“This kid was born to be a Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker.” Elandon Roberts‘ father knew right from the start! But the linebacker had to walk a long path before finally ending up in the Steelers camp. He started his NFL journey with one of the greatest coaches and the greatest team (at least back then). In 2016, after finishing strong with the Cougars, Roberts joined the Patriots under Bill Belichick‘s leadership. And he is now with the Steelers. Not a bad way to start, right? You’ve got to hand it to his parents for setting him up for success.

You’ve probably heard it a million times: no one prays harder for your success than your parents. And honestly, that’s 100% true.  The big, tough guy you see out there dominating on the field always had his mom and dad in his corner, cheering him on through every step of his journey.

Who are Eli Roberts and Stephanie Roberts?

Eli Roberts, Elandon’s dad, knew how much his son loved football the day his kid hid an injury from his parents. From that moment, he could tell this kid was going places. Even Eli’s friends would say the same. When, as a kid, he played flag football, his coach would tell his dad, “I can’t get Elandon to stop tackling” (classic Elandon). And we’ve been seeing that on the field for almost nine years now.

At first, Elandon’s mom, Stephanie Roberts, didn’t get her son’s passion (and who could blame her?). She’d worry when he would come home from practice, sweaty and exhausted, and would go straight to his room, locking himself in. But after a while, she realized this was just how he got in the zone. As soon as the game was over, Elandon would be back to cracking jokes and laughing. 

” This has been his dream. This has been his passion”, said Ms. Roberts when, in 2017, Elandon made it to the Museum of the Gulf Coast Sports Hall of Fame. When he was in high school in Port Arthur, the Steelers LB visited the museum. Little did he know, just a few years later, he’d be coming back to receive an honor.

Elandon Roberts credits his father for their humble upbringing

You know how they say that your father is your superhero? From teaching you how to walk with your little hands wrapped around his finger to one day patting your broad shoulder when you grow up. If only there were enough words to describe fathers (is someone cutting onions over here?) Anyway, Elandon Roberts credits his dad for making him who he is today. Growing up with four siblings, the LB remembers how their dad always taught them to stay grounded, no matter what. And honestly, it shows in his upbringing.

The Roberts family is a close-knit, loving, and caring group who always have each other’s backs. It often shows in their public appearances. Back in 2019, Elandon shared a sweet post for his dad, Eli, on Father’s Day, “Happy Father’s Day Pops! My dad is my role dog no doubt. And I appreciate everything he has done for me. Love you dad! #DarkGrind”, wrote the former Pats LB. 

Last year, Elandon signed with the Steelers, and it made his dad even prouder. He had met Coach Mike Tomlin the year before Elandon was about to get drafted. For some reason, the Steelers couldn’t bring him on then. But after 8 years, they finally did. “He was born to be a linebacker. This kid was born to be a Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker”, shared the LB’s dad as he expressed his happiness over his kid being a Steelers player.