Hall of Fame
Roman Oben was one of the members of the vaunted PG Class of 1991 from which over 50 players went to Division I schools and 13 players ended up in the NFL. Even among that kind of competition, Roman Oben stands out.
In fact, in the 1991 Skirmisher, it is noted that Roman Oben was voted by his classmates as “most likely to make CNN’s ‘Play of the Day.’”
Oben was born in Cameroon, West Africa and moved to the United States when he was four years old. He attended Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC and then came to Fork Union to prep for college.
In addition to football, Oben participated in track and set the standing FUMA discus record at 175’ 10”.
He continued on both the gridiron and track at the University of Louisville, placing in the shot put in the Metro Conference Track Championship and being named to the All-National Independent First Team in football.
Drafted in 1996 by the New York Giants, Oben started in over 90% of the games in his 12-year career at left tackle. He played for the New York Giants (’96-’99), Cleveland Browns (’00-’01), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (’02-’03), and San Diego Chargers (’04-’07).
He was the starting left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their Super Bowl victory in 2002, leading an offensive line that allowed only one sack in 100 passing situations during the postseason, and earning a Super Bowl XXXVII championship ring in the process.
In September 2006, the University of Louisville honored Oben prior to their game against rival Kentucky by adding his #72 jersey to their Ring of Fame. Oben was the 15th former Cardinal to receive this honor, joining Louisville legends like Johnny Unitas.
Even before his retirement from the NFL, Oben was not content to have all of his accomplishments take place on the football field. Having already obtained his bachelor’s degree from Louisville in the decidedly non-athletic field of economics, Oben went on to earn a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson in Public Administration in May 2001. During his studies, Oben interned for two Democratic Congressmen, Bill Pascrell of New Jersey and Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland, Ohio.
Oben has made several trips to his native Cameroon where his Roman Oben Foundation has helped provide textbooks, school furniture, and construction aid for schools there.
Oben now lives with his family in the New York City metropolitan area and serves as Chairman of the Democratic Party in Kinnelon, New Jersey.
He works as the Vice President of Development for The Corporate Playbook, an organization helping current and alumni college athletes with career coaching, employer resources, professional placement services, and networking for employment opportunities with growing companies.
