Craig Robertson (American football) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Craig Robertson

Robertson with the Cleveland Browns in 2012
No. 52, 53
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1988-02-11) February 11, 1988 (age 37) Stafford, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	234 lb (106 kg)
Career information
High school:	Stafford
College:	North Texas (2006–2010)
Undrafted:	2011
Career history
Cleveland Browns (2011–2015) New Orleans Saints (2016–2020)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Sun Belt (2010)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 579 Sacks: 9.0 Forced fumbles: 3 Fumble recoveries: 9 Interceptions: 10 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Craig Robertson (born on February 11, 1988) is a former professional American football player. He played as a linebacker in the NFL. Robertson started his NFL journey with the Cleveland Browns in 2011. He later played for the New Orleans Saints. Before joining the NFL, he played college football at North Texas.

Early Life and High School Days

Craig Robertson grew up in Stafford, Texas. He went to Stafford High School.

In high school, Craig was a very versatile athlete. He played many different positions in football. These included quarterback, running back, cornerback, wide receiver, kicker, and punter. He was also a star in basketball and baseball. Besides sports, Craig was an excellent student. He was on the honor roll and part of the student council. After his amazing high school career, he decided to play football at the University of North Texas. Craig is one of only four football players from Stafford High School to ever play in the NFL.

College Football Journey

When Craig first joined North Texas, coaches wanted him to play safety. But he showed such strong physical play that they moved him to linebacker. This was a great move for him.

After his first year, where he didn't play in games (called redshirting), Craig became a starting linebacker. He kept this position for the rest of his college career. During his time at North Texas, he earned special honors. He was named an All-American as a freshman. He also received All-Conference honors as a sophomore and senior. In his senior year, he led his conference in tackles. This means he made the most plays to stop opponents.

Professional Football Career

Craig Robertson was not chosen by any team in the 2011 NFL draft. This meant he had to try out for teams. He didn't get any offers right away.

Time with the Cleveland Browns

Craig finally got his chance with the Cleveland Browns. They signed him to their practice squad in December 2011. This was a way for him to show what he could do.

Becoming a Starter (2012)

In 2012, the Browns signed Craig to a full contract. He worked hard in training camp to earn a spot on the team. He became a backup linebacker. However, due to injuries to other players, Craig got a chance to play early in the season.

He made his first NFL appearance against the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game, he made nine tackles and even caught his first career interception. This was a pass thrown by quarterback Michael Vick. In Week 3, Craig started his first NFL game. He made eight tackles against the Buffalo Bills. Later that season, he got his first sack on a quarterback, Tony Romo. Craig finished his first full season with 93 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack. He played in all 16 games and started three times.

Continuing to Play (2013-2015)

In 2013, Craig became a starting inside linebacker for the Browns. He continued to make many tackles. In one game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he made 11 solo tackles and sacked Alex Smith. He played in 14 games that year, starting all of them. He had 85 tackles, three sacks, and another interception.

Robertson covering Jared Cook in 2014

In 2014, Craig kept his starting job. He had another strong season. He made 99 tackles, broke up passes, and caught two more interceptions. One of these was against Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in all 16 games and started 11.

Robertson with the Browns in 2015

The 2015 season saw Craig competing for his starting spot. He began the season as a backup. He missed four games due to an ankle injury. Despite this, he still played in 12 games and started nine. He finished with 59 tackles and another interception against Ben Roethlisberger. After this season, Craig became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.

Moving to the New Orleans Saints

In March 2016, Craig signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints. He joined them as a weakside linebacker.

Making an Impact (2016)

Craig made his Saints debut in their first game of the 2016 season. He had a great start, making 11 tackles. The next week, he made a season-high 13 tackles. In Week 9, he intercepted a pass from Colin Kaepernick. The following week, he got his first sack as a Saint on quarterback Trevor Siemian. Craig played in 15 games and started all of them. He had a career-high 115 tackles, four pass deflections, a sack, and an interception.

Playoff Appearances (2017-2019)

In 2017, Craig continued to be an important player for the Saints. He became a starting weakside linebacker in Week 5. He had a season-high 11 tackles and a sack against Matthew Stafford. He also intercepted a pass from Bryce Petty. He finished the season with 80 tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions.

The Saints had a great season in 2017, winning their division. Craig played in his first career playoff game. He made six tackles in a win against the Carolina Panthers. The Saints then lost a close game to the Minnesota Vikings in the next round.

In 2018, Craig played in all 16 games. In 2019, he signed a new contract with the Saints. He continued to contribute to the team.

Retirement

On March 11, 2022, Craig Robertson announced that he was retiring from professional football. He had a long and successful career in the NFL.

NFL Career Highlights

Craig Robertson played for 10 seasons in the NFL. He was known for his strong tackling and ability to make big plays. Here are some of his career totals:

• Total tackles: 579
• Sacks: 9.0
• Forced fumbles: 3
• Fumble recoveries: 9
• Interceptions: 10
• Defensive touchdowns: 1