High school years

Garza attended Rio Hondo High School in Rio Hondo, Texas and was a letterman in football and track and field. He was also a member the school's National Honor Society.

Post-high school

The son of immigrants from Mexico, Garza was encouraged to join the Marines after high school. A Marine recruiter interested in Garza ridiculed his desire to play professional football, allegedly stating that, "Mexicans do not play in the NFL". Roberto was not discouraged, and worked toward his goal by being encouraged by his younger cousin Payton Garza. He ended up playing for the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas as a "walk-on". In addition to playing football, Roberto worked to pay for school. Garza's hometown of Rio Hondo, Texas established December 2 as "Roberto Garza, Jr. Day", and subsequently named a street after him. He is fluent in Spanish.

Professional career

He was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 99th overall pick of 2001 NFL Draft from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Garza played with the Falcons up until the 2004 season when his contract was up. He signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears in 2005, and he signed a six-year contract extension in 2006. In that season, the Bears reached a 39-14 victory over the New Orleans Saints, which allowed them to claim the NFC Championship and advance to Super Bowl XLI. However, they fell short of the championship, losing 29-17 to the Indianapolis Colts. Among the almost 1,700 National Football League players in the 2006 season, Garza was one of only 19 Hispanics. Garza became a free agent after the 2013 season, but was resigned to a 1-year contract on February 27, 2014.

On April 2, 2015, Garza was released by the Bears, ending a ten-year tenure.

In the media

He was chosen to be the cover athlete of the Spanish version of Madden 09 En Español.

In 2012, Garza, along with teammate and defensive end Henry Melton were named to the USA Today 2012 All-Joe Team.

He also served as sideline reporter for Fox Deportes' broadcast of Super Bowl XLVIII. Garza later served as a commentator for ESPN Deportes' broadcast of Super Bowl 50.

Charitable work

Garza is a supporter and member of the United Way, a group of charitable organizations dedicated to helping less fortunate children and elderly. In 2006, Garza was named the Chicago Bears' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He has previously worked with the Empty Stocking Fund, the Atlanta Falcons' Feed The Homeless Campaign, and the Hall County Boys & Girls Club. He also supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]