Eastern Michigan Athletics
Broderick Roman: The Unyielding Heart of EMU’s Offensive Line
8/20/2024 5:42:00 PM | Football
EMU opens the season Saturday, Aug. 31, at UMass
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In the world of college football, where competition is fierce and the stakes are high, few stories embody the spirit of resilience and determination quite like that of Eastern Michigan University's senior offensive lineman Broderick Roman (Lansing, Mich.-Okemos). As the Eagles prepare for another season, Roman stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the unbreakable bond of team camaraderie.
A Season of Redemption and Opportunity
For Roman, this upcoming season is more than just another year on the gridiron. It represents a chance to prove not only his own worth but the potential of his entire team. "It's another chance to prove something—to prove to our team and the MAC that we can win games and get the job done," Roman says, his voice laced with determination. The ultimate goal? A trip to Detroit for the Mid-American Conference Championship, a milestone that has eluded Eastern Michigan for years.
But for Roman, this season is also deeply personal. After a career marked by injuries and setbacks, he's eager to show he can play at the highest level. "I'm excited to play with this group. We have a great group of guys here at Eastern," he adds, underscoring the tight-knit bond that drives this team forward.
A Journey of Trials and Triumphs
Roman's journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Growing up in the shadow of Michigan State University, Roman chose to forge his own path at Eastern Michigan, drawn by the family atmosphere and the opportunity to be a part of something special. "It was a program that didn't have the greatest history, but it gave me a chance to prove something," he reflects.
That chance has come with its share of challenges. Injuries have been a constant companion, testing Roman's resolve and forcing him to dig deep to find the strength to continue. "It's been a long road, a lot of injuries, and a lot of off-the-field stuff, but it's only made me better," he says. Roman's unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome adversity has shaped him into both a better player and a stronger person.
Mentorship and Brotherhood
As a veteran on the team, Roman is now in a position to give back, mentoring younger players and helping them navigate the pressures of college football. He speaks with pride about the players who guided him when he first arrived at Eastern Michigan—guys like Brian Dooley, Richard Bates, and Mike Van Hoeven, who not only competed with Roman but helped him elevate his game.
Now, Roman is paying it forward, particularly with a young lineman from Chicago, Nicholas Gallegos (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley). "He's young, but he can play ball at a high level," Roman says, clearly invested in Gallegos' development. It's a role Roman embraces, knowing how much it meant to him to have experienced teammates showing him the ropes.
The Center of It All
Roman's love for the center position runs deep. It's the only position he's ever played, starting from his fourth-grade football days. "I've just fallen in love with the position—what it asks of me and how difficult it can be at times," Roman shares. The challenges of being a center, from snapping the ball to controlling the line, are what draw him to the position, and it's a responsibility he relishes.
Building rapport with the quarterbacks is a crucial part of being a center, and Roman has dedicated himself to forming strong bonds with both Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) and Jeremiah Salem (Germantown, Tenn./Houston), who are battling for the starting quarterback position. Roman has known Jeremiah since middle school, and their connection is deeply rooted. With Cole, he's put in the effort to forge a new friendship, going on fishing trips and spending time together off the field. These relationships are vital, as the chemistry between center and quarterback can often be the difference between a successful play and a missed opportunity.
Betting on Himself
This year, the team's theme is "BET," and for Roman, it resonates on a personal level. "It's another opportunity to prove the haters wrong," he says. Roman's biggest bet has been on himself—coming back from injuries and showing that he can still play at a high level. It's a bet that has paid off, as Roman continues to anchor the offensive line, leading by example with his resilience and passion for the game.
Gratitude for the Support System
Roman is quick to acknowledge that he hasn't made this journey alone. The support from Eastern Michigan's sports medicine staff, doctors, and other off-field personnel has been invaluable. "I really appreciate you guys endlessly," Roman says, expressing deep gratitude for the commitment and care he's received over the years. "If I didn't have you guys, I'd be done."
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In the world of college football, where competition is fierce and the stakes are high, few stories embody the spirit of resilience and determination quite like that of Eastern Michigan University's senior offensive lineman Broderick Roman (Lansing, Mich.-Okemos). As the Eagles prepare for another season, Roman stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the unbreakable bond of team camaraderie.
A Season of Redemption and Opportunity
For Roman, this upcoming season is more than just another year on the gridiron. It represents a chance to prove not only his own worth but the potential of his entire team. "It's another chance to prove something—to prove to our team and the MAC that we can win games and get the job done," Roman says, his voice laced with determination. The ultimate goal? A trip to Detroit for the Mid-American Conference Championship, a milestone that has eluded Eastern Michigan for years.
But for Roman, this season is also deeply personal. After a career marked by injuries and setbacks, he's eager to show he can play at the highest level. "I'm excited to play with this group. We have a great group of guys here at Eastern," he adds, underscoring the tight-knit bond that drives this team forward.
A Journey of Trials and Triumphs
Roman's journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Growing up in the shadow of Michigan State University, Roman chose to forge his own path at Eastern Michigan, drawn by the family atmosphere and the opportunity to be a part of something special. "It was a program that didn't have the greatest history, but it gave me a chance to prove something," he reflects.
That chance has come with its share of challenges. Injuries have been a constant companion, testing Roman's resolve and forcing him to dig deep to find the strength to continue. "It's been a long road, a lot of injuries, and a lot of off-the-field stuff, but it's only made me better," he says. Roman's unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome adversity has shaped him into both a better player and a stronger person.
Mentorship and Brotherhood
As a veteran on the team, Roman is now in a position to give back, mentoring younger players and helping them navigate the pressures of college football. He speaks with pride about the players who guided him when he first arrived at Eastern Michigan—guys like Brian Dooley, Richard Bates, and Mike Van Hoeven, who not only competed with Roman but helped him elevate his game.
Now, Roman is paying it forward, particularly with a young lineman from Chicago, Nicholas Gallegos (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley). "He's young, but he can play ball at a high level," Roman says, clearly invested in Gallegos' development. It's a role Roman embraces, knowing how much it meant to him to have experienced teammates showing him the ropes.
The Center of It All
Roman's love for the center position runs deep. It's the only position he's ever played, starting from his fourth-grade football days. "I've just fallen in love with the position—what it asks of me and how difficult it can be at times," Roman shares. The challenges of being a center, from snapping the ball to controlling the line, are what draw him to the position, and it's a responsibility he relishes.
Building rapport with the quarterbacks is a crucial part of being a center, and Roman has dedicated himself to forming strong bonds with both Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) and Jeremiah Salem (Germantown, Tenn./Houston), who are battling for the starting quarterback position. Roman has known Jeremiah since middle school, and their connection is deeply rooted. With Cole, he's put in the effort to forge a new friendship, going on fishing trips and spending time together off the field. These relationships are vital, as the chemistry between center and quarterback can often be the difference between a successful play and a missed opportunity.
Betting on Himself
This year, the team's theme is "BET," and for Roman, it resonates on a personal level. "It's another opportunity to prove the haters wrong," he says. Roman's biggest bet has been on himself—coming back from injuries and showing that he can still play at a high level. It's a bet that has paid off, as Roman continues to anchor the offensive line, leading by example with his resilience and passion for the game.
Gratitude for the Support System
Roman is quick to acknowledge that he hasn't made this journey alone. The support from Eastern Michigan's sports medicine staff, doctors, and other off-field personnel has been invaluable. "I really appreciate you guys endlessly," Roman says, expressing deep gratitude for the commitment and care he's received over the years. "If I didn't have you guys, I'd be done."
Players Mentioned
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