Vern Roberson

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

Vern Roberson
No. 16, 18, 42, 49[1]
Position:Safety
Personal information
Born: (1952-08-03) August 3, 1952 (age 72)
Natchitoches, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Central (Natchitoches)
College:Grambling State (1970–1973)
Undrafted:1974
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Vernon Lee Roberson (born August 3, 1952) is an American former professional football defensive back who played two seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at Grambling State University. He also played for the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Early life and college

[edit]

Vernon Lee Roberson was born on August 3, 1952, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.[1] He was raised on a farm with nine brothers and six sisters.[2] He attended Natchitoches Central High School in Natchitoches.[1]

Roberson was a member of the Grambling State Tigers of Grambling State University from 1970 to 1973.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

Roberson signed with the Miami Dolphins after going undrafted in the 1974 NFL draft. [3] On September 12, 1974, it was reported he had been waived.[4]

Roberson signed with the Birmingham Americans of the World Football League on September 15, 1974, but was released before playing any games.[3][1]

Roberson dressed in all 16 games for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1975, recording ten interceptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns, five kickoff returns for 107 yards, and 18 punt returns for 98 yards.[1] The Stampeders finished the year with a 6–10 record.[5] Roberson earned CFL All-Star and CFL West All-Star honors for his performance during the 1975 season.[6] Roberson dressed in nine games in 1976, totaling three interceptions for 51 yards and three kickoff returns for 77 yards.[1] After Calgary began the 1976 season winless, Roberson requested his release in late September.[2]

Roberson was then claimed off waivers by the Ottawa Rough Riders.[2] He had not planned on playing for the Rough Riders but ended up joining the team after persistence from Ottawa head coach George Brancato.[2] Roberson dressed in two games for the Rough Riders as an injury replacement for Wonder Monds.[7][2][1] In November 1976, Roberson voluntarily left the team after a poor performance in the final game of the regular season, stating "it's too cold to play football in Canada."[8][7]

Roberson signed with the Miami Dolphins in 1977. He played in all 14 games, starting nine, for the Dolphins during the 1977 season and recorded one interception.[9] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team for his performance during the 1977 season.[10]

On April 17, 1978, the Dolphins traded Roberson, Freddie Solomon, a 1978 first round draft pick, and a 1978 fifth round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Delvin Williams.[11] Roberson appeared in all 16 games, starting 12, for the 49ers in 1978, totaling one interception and two fumble recoveries.[9] On July 13, 1979, it was reported that he had been waived.[12]

Roberson signed with the New York Giants on July 16, 1979, but was later released.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "VERN ROBERSON". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e Kealey, Clem (October 29, 1976). "Vern Roberson stands to pick up sizeable cash for month's work". The Ottawa Journal. p. 24. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Vern Roberson Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  4. ^ "NFL Transactions". The Orlando Sentinel. September 12, 1974. pp. 2D. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  5. ^ "1975 Calgary Stampeders (CFL)". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  6. ^ "Vern Roberson". Stats Crew. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  7. ^ a b Brown, Stewart (November 20, 1976). "Ottawa juggles defence for final". The Hamilton Spectator. p. 17. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  8. ^ Burke, Tim (November 26, 1976). "A conversation on defence with Saskatchewan's finest". The Gazette. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Vern Roberson". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  10. ^ "1977 PFWA All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  11. ^ "49ers Trade Williams". Ledger-Enquirer. Associated Press. April 18, 1978. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  12. ^ Schoenfeld, Ed (July 13, 1979). "Two top draftees sign with Niners". Oakland Tribune. pp. D2. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
[edit]