Armani Rogers Bio
Armani Lee Rogers is an American professional football tight end known for his unusual path from dual-threat college quarterback to NFL position convert. He played college football as a quarterback for the UNLV Rebels and Ohio Bobcats and holds the NCAA record for the longest run by a quarterback at 99 yards. After going undrafted in 2022, Rogers signed with the Washington Commanders and has since spent time with multiple NFL organizations before continuing his career in spring football with the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 233 pounds, Rogers brings the frame of a pass catcher combined with the athleticism developed during years as a running quarterback. He is the son of former NFL linebacker Sam Rogers, which helped shape his early understanding of professional football.
Early Life and Background
Armani Lee Rogers was born on December 4, 1997, in Buffalo, New York, but grew up in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of former NFL linebacker Sam Rogers, whose professional career gave Armani an inside look at the demands of the sport from a young age. Growing up in such an environment influenced his decision to pursue football seriously during his high school years.
Rogers attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, where he developed into a versatile quarterback prospect. As a senior, he passed for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 431 rushing yards and 6 more touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat production drew attention from several Pac-12 programs, and he was rated a three-star recruit by major scouting services.
He initially committed to play college football at California over offers from UCLA, Washington, and Utah. After changes to California’s coaching staff, he decommitted during his senior year and ultimately signed with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, after also considering Fresno State.
Path to American Football
Rogers’ path to professional American football began in the Mountain West Conference, where he quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country. As a redshirt freshman at UNLV, he was named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year after passing for 1,471 yards and 6 touchdowns while rushing for 780 yards and 8 scores, setting a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback in the process.
Injuries interrupted his next two seasons in Las Vegas, but his ability to create offense with his legs kept him on NFL scouts’ radars. Seeking a fresh start, Rogers transferred to Ohio University as a graduate student. There, he was deployed in offensive package plays before taking over as a starter, capping his college career with a historic 99-yard rushing touchdown against the Buffalo Bulls that set the NCAA record for longest rush by a quarterback.
Armani Rogers Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Rogers redshirted his first year at UNLV before taking over as a starter during his redshirt freshman season. He started nine games for the Rebels and was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2017, an early-career highlight that established him as a dynamic dual-threat signal-caller. He set a UNLV school record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 780 that same year, demonstrating the speed and vision that would later define his transition to a new position.
His next two seasons in Las Vegas were disrupted by injuries, including a foot injury that caused him to miss six games during his redshirt sophomore year. Despite the setbacks, Rogers continued to produce as a runner, finishing his UNLV tenure with strong per-game rushing totals that showcased the athletic profile NFL teams often seek in versatile offensive weapons.
Ohio Bobcats Breakthrough (2020–2021)
After transferring to Ohio University as a graduate student, Rogers continued to develop his dual-threat skill set within the Bobcats’ offense. In the 2020 season, he was used mostly in offensive package plays, throwing for 48 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 114 yards and 2 scores in a limited role.
Using the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rogers returned to Ohio for the 2021 season and started two games at quarterback. He finished the year with 334 passing yards and 552 rushing yards along with 7 rushing touchdowns. His most memorable moment came against the Buffalo Bulls, when he broke free for a 99-yard rushing touchdown that set the NCAA record for the longest run by a quarterback at any level.
That single play cemented his place in college football history and helped introduce him to NFL scouts evaluating him as a hybrid athlete. Following the 2021 season, Rogers transitioned to tight end, a position change designed to maximize his size, blocking ability, and run-after-catch potential.
Washington Commanders Era (2022–2024)
Armani Lee Rogers signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2022, after impressing scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl as a tight end. The transition was officially announced prior to that all-star game, signaling the team’s belief in his athletic upside. On November 19, 2022, the Commanders placed Rogers on injured reserve before activating him on January 7, 2023.
His time in Washington was significantly disrupted by injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon suffered during a non-contact practice session on May 24, 2023. He was placed on injured reserve on July 25, 2023, and later released on August 6, 2024, ending his original NFL tenure with the franchise that first gave him a professional opportunity.
Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons (2024)
On August 7, 2024, Rogers was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles, providing a quick opportunity to compete for a roster spot. He was waived by the Eagles on August 27, 2024, after less than three weeks with the team.
A few weeks later, on October 7, 2024, Rogers signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, giving him another chance to develop within an NFL environment. His stint with Atlanta allowed him to continue learning the tight end position at the professional level while remaining in the league’s ecosystem.
Buffalo Bills Era (2025)
On January 17, 2025, Rogers signed a reserve and future contract with the Buffalo Bills, marking his return to his hometown region of Western New York. The deal offered him a chance to compete for a role on the Bills’ roster heading into offseason activities. On March 3, 2025, it was announced that Rogers had suffered a torn Achilles tendon while training and would undergo surgery, another major setback in his professional journey. He was waived with an injury designation on April 18, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although primarily listed as a tight end, Armani Lee Rogers brings a quarterback’s perspective to the position, with strong football intelligence and route-running instincts developed through years of reading defenses. His 6-foot-5 frame and prior experience as a runner give him the ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch. He has shown willingness as a blocker and continues to refine his in-line tight end technique after learning the position on the fly.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Rogers’ career remains his 99-yard rushing touchdown against the Buffalo Bulls while at Ohio University, a play that set the NCAA record for the longest rush by a quarterback. He was also named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2017, a rare individual honor for a UNLV quarterback. Professionally, he has bounced back from two Achilles tendon tears to remain active in the sport, an achievement in itself given the physical demands of the tight end position.
Armani Rogers Career Wins
Armani Lee Rogers’ win totals remain modest in the professional ranks, as he has primarily served in reserve and practice squad roles since entering the NFL in 2022. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 5 receptions for 64 receiving yards as a tight end, with the bulk of his statistical impact coming during his time in college as a dual-threat quarterback.
UNLV Rebels and Ohio Bobcats Highlights
During his time with the UNLV Rebels, Rogers set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season and earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors. At Ohio, he cemented his legacy with the 99-yard rushing touchdown against the Buffalo Bulls, the longest rush by an NCAA quarterback in history. These performances remain the cornerstone achievements of his football career to this point.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside of traditional win-loss records, Rogers has earned recognition as a three-star high school recruit and a Shrine Game participant, both of which marked him as a prospect worth developing. His ability to transition from college quarterback to NFL tight end also stands as a notable professional accomplishment in its own right, given the rarity of such position changes at the highest level.
Armani Rogers Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Armani Lee Rogers is the son of Sam Rogers, a former NFL linebacker whose career gave Armani direct exposure to the professional game from an early age. Growing up around football shaped his understanding of work ethic, preparation, and the physical demands of playing at a high level. He has four brothers and one sister, providing a large family support system that has followed his football journey.
Personal Life
Public details about Armani Lee Rogers’ personal life remain limited, with little verified information available regarding a spouse, partner, or children. He was born in Buffalo, New York, and maintains ties to the region, a connection that became clear when he signed a reserve and future contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2025. His focus throughout his career has been on continuing his professional football journey across multiple teams and leagues.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season proved to be a difficult year for Armani Lee Rogers on the injury front. After signing a reserve and future contract with the Buffalo Bills in January 2025, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training in early March, requiring surgery and ending his hopes of competing for a roster spot. He was subsequently waived with an injury designation in mid-April, cutting short his first offseason with the franchise.
Despite the setback, Rogers remained determined to continue his career, and on February 9, 2026, he signed with the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League. The move gave him a path back onto the field and into a competitive offensive system while he continued his recovery and transition as a tight end.
Looking ahead, Rogers’ outlook centers on staying healthy, refining his tight end craft, and earning a consistent role in the UFL. His track record of overcoming injuries, combined with the rare athletic profile he brings as a former dual-threat quarterback, leaves the door open for a meaningful professional career if his health cooperates.
