Xavier McKinney, an NFL defensive back, recently honored Roswell High School quarterback Robbie Roper during a game. | Xavier McKinney/Twitter
Xavier McKinney, an NFL defensive back, recently honored Roswell High School quarterback Robbie Roper during a game. | Xavier McKinney/Twitter
Xavier McKinney, an NFL defensive back for the New York Giants, honored Roswell High School quarterback Robbie Roper during a recent game.
Roper passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 22 at the age of 18 following complications with a medical procedure, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
McKinney, who had also attended Roswell High School, donned cleats that read "RIP ROBBIE ROPER" and "FOREVER THE GOAT" during the Giants' game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
"Losing a student is always tough, especially as a coach, you have a really close relationship with all you players especially your quarterbacks," Roswell coach Chris Prewett told Fox 5 Atlanta.
Students and parents gathered in the school's stadium just hours after learning of the senior's death, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
"My favorite memories are watching him on the sideline encouraging his teammates," Roswell High Principal Robert Shaw said on Twitter, "He was always quick with a smile and respected by all."
He delivered a strong performance in his last game, a Georgia High School Association (GHSA) football quarterfinals showdown against Grayson High School, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
Roper assisted in guiding the Roswell Hornets to the GHSA Class 7A playoffs in 2021 with a 10-3 record before losing to Grayson High School, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
He was also awarded the High 5 Sports trophy following a game with North Cobb, in which he scored a game-winning touchdown run in the final seconds of a playoff game, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
Roper, who had most recently received an invitation to play for the University of Florida, had also received invitations to play collegiate football from Massachusetts, Morehead State, Morgan State and Western Carolina, 247 Sports reported.
Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Texas Christian, Michigan and North Carolina also expressed interest in recruiting Roper, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
Roper had not yet chosen a college, but a playoff run in his senior season drew the interest of several college programs, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
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