Former offensive tackle Roman Oben has been named director of youth and high school football, the National Football League announced today.
Oben enjoyed a 12-year career as an offensive tackle. He was drafted in 1996 out of the University of Louisville by the New York Giants. In addition to playing for the Giants for four years, he played for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Diego Chargers. He was a starting offensive lineman on the BuccaneersSuper Bowl XXXVII Championship team. He also served as the NFLPA team representative for three teams over seven years.
Oben earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Louisville, and used his off-seasons to earn a master's degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2001. While earning his master's degree, Oben also interned with two U.S. congressmen.
After retiring from the NFL in 2007, Oben conducted seminars at universities addressing student athletes on preparing for life after sports. Oben also held various positions in broadcast media, and advertising. In 2012, he founded Oben Flag Football, LLC which partners with urban and suburban communities to enhance their recreation programs with football skills and drill clinics and camps.
In his new role, Oben will direct youth and high school football efforts and coordinate with key stakeholders in those areas, as well as contribute to strategic thinking behind the NFL's efforts.
"I'm grateful that my past experiences on and off the field have given me a unique perspective," said Oben, who joins former players Merton Hanks, Matt Birk, Dwight Hollier, Patrick Kerney, James Thrash, Troy Vincent and Charles Way at the NFL office. "Youth and high school football are the pillars for the next generation of players and fans of this great game."
"Roman is passionate about football and the values and benefits it imparts," said NFL Senior Vice President of Health & Safety Policy Jeff Miller. "He will lead our efforts with youth and high school football and make those great games even better."
-- NFL Communications