RICHMOND — A former NFL player and Bay Area native has been shot and killed in Richmond.
38-year-old Terrell Roberts graduated from El Cerrito High School and played for Oregon State University before playing two seasons as a defensive back for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2003 to 2005.
Neighbor Clyde Tucker got to know Roberts, who spent a lot of time in the Richmond neighborhood growing up and even tried to recruit Roberts to his little league team before recognizing his talent for football.
“He was at the pinnacle, he was there,” said Tucker. “It was good to see a local boy make good.”
Janet lives three doors down from where the shooting happened. “I just hope that they find these people that did this. It’s sad.”
Former teammates and coaches have posted tributes online, remembering Roberts as a talented athlete and friend.
I’m crushed to hear the news of the passing of my teammate and friend Terrell Roberts. Prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.
— Jonathan Smith (@Coach_Smith)
September 12, 2019 Bro just had DM me on IG about his son wearing #71 in honor of me and I told him I was heading to Cali before I got injured. I’m still gonna find your son and work with him . I’m at a lost! Great teammate to be around . Always team’s favorite cuz he was the underdog w/ heart https://t.co/mVjwOoFjCJ
— Willie Anderson (@BigWillie7179)
September 12, 2019 Man am tired of waking up everyday to bad news another one of my former teammates what’s shot and killed rest easy Terrell Roberts one of the strongest DBs to play the game rest easy my boy pic.twitter.com/uzcDLC07LF
— shaun smith (@autumnsjs90)
September 12, 2019 Police were investigating the shooting and have not yet released any information about a possible suspect or motive.
