Derick Roberson Bio
Derick Roberson is an American football linebacker for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). Born on November 15, 1995, in San Antonio, Texas, he began his college football career at Texas before transferring to Sam Houston State. After going undrafted in 2019, Roberson was signed by the Tennessee Titans, where he gradually made his way onto the active roster. He later played for the Houston Texans, the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL, and then signed with the DC Defenders, contributing to their success as part of an All-UFL Team and winning a championship in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Derick Roberson was born on November 15, 1995, in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up in the same city and attended William J. Brennan High School, where he developed the foundation that would carry him into a college football career. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 257 pounds during his professional career, Roberson has always had the physical frame suited for a defensive role.
Coming out of high school, Roberson was regarded as a promising defensive prospect in the San Antonio area. His hometown roots and strong physical build helped him earn a scholarship opportunity at a major college program. The combination of size, athleticism, and football upbringing in Texas shaped his early path toward the defensive line.
Path to American Football
Roberson began his college career at the University of Texas, where he played from 2014 through 2015. After two seasons with the Longhorns, he decided to transfer in search of a clearer role and more playing time. He landed at Sam Houston State, where he played from 2016 through 2018 and finished out his college eligibility.
At Sam Houston State, Roberson found a stronger fit within the defensive scheme. He developed his pass-rushing skills and grew into a reliable edge presence for the Bearkats. By the time he declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, his body of work at the FCS level had positioned him as a priority free agent prospect, even though he went unselected overall.
Derick Roberson Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Roberson was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2019. He was waived on August 31, 2019, and signed to the practice squad the next day. The Titans promoted him to the active roster on October 19, 2019, only to waive him three days later and re-sign him to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster again on November 26, 2019, and finished the year contributing on defense.
During a Week 16 game against the New Orleans Saints, Roberson recorded his first two career sacks on quarterback Drew Brees in a 38–28 loss. In the regular-season finale against the Houston Texans, he added three tackles and a sack in a 35–14 road victory. On September 28, 2021, Roberson was placed on injured reserve before being activated on November 16, 2021.
Houston Texans (2022)
Roberson signed with the Houston Texans practice squad on September 8, 2022. He remained with the Texans through the fall before being released from the practice squad on November 7, 2022. His time in Houston was brief, but it kept him in the league and prepared him for his next opportunity.
Houston Roughnecks (2023)
The Houston Roughnecks selected Roberson in the second round of the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft on January 1, 2023. He joined the spring league looking to revive his career and earn more meaningful playing time. The Roughnecks, however, lost in the first round of the playoffs that season, and Roberson was released on December 15, 2023.
DC Defenders Era (2024–Present)
On December 20, 2023, Roberson signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League. He re-signed with the team on October 3, 2024, and quickly became a key piece of the defense. Across two seasons with the Defenders, he has produced double-digit sack totals and been a steady presence off the edge.
In 2024, Roberson played in nine games and recorded 32 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. The following season, he again played nine games, posting 27 tackles and 5.5 sacks while helping the Defenders win the 2025 UFL championship. On June 2, 2025, he was named to the All-UFL Team. In 2026, he played nine games, ranked in the top five in the league in tackles for loss, and tied for third in the league with seven sacks. The Defenders reached the United Bowl again but came up short against Louisville, and Roberson was named to the All-UFL Team for the second straight year.
Driving Style and Strengths
Roberson is known for his pass-rushing ability and effectiveness setting the edge against the run. His combination of size, length, and quick first step makes him a disruptive force in opposing backfields. He has also shown consistency as a tackler, posting reliable tackle totals across multiple UFL seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Roberson’s career, his first two career sacks on Drew Brees in 2019 stand out as a signature early moment. Winning the 2025 UFL championship with the DC Defenders and earning back-to-back All-UFL Team honors cement his place among the league’s top edge defenders.
Derick Roberson Career Wins
Roberson’s most significant team accomplishment came in 2025, when he helped the DC Defenders capture the UFL championship. Across his time with the Defenders, he has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the league, reaching the United Bowl in back-to-back seasons.
UFL Highlights
Roberson’s UFL career includes 4.5 sacks in 2024 and 5.5 sacks in 2025, with the second season culminating in a league title. He added seven sacks in 2026 while helping the Defenders reach another United Bowl. His two All-UFL Team selections highlight his standing among the top defenders in the league.
Other Wins & Performances
Roberson also made an impact at the college level, transferring from Texas to Sam Houston State and developing into a reliable edge presence. His professional journey has taken him from NFL practice squads to spring football and into a championship role in the UFL.
Derick Roberson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Derick Roberson’s family background is limited. He was raised in San Antonio, Texas, where he attended William J. Brennan High School.
Personal Life
Details about Roberson’s personal life, including his marital status and family, are not publicly confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 UFL season marked a breakthrough year for Derick Roberson and the DC Defenders. Playing in nine games, Roberson posted 27 tackles and 5.5 sacks, providing steady pressure off the edge. The Defenders finished the year as UFL champions, with Roberson playing a central role in the title run.
On June 2, 2025, Roberson was named to the All-UFL Team in recognition of his strong season. His production helped anchor a defense that carried the Defenders through the playoffs and into the championship game. The combination of consistent sack production and run defense made him one of the league’s most valuable edge players.
Building on his 2024 performance of 32 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, Roberson entered 2025 as a proven contributor. His continued growth and championship success positioned him as a cornerstone of the Defenders’ defense heading into the next UFL campaign.