Elijah Roberts: A Rising Star with a Purpose

TAMPA — Just before heading to Tampa for rookie minicamp, Elijah Roberts enjoyed a karaoke night filled with laughter alongside his six siblings at their family home in South Florida.

“All our kids are grown adults, yet they still want to hang with their parents,” said his mom, Dr. Shanda Roberts. “We were up until 2 a.m., but it was a great time to be with Elijah one last time before he left for Tampa.”

A Musical Background

Shanda, a talented performer, grew up singing in church and is now sought after for weddings and charitable events, even singing the national anthem for Miami Heat games multiple times a year.

However, as a survivor of domestic abuse, it took her years to recognize the power of her voice.

“I didn’t begin singing until my 20s because my abuser wouldn’t allow it. I lacked faith in my voice. I didn’t discover my singing ability until I left that relationship,” she shared.

Elijah’s Role with the Bucs

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 281 pounds, Elijah is set to make a significant impact for the Bucs as their fifth-round pick from SMU. His ability to perform in various defensive positions is invaluable.

Arriving in Tampa, he aims to become an advocate like his mother.

Shanda’s Story: From Victim to Advocate

Born in the Bahamas, Shanda faced unimaginable trauma early in life. At age 4, she was molested by a family friend.

“That left me open to being a victim, thinking that those experiences were normal,” she recalled. “At 15, I met someone who promised me love and support, allowing red flags to slip right by me.”

Shanda endured eight to nine years of abuse before finding the strength to leave her toxic relationship.

“I managed to disappear in plain sight. I would secretly drop clothes off at a friend’s place until I felt safe enough to leave entirely,” she explained. “He had kidnapped me before, so I was careful to evade him.”

Now residing in the United States with her husband George, Shanda has been married for over 23 years. This support gave her the strength to confront her abuser.

“Abusers don’t confront those who protect you. My past abuser was shocked when I didn’t return to him,” she said. “After that moment, I felt free for the first time.”

Determined to support others, she founded Pain 2 Purpose, a nonprofit aimed at fighting domestic violence.

With a doctorate in ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary of South Florida, she speaks to teens about recognizing abusive relationships, alongside her dedicated team.

Elijah’s College Journey

Elijah spent three years playing at the University of Miami, where decision-making was tough as he entered the transfer portal to join Southern Methodist University. However, this choice brought significant growth.

“When I visited, it felt like home,” he reflected. “They liked me for my movement on the edge,” he added.

At SMU, he excelled, leading the team in 2023 with 10 sacks and 12 ½ tackles for loss. Last season, he captained the team while contributing significantly to their first College Football Playoff appearance.

Shanda embraced the emotional journey of helping Elijah relocate to Dallas. “Letting him fly was tough, but the decision was ultimately his. It was a vital choice for his growth,” she said.

Giving Back to the Community

Elijah used his NIL earnings to ensure his parents made it to every game. Meanwhile, Shanda’s foundation benefited from the generosity of SMU fans, aiding her “Stuff-A-Purse” initiative for women in shelters.

“We wanted to give domestic violence survivors a little joy. Cute purses with toiletries and encouraging notes made a difference. Every month, we’d distribute over 4,000 purses across South Florida and Texas,” she noted.

The NFL Draft and Future Prospects

During the NFL draft, Elijah eagerly awaited to hear his name called, finally securing the fifth-round pick at No. 157.

“It felt like such a relief. This entire process was lengthy, filled with anticipation. Now, I finally feel wanted,” he expressed.

The Bucs see a versatile talent in Elijah, akin to a chess piece that head coach Todd Bowles can skillfully maneuver across the defensive line.

“He’s a versatile guy we can deploy in multiple roles,” said Rob McCartney, the Bucs’ assistant general manager.

Elijah’s Family Ties and Future Goals

Only a few hours away from his family home, his new career allows them to visit frequently. As for Shanda, her mission with Pain 2 Purpose continues to expand.

Shanda, after 18 years, finally shared her story with her sons. Elijah plans to further amplify this important message as an NFL player.

“Being vulnerable is key,” Shanda says. “If I didn’t share my story, others wouldn’t feel empowered to be honest about theirs. Your voice is powerful, and I didn’t understand this fully until I started using mine.”

Conclusion

Elijah Roberts is not just stepping onto the field as a rookie; he embodies resilience, purpose, and advocacy. With his mother’s inspiring journey and his own determination, both aim to make a significant impact on their community and beyond.

FAQs

What did Elijah Roberts do before joining the Bucs?

Elijah played college football at SMU, where he excelled as a defensive end and became a team captain.

How does Shanda Roberts support domestic violence survivors?

She founded Pain 2 Purpose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding survivors and raising awareness about domestic violence.

What role is Elijah expected to play with the Bucs?

Elijah brings versatility and speed to the defensive line and can be deployed in various positions as needed by the coaching staff.