He dreamed of playing college football. And Robbie Roper was doing everything he could to make it happen.
There were multiple workouts a day. Lessons with coaches. The recruiting process was tough, but the Roswell High School quarterback, in jersey No. 5, had already gotten the attention of several college coaches. Through it all, he remained humble, a shy teen with enormous talent, along with fierce gratitude for those around him who helped make it possible.
“Robbie was everything that I wish I could be,” his father, James Roper said Tuesday. “He loved everybody.”
Roper, 18, died Dec. 22 after being hospitalized in Gainesville, Florida, according to his family. During the funeral Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Woodstock, James Roper said his son’s death had nothing to do with recent surgery. Standing next to him was Breanna Roper, Robbie’s older sister and a college athlete.
Credit: Family photo
Credit: Family photo
“Robbie was talented but at the same time, the most humble kid I’ve ever known,” Breanna Roper said.
As she spoke during the service, Breanna Roper encouraged others to “Live like 5″ in honor of her brother.
A senior with multiple scholarship offers, Roper was the Region 5-7A offensive player of the year after throwing for more than 3,000 yards for a top-10 team in Georgia’s highest classification.
He started his high school football career at Woodstock High School before transferring to Roswell High for his last two seasons. Teammates and friends from both schools were among the hundreds who attended the funeral.
After his father and sister spoke, coaches, friends and teammates shared memories of the teen whose casket was adorned with roses and his Hornets jersey. Roper hadn’t been a Roswell Hornet long, but his impact was an immediate one.
Chris Hixson, a quarterback coach, said Roper had the ability to stay calm under pressure, making the big plays look easy in one of the hardest positions on the field.
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
University of Florida football player Chief Borders said he served as a “big brother” and mentor to Roper, who was being recruited by the Gators. Borders said he had encouraged Roper to continue working hard.
“You were gonna be a Florida quarterback,” he said.
Roper leaves a legacy both on and off the field, according to those who knew him best. In a November game vs. North Cobb High School, Roper showed both his athletic skills and determination to lead his team to a late comeback win. It was a highlight of a career cut short.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
“We’re going to miss you Robbie,” Roswell Coach Chris Prewett said. “They got a damn good quarterback up there.”
A member of Roper’s extended family has established a fund to help pay funeral expenses and to support a sports scholarship in his name. The family has asked that donations be made to the fund in lieu of sending flowers.
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