 Garza with theChicago Bears in 2008 | |||||||||
| No. 63 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positions | Guard Center | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | (1979-03-26)March 26, 1979 (age 46) Rio Hondo, Texas, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight | 310 lb (141 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school | Rio Hondo (TX) | ||||||||
| College | Texas A&M–Kingsville (1997–2000) | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 2001: 4th round, 99th overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Roberto Garza (born March 26, 1979) is an American former professionalfootballguard andcenter. He was selected by theAtlanta Falcons in the fourth round (99th overall) of the2001 NFL draft, and in 2005, joined theChicago Bears, spending ten seasons with the team. Despite being an offensive lineman, a position not typically glorified in football, Garza was a fan favorite amongHispanic Americans across the United States.[1]
Garza attended Rio Hondo High School inRio Hondo, Texas and was aletterman in football and track and field. He was also a member of the school's National Honor Society.
The son of Roberto Garza Sr., and Ofelia Garza fromMexico, Garza was encouraged to join the Marines after high school. A Marine recruiter interested in Garza ridiculed his desire to play professional football, allegedly stating that "Mexicans do not play in theNFL". Roberto was not discouraged. He kept on working. He ended up playing for theTexas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas as a "walk-on". In addition to playing football, Roberto worked to pay for school. Garza's hometown of Rio Hondo, Texas established December 2 as "Roberto Garza, Jr. Day", and subsequently named a street after him. He is fluent inSpanish.
Garza was originally selected by theAtlanta Falcons in the fourth round with the 99th overall pick of2001 NFL draft fromTexas A&M University-Kingsville.[2] He played with the Falcons up until the 2004 season, when his contract expired. Garza signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears in 2005, after also visiting theBaltimore Ravens,[3] and he signed a six-year contract extension in 2006. In that season, the Bears reached a 39–14 victory over theNew Orleans Saints, which allowed them to claim theNFC Championship and advance toSuper Bowl XLI.[4] However, they fell short of the championship, losing 29–17 to theIndianapolis Colts. Among the almost 1,700National Football League players in the 2006 season, Garza was one of only 19 Hispanics.[5] Garza became a free agent after the 2013 season, but was re-signed to a one-year contract on February 27, 2014.[6]
On April 2, 2015, Garza was released by the Bears, ending a ten-year tenure.[7]
Garza was chosen to be the cover athlete of the Spanish version ofMadden 09 En Español.[8]
In 2012, Garza, along with teammate and defensive endHenry Melton were named to theUSA Today 2012 All-Joe Team.[9]
Garza also served as sideline reporter forFox Deportes' broadcast ofSuper Bowl XLVIII.[10] Garza later served as a commentator forESPN Deportes' broadcast ofSuper Bowl 50.[11]
Garza was also featured in aModelo Beer commercial alongside fellow former Hispanic football playersTony Gonzalez andAnthony Muñoz.
Garza is a supporter and member of theUnited Way, a group of charitable organizations dedicated to helping less fortunate children and the elderly. In 2006, Garza was named the Chicago Bears' nominee for theWalter Payton Man of the Year Award. He has previously worked with theEmpty Stocking Fund, the Atlanta Falcons' Feed The Homeless Campaign, and the Hall County Boys & Girls Club. He also supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.
Media related toRoberto Garza at Wikimedia Commons