Orpheus Roye is a former American football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He was born on January 21, 1973, in Guyana, South America, and grew up in Miami, Florida. Roye attended Florida State University, where he played college football for the Seminoles.
Roye was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played for the Steelers for five seasons, from 1996 to 2000, and was a key member of their defensive line. In 2001, Roye signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. He played for the Browns for seven seasons, from 2001 to 2007, and was a team captain for several years.
During his NFL career, Roye was known for his strength, toughness, and versatility. He played both defensive tackle and defensive end, and was effective at stopping the run and rushing the passer. He was also a durable player, missing only 10 games in his 12-year career.
Roye retired from the NFL after the 2008 season. He finished his career with 499 tackles, 24 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. He was named to the All-Rookie Team in 1996 and was a two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
After retiring from football, Roye became a high school football coach in Florida. He also started a foundation to help underprivileged children in his home country of Guyana. In 2019, he was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame.
Overall, Orpheus Roye had a successful NFL career as a versatile and durable defensive lineman. He was a key player for both the Steelers and the Browns, and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. After retiring from football, he continued to make a positive impact in his community through coaching and philanthropy.
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