Richard Rodgers (tight end) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Richard Rodgers

Rodgers with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020
No. 89, 82, 85, 81
Position:	Tight end
Personal information
Born:	(1992-01-22) January 22, 1992 (age 33) Martinez, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	257 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:	Saint John's (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts)
College:	California (2011–2013)
NFL Draft:	2014 / Round: 3 / Pick: 98
Career history
Green Bay Packers (2014–2017) Philadelphia Eagles (2018–2019) Washington Football Team (2020)* Philadelphia Eagles (2020–2021) Arizona Cardinals (2021)* Philadelphia Eagles (2021) Los Angeles Chargers (2022)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 148 Receiving yards: 1,533 Receiving touchdowns: 15
Player stats at PFR

Richard Christopher Rodgers II (born January 22, 1992) is a former professional football player. He played as a tight end, which is a position that combines skills of a receiver and a blocker.

Richard played college football for the California Golden Bears. Later, he was chosen by the Green Bay Packers in the 2014 NFL draft. He also played for other teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Football Team, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Richard's Early Life and Sports

Richard Rodgers was born in California on January 22, 1992. He grew up in different states, including California, Oregon, and New Mexico. In 2004, his family moved to Worcester, Massachusetts.

He went to St. John's High School in Shrewsbury. Richard was a talented athlete there. He earned a "letterman" award four times in basketball and three times in football.

Basketball Success

In basketball, Richard helped his team, the Pioneers, reach the state championship game every year for four years. They even won the championship in 2009. In his senior year, he was a star player. He scored about 18 points and grabbed nearly 11 rebounds per game. He also had many blocks, steals, and assists.

Richard was named to the ESPNBoston's All-State Boys Basketball Team. He is one of only 14 athletes in his high school's history to score over 1,000 points, finishing with 1,423 points.

Football Achievements

In football, Richard helped his team win the central Massachusetts super bowl championship in his last two years. He played alongside Rob Blanchflower, who later became a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Before his senior year, Richard decided to attend the University of California, Berkeley. His father, Richard Rodgers Sr., also played football there. His father was famous for being part of "The Play", a very famous and unusual play in college football history. Richard Rodgers is also cousins with Jairus Byrd, another professional football player.

College Football Career

Richard Rodgers played for the California Golden Bears for three seasons, from 2011 to 2013. He played in 35 games and started 11 of them.

In 2012, as a sophomore, he caught 20 passes for 288 yards. His best season was in 2013, his junior year. That year, he had 39 catches for 608 yards, which was the third-highest on his team. By the end of his college career, he had 59 catches for 896 yards and two touchdowns.

College Statistics

Richard's Professional NFL Career

Richard Rodgers was chosen by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft. This was the 98th pick overall.

Playing for the Green Bay Packers

Rodgers in training camp with the Green Bay Packers in 2014

On June 12, 2014, Richard signed his first contract with the Packers. He played his first NFL game on September 4, 2014. In Week 4, he made his first two catches, gaining 52 yards, against the Chicago Bears.

Richard scored his first NFL touchdown on November 23, 2014, against the Minnesota Vikings. His quarterback, Aaron Rodgers (no relation), threw a 1-yard pass to him in the endzone. Richard was wide open, meaning no defenders were near him.

The "Miracle in Motown"

One of Richard's most famous plays happened on December 3, 2015. In a game against the Detroit Lions, time was running out. The Packers were losing, but a penalty gave them one last chance. From far down the field, Aaron Rodgers threw a "Hail Mary pass" – a very long pass hoping a receiver will catch it in the endzone.

Richard Rodgers caught the ball for a 61-yard touchdown as time expired! This amazing play won the game for the Packers, 27-23. It was the longest game-winning Hail Mary in NFL history. People quickly called it "The Miracle in Motown". After the game, Richard said he thought about his father's famous "Play" when the penalty happened, hoping something similar would occur.

Time with the Philadelphia Eagles

Richard joined the Philadelphia Eagles on April 4, 2018. He signed a one-year contract. He had a knee injury early on and was placed on injured reserve. He returned later in the season. In one game, he caught a pass for 7 yards.

He re-signed with the Eagles in 2019 but was again placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury. He was released but then re-signed later that year.

Brief Stint with Washington

On April 6, 2020, Richard signed with the Washington Football Team. This meant he was on the same team as his father, Richard Rodgers Sr., who worked for Washington. He was released before the season started.

Return to the Eagles

Richard signed back with the Eagles on September 8, 2020, after another player got injured. He became a starting tight end in Week 7 after Zach Ertz was injured. In Week 11, he caught two passes, including his first touchdown since 2017. In Week 12, he caught another long "Hail Mary" pass from quarterback Carson Wentz.

He re-signed with the Eagles for the 2021 season but was later waived. He joined their practice squad briefly.

Other Teams

Richard also spent a short time on the practice squad for the Arizona Cardinals in October 2021. He then returned to the Eagles' practice squad. In 2022, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad and was later promoted to their main team. He was placed on injured reserve in December 2022.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Playoff Stats

See also

In Spanish: Richard Rodgers (fútbol americano) para niños