw Roberts contribute 46 tackles and 1.0 sack across 15 games. In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, he recorded 14 total tackles in the Steelers’ 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Las Vegas Raiders (2025–Present)

On March 13, 2025, Roberts signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year, $3 million contract. In his debut season with the Raiders, Roberts played in 17 games and recorded 90 tackles, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery. His veteran presence and experience brought stability to the Raiders’ linebacker corps.

Playing Style and Strengths

Roberts is known for his physicality and consistency as an inside linebacker. His ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to fill running lanes effectively and make tackles near the line of scrimmage. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility by adapting to different roles, including his unexpected transition to fullback with the Patriots in 2019. His leadership qualities have been recognized through his selection as a team captain, and his special teams experience has kept him on the field throughout his NFL career.

Notable Career Milestones

Roberts’ career highlights include winning two Super Bowls with the Patriots, reaching the milestone of over 600 career tackles, and scoring his first career touchdown on a 38-yard reception from Tom Brady. His transition to play fullback during the 2019 season demonstrated rare versatility for a linebacker and provided a memorable chapter in his professional career.

Elandon Roberts Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2016 to 2025, Roberts has established himself as a reliable and versatile linebacker across multiple franchises. His ability to contribute on defense, special teams, and occasionally on offense has made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.

Career Highlights

Roberts has accumulated 694 career tackles in regular season play, including 14.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and 13 pass deflections. He has also recorded 1 defensive touchdown throughout his career. His two Super Bowl championships with the Patriots remain among his most significant achievements, with his ability to perform in high-pressure playoff situations earning him recognition throughout the league.

Awards and Honors

Roberts’ accomplishments include two Super Bowl championships (LI and LIII) with the New England Patriots. In college, he earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2015 and second-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference recognition in 2012 during his time at Morgan State. He was also a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award in 2012, honoring the nation’s top freshman player at the FCS level.

Elandon Roberts Family

Family Background

Elandon Roberts comes from a family with strong athletic connections. He has three siblings, including an older brother named Eli Roberts, who graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. His older sister, Elexsia Roberts, graduated from Wiley College with a degree in Education. His younger sister, Elondria Roberts, is currently a student at Lamar University in Beaumont. Several of Roberts’ cousins also pursued football at the collegiate level, including Jermire at Iowa and Calvin at Oklahoma State.

Personal Life

Roberts maintains connections to his Texas roots and continues to draw support from his large family. His athletic lineage extends through multiple family members who have competed in football at various levels. Despite the demands of a professional football career across multiple cities, Roberts has remained close with his family throughout his NFL journey.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Roberts’ career as he joined the Las Vegas Raiders. Transitioning to a new defensive system and team culture, Roberts provided veteran leadership to a relatively young Raiders linebacker group. His experience from playing in multiple defensive schemes with the Patriots, Dolphins, and Steelers allowed him to adapt quickly and earn significant playing time throughout the season.

Roberts appeared in 17 games for the Raiders, recording 90 tackles, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery. His consistency in making tackles and being around the ball demonstrated his continued reliability as an NFL player entering his 10th professional season. The Raiders utilized Roberts in various defensive packages, leveraging his experience to stabilize their linebacker rotation.

Looking ahead, Roberts’ veteran presence offers the Raiders valuable leadership and institutional knowledge as they continue to build their defensive identity. His career trajectory shows adaptability and durability, qualities that should keep him in the league for seasons to come.