Former NFL Punter Reggie Roby Dead at 43

February 22, 2005

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Former All-Pro Punter Reggie Roby Dies (Reuters)

Former All-Pro punter Reggie Roby died Tuesday at the age of 43.

The Miami Dolphins, whom Roby spent 10 of his 16 NFL seasons, confirmed his passing on their Web site, but the cause of death is unknown.

Roby was reportedly found unconscious and without a pulse this morning by his wife in the couple’s Nashville home. He was immediately taken to the Saint Thomas Emergency Department where he was pronounced dead at 8:35 a.m. EST.

A shame. He was a great punter and was a groundbreaker as the first prominent black kicking specialist in the NFL. While black quarterbacks have gotten more attention for breaking the color barrier, there have been many of them over the years.

5 responses to “Former NFL Punter Reggie Roby Dead at 43”

Mark Hasty

February 22, 2005 at 7:28 pm

When I was but a small child, I saw Reggie Roby kick a field goal completely out of my town’s football stadium.
Benedict

February 22, 2005 at 9:36 pm

And let’s not forget the wristwatch he wore DURING THE GAMES!

RIP
Jack Tanner

February 23, 2005 at 7:47 am

‘He was a great punter and was a groundbreaker as the first prominent black kicking specialist in the NFL.’

WTF difference does it make what color he was?
James Joyner

February 23, 2005 at 8:45 am

Jack: It makes a difference only in the sense that young black kids saw him and thought “hey, I could do that, too.” Twenty years ago, there were certain positions (quarterback, kicker, punter, offensive line) that were considered “white” positions. No more.
Jack Tanner

February 23, 2005 at 9:37 am

‘Twenty years ago’ there were certain positions (quarterback, kicker, punter, offensive line) that were considered Ã¢Â€ÂœwhiteÃ¢Â€Â positions. No more.’

By whom? Not that I’m a big NFL fan but I don’t believe there are a lot of black kickers and punters now. I just talked to some nitwit who said Donovan McNab couldn’t figure out the Pats defense because ‘you know’. I guess it doesn’t have anything to do with people’s individual abilities it’s all about what color they are.