Former Northwestern State football standout Robertson to receive Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award – Crescent City Sports

(Photo: Northwestern State Athletics)

NATCHITOCHES – As a former Northwestern State football player and an alumnus, Rob Robertson bleeds purple.

Soon, Robertson will have a red, white and blue badge of pride.

Robertson, a four-year letterman as a fullback who helped the Demons capture the 1997 Southland Conference co-championship, will be presented with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The award is the highest civilian recognition in America for lifelong service and volunteerism.

“I’m very grateful and very humbled,” said Robertson, who was chosen as one of 13 honorary captains on Northwestern’s All-Century Team in 2007. “I didn’t realize the magnitude of the opportunity until I was on that call.”

Robertson’s life of service can be traced to the position he played with aplomb at Northwestern.

Fullbacks rarely rack up countable stats that help define greatness, but Robertson led the way for three 1,000-yard rushers – Clarence Matthews, Anthony Williams and Ronnie Powell – during his Demon career.

He parlayed that success into an undrafted free agent spot with the Baltimore Ravens where he roomed with running back Priest Holmes, another undrafted free agent.

Holmes is among the group who will receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday. Also included in the honorees is Super Bowl champion Doug Williams, a native of Zachary.

“Priest and I being roommates, going in together makes it extra special,” Robertson said. “We are sitting at the same table. It’s pretty cool being able to do that with my brother.”

Following his playing career, Robertson’s business and personal lives blended to form a life of faith, community service and perseverance.

He penned a memoir, “Persevering Through Purpose,” that highlighted his journey of resilience from Baton Rouge through Natchitoches and to his current home in northern Virginia.

An Istrouma High School graduate, Robertson serves on the boards of the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Capital Area and MENTOR. Robertson currently chairs the NFLPA Advisory Board and is a former president of the NFL Alumni Washington D.C. chapter.

Under Robertson’s leadership and guidance, the Washington chapter was named Chapter of the Year in 2023.

“My favorite book says, ‘To whom much is given, much is required,’” Robertson said. “It’s required of me to give back. It’s require of me to share this moment with my alma mater. I feel good representing Northwestern State in this moment. If I receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Northwestern State receives the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.”

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