The First Lineman Sweep: J.D. Roberts, The Unanimous Guard

October 24, 1932 – J.D. Roberts, the stellar guard from the University of Oklahoma, was born. 

He was one of the most decorated players of his era. According to the NFF website, he was named to seven All-America teams in 1953. He was the first to sweep all the awards given to a lineman – the Outland Trophy and Lineman of the Year with Associated Press, United Press, Fox Movietone News, and Williamson Syndicate.

The National Football Foundation selected J.D. Roberts to join its exclusive club at the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

Accolades and Accomplishments

College Career (University of Oklahoma):

• 1953 Outland Trophy Winner (Nation’s Most Outstanding Interior Lineman).
• First Player Ever to win all major awards given to a lineman in a single season (1953).
• Lineman of the Year winner from multiple organizations in 1953, including:
  • Associated Press (AP)
  • United Press (UP)
  • Fox Movietone News
  • Williamson Syndicate
• Named to seven different All-America teams in 1953.
• Helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to a 9-1-1 record in 1953.
• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1993).
• Played under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson.

Professional Career:

• Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 6th round (64th overall) of the 1954 NFL Draft.
• Was unable to pursue a professional playing career due to military service obligations.

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J.D. Roberts was born on October 24, 1932. His short but incandescent college career established him as one of the most dominant and decorated linemen of the 1950s.