October 27, 2023 FUMA Athletics Newsletter

Get to know Roman Oben

For this week's alumni spotlight, we would like to feature Roman Oben. Oben is a 1991 alumnus who played on the vaunted postgraduate football class where over 50 players went to Division 1 schools and 13 players ended up in the NFL. He is currently VP of Player Development for the NFL.

Let's get to know the 1991 graduate:

How did you end up at Fork Union Military Academy?

A year prior to enrolling, I visited FUMA as a 16-year-old as an option to leave my current high school. Although, I ended up there as a 5th year senior the next year. The school had high success of instilling discipline, structure, and guidance. It was the most beneficial development stage in my journey at the time.

Has Fork Union impacted your life in anyway?

My FUMA experience has significantly impacted my life, especially when it comes to creating routine, and internal disciplines in everything you do: school, work, athletics, and personal improvement.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Fork Union?

I played football and threw shotput and discus for the track team. Breaking the discus record was probably my most memorable moment. I loved playing with all those guys who ended up playing D-1 football, and eventually the NFL. Winning a Super Bowl with FUMA classmate Rick Dudley as a part of Tampa Bay in 2002 was also very memorable. I was a groomsman in Eddie George's wedding and all we would talk about was our FUMA stories!

Do you incorporate anything you learned from FUMA in your day-to-day life?

Absolutely! In fact, at 50-years-old, I still fold my towels, washcloths, undergarments, and make my bed the same way I did at FUMA over 30 years ago. I have two sons who are college athletes and I taught them to do the same thing.

What advice do you have for an inspired FUMA athlete?

Focus on the total development and personal management of yourself on and off the field. Strive to be self-disciplined and self-motivated and the game will take care of itself.

Describe your current role as the NFL's vice president of player development and what you do on a typical day.

I have a vast role at the NFL, as VP of football Development, which can range from working with all 32 teams on their growth strategies, working with partners like Nike and Oakley on how they partner on NFL initiatives, as well as building a strategy on how we can get more international players on NFL rosters. I feel truly honored to serve a game that has given me more than I could ever give back!