Gary Roberts (American football)

Roberts played college football at the University of Purdue, playing for the freshman team in 1965 and the varsity from 1966 to 1969.^[1] He was rated as "a find pulling guard and a good pass protector."^[2] At the end of the 1968 season, he was selected by the Associated Press and the United Press International as a first-team guard on the 1968 All-Big Ten Conference football team.^[3][4]

Roberts was selected by the New York Jets in the 11th round (268th overall pick) of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. He was signed by the Jets in June 1969.^[2] He was cut by the Jets in early September and then signed with the Minnesota Vikings.^[5] He was cut by the Vikings in September 1969 on September 15.^[6] He was retained on the Vikings taxi squad throughout the 1969 season.^[7]

Roberts returned to the Vikings in 1970 but was placed on waivers during training camp. He was claimed by the Atlanta Falcons and began the 1970 season on the Falcons' taxi squad. He was placed on the active roster in late September and appeared in 11 games at offensive guard, six of them as a starter, during the 1970 season.^{[8][9][10][1]}

Roberts returned to the Falcons in 1971, but he was waived by the club in July 1971.^[11]