From Small School Standout to NFL Star: The Michael Roos Draft Journey

In the realm of professional football, stories of players rising from humble beginnings to achieve greatness are both inspiring and rare. Michael Roos, an Estonian-born offensive tackle, embodies this narrative. His journey from Eastern Washington University to becoming a cornerstone of the Tennessee Titans’ offensive line is a testament to determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence.

Early Life and Athletic Foundations

Born Mihkel Roos on October 5, 1982, in Taebla, Estonia, Michael Roos immigrated to Vancouver, Washington, with his mother and two siblings in 1992. His introduction to organized sports came late; he began playing football during his senior year at Mountain View High School. Despite this late start, Roos showcased his athletic prowess by earning second-team All-GSHL honors as a tight end and defensive lineman. His versatility extended beyond football; he was also a standout in basketball and track, earning scholar-athlete honors multiple times across different sports.

College Career at Eastern Washington University

Roos’s collegiate journey took him to Eastern Washington University, a school not traditionally known for producing NFL talent. Initially, he played tight end before transitioning to defensive end, and ultimately to offensive tackle. This switch proved pivotal. Under the guidance of coaches like Aaron Best and Paul Wulff, Roos honed his skills and became a formidable presence on the field.

During his tenure at Eastern Washington, Roos garnered numerous accolades, including first-team All-American honors and the Division I-AA Offensive Lineman of the Year award. His performance was instrumental in the Eagles’ success, and he left a lasting legacy at the university.

The 2005 NFL Draft: A Surprising Selection

Despite his impressive college career, Roos was not widely projected to be a high draft pick. Many analysts had him pegged as a third or fourth-round selection. However, the Tennessee Titans saw potential in the young lineman and selected him with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. This made Roos the highest draft pick in Eastern Washington history and the first Division I-AA player chosen that year.

The Titans’ decision was met with skepticism by some, given Roos’s unconventional path to the NFL. However, the team’s coaching staff, led by offensive line coach Mike Munchak, recognized Roos’s raw talent and work ethic. Munchak’s confidence in Roos was evident, stating, “Michael was such an intelligent football player… He always understood his opponent, our offensive scheme, their defensive scheme and all the angles involved.”

NFL Career with the Tennessee Titans

Roos’s professional career began with a steep learning curve. Transitioning from a small school to the NFL posed challenges, but Roos’s adaptability and commitment to improvement allowed him to thrive. He started his rookie season at right tackle before moving to left tackle, a position he would dominate for the remainder of his career.

Over the next decade, Roos became a mainstay on the Titans’ offensive line, starting all 148 games he played. His durability and consistency were remarkable; he missed only one game in his first nine seasons, a streak interrupted only by an emergency appendectomy in 2012. Roos’s contributions were pivotal in the Titans’ offensive success, including blocking for running back Chris Johnson during his historic 2,006-yard rushing season in 2009.

In recognition of his excellence, Roos was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008 and earned first-team All-Pro honors that same year. He followed that up with a second-team All-Pro selection in 2009. These accolades solidified his reputation as one of the premier offensive tackles in the league.

Retirement and Legacy

After a decade of service, Roos announced his retirement from the NFL in February 2015. Reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at the highest level, stating, “I feel fortunate to have played this long coming from a TE turned DE turned OT from Eastern Washington University.”

Roos’s impact extended beyond the field. Along with his wife, Katherine Fossett, he made a significant donation to Eastern Washington University, contributing $500,000 to the school’s stadium project. In honor of their generosity, the university renamed its football stadium to Roos Field, ensuring that his legacy would endure.

Post-Football Endeavors

Following his retirement from football, Roos pursued a new athletic challenge: curling. In 2018, he joined a team of retired NFL players, including Marc Bulger and Keith Bulluck, aiming to represent the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics. While the team’s Olympic aspirations were not realized, their participation in events like the USA Men’s Challenge Round and the Ed Werenich Golden Wrench Classic showcased Roos’s continued commitment to sports and competition.

Michael Roos’s journey from a late-blooming athlete in Estonia to an NFL stalwart is a narrative of perseverance and adaptability. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide, demonstrating that with determination and the right opportunities, success can be achieved regardless of one’s starting point. Roos’s legacy, both on and off the field, underscores the importance of hard work, humility, and giving back to the community.