Robert Shelton Royal, born May 15th 1979, is native to New Orleans Louisiana. He graduated from Edna Karr High School in 1997 where he was a standout in football and basketball. Robert received an athletic scholarship to Louisiana State University, where he was named All American in 2001. Wanting to earn his degree instead of declaring for the NFL draft, he would then go on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2002. Robert was drafted in the 5th round of the 2002 draft by the Washington Redskins, where he played tight end for four years. Following his successful career with the Washington Redskins, Robert played for Buffalo Bills beginning in 2006, where he gave back to his community on a consistent basis with donations to the youth as well as to disabled veterans offering free meals in the community. He would then go on to play two years for the Cleveland Browns where he continued to make a strong impact in the community by creating the “Royal Kingdom” which provided Cleveland Browns game tickets and meals to the children of Cleveland.
Through Roberts foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of young people in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, Royal holds the T.E.A.M. 84 Football and Cheer Camp, T.E.A.M standing for Together Everyone Achieves more. Roberts work ethic, positive attitude, determination and dedication he has brought to his foundation, teammates and everyone in his life truly makes his a positive influence and a leader. The T.E.A.M camp event has been a great success and growing with more attendees each year.
RED SHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (1998):
Played in nine games as a reserve f-back and did not record statistics … Valuable blocker … Saw action on 120 plays on offense and 42 on special teams … Special teams action came on kickoff return and punt return units … Missed first 2 games as he recovered from a hernia.
SOPHOMORE SEASON (1999):
The Tigers’ primary f-back for the entire season … In starting lineup at Miss. State … Missed Alabama game due to injury … One of the best receiving threats for LSU in 1999 … Also a key member on special teams … Finished four on the team in receptions … Had 19 catches for 143 yards, including a touchdown … Had his best game at Miss. State where he caught three passes for 43 yards, including a long reception of 18 yards … Had a solid performance against Florida in which he caught two passes for 18 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown … Also made four tackles on special teams
JUNIOR SEASON (2000):
Set an LSU record for tight ends with five touchdown receptions … Finished the year ranked fourth on the squad with 22 catches for 340 yards and five scores, four of which came in SEC action … Scored a pair of touchdowns, including the game winner against Alabama … Finished with three receptions for 71 yards, including a 50-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter that setup what proved to be the game-winning touchdown two plays later against the Crimson Tide … Caught at least one pass in all 11 regular-season games … Had three catches against Houston, Tennessee, Florida and Alabama … Caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime on a 25-yard strike from Rohan Davey in LSU’s 38-31 victory over Tennessee … Also scored against Houston and Florida … Turned in cleats for basketball shoes in January and played in five games for the LSU men’s basketball team before retiring from the sport in late January … In five games with the basketball team, played 37 minutes and scored 10 points (2.0 per game) to go along with six rebounds (1.2 per game).
SENIOR SEASON (2001):
Big, athletic tight end that LSU used to stretch the defense … Caught 18 passes for 224 yards and 1 TD as a senior … Closed out career with 2 catches for 15 yards, including a 7-yard TD reception, in 47-34 victory over Illinois in the Sugar Bowl … Caught 5 passes for 72 yards vs. Utah State … Scored TD vs. Tulane … Snapped a streak of 2 games without a reception with a 23-yard catch vs. Ole Miss … Ranks third in school history among tight ends in receptions (59) and yards (707) and is second in career TDs (7) … Holds LSU tight end record for TDs in a season with 5 in 2000 … Named to the Playboy All-America Pre-Season Team … Drafted in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
AWARDS & HONORS
2001 Second Team All-SEC (AP) 2000 All-SEC, First Team (SEC Coaches) 2000 All-SEC, Second Team (AP)2000 Playboy Preseason Team
