Robby Anderson, born Robert Steven Anderson on May 9, 1993, in Teaneck, New Jersey, spent his formative years in Florida, where he attended South Plantation High School in Davie . At 6’3″ and possessing exceptional speed, Anderson excelled as both a wide receiver and defensive back, amassing nearly 2,000 receiving yards and over 20 touchdowns during his high school career.
His athletic prowess also extended to track and field, where he earned three varsity letters. Despite his talents, Anderson faced academic challenges, which led to his redshirting during his freshman year at Temple University .
College Journey at Temple University
Freshman Year (2011)
Anderson redshirted his freshman year at Temple University, allowing him to develop both athletically and academically. During this time, he worked on improving his skills and preparing for future opportunities.
Sophomore Year (2012)
In his sophomore year, Anderson saw limited action, primarily contributing on special teams .
This period was crucial for his development, as he worked to refine his skills and understanding of the game.
Breakout Season (2013)
Under new head coach Matt Rhule, Anderson transitioned to the wide receiver position, where he began to showcase his potential. He set a school record with 239 receiving yards in a single game against Southern Methodist University. Despite his on-field success, Anderson faced academic ineligibility, leading him to return to Florida for a year .
Redemption and Senior Year (2015)
In 2015, Anderson returned to Temple University, where he had a standout season, recording 70 receptions for 939 yards and leading the team in touchdowns. His performance earned him recognition and a selection to the East-West Shrine Game . His journey from academic ineligibility to a successful senior year highlighted his resilience and determination.
NFL Career
Undrafted Free Agent to Starting Receiver
Despite his impressive college statistics, Anderson went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent and quickly made an impact. In his rookie season, he recorded 42 receptions for 587 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to make big plays and his speed made him a valuable asset to the team .
Rise to Prominence with the Jets
In the 2017 season, Anderson emerged as the Jets’ top wide receiver, leading the team with 63 receptions and seven touchdowns. He continued to be a consistent performer in the following seasons, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. His ability to stretch the field and make critical catches solidified his role as a key player for the Jets .
Transition to the Carolina Panthers
In 2020, Anderson signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, reuniting with head coach Matt Rhule. In his first season with the Panthers, he had a career-high 95 receptions for 1,096 yards, showcasing his continued growth and adaptability. His chemistry with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and familiarity with Rhule’s system contributed to his success .
Subsequent Seasons and Name Change
In 2022, Anderson was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for the remainder of the season. The following year, he joined the Miami Dolphins, contributing to the team’s receiving corps. During this period, Anderson legally changed his name to “Robbie Chosen,” reflecting his personal growth and new identity .
2024 Season Performance
In the 2024 NFL season, Chosen played two games, recording one reception for five yards. His limited involvement was due to various factors, including team dynamics and coaching decisions. Despite the reduced role, Chosen’s presence in the locker room and his experience provided valuable leadership to the team .
Personal Life and Off-Field Contributions
Off the field, Chosen has been involved in various community initiatives, focusing on youth development and mentorship. His experiences growing up in Florida and his journey through adversity have fueled his passion for giving back to the community. He has spoken openly about his challenges and the importance of perseverance, aiming to inspire others facing similar obstacles.
Legacy and Impact
Robby Chosen’s journey from an undrafted free agent to an NFL veteran is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and determination. His story resonates with many aspiring athletes, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief. As he continues his career, Chosen remains committed to making a positive impact both on and off the field.
FAQs
Who is Robby Anderson?
Robby Anderson, born Robert Steven Anderson on May 9, 1993, is a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). He is a wide receiver known for his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays down the field. Anderson grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, before moving to Florida for high school, where his athletic talents began to shine. Despite facing challenges in his early years, including academic struggles, Anderson’s perseverance led him to the NFL, where he played for teams such as the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, and Miami Dolphins.
Where did Robby Anderson play college football?
Anderson played college football at Temple University in Philadelphia. Initially, his college career was marked by academic difficulties, which led to a redshirt year. However, he overcame those setbacks and had a breakout season in 2015, where he finished with 70 receptions for 939 yards and eight touchdowns. Anderson’s impressive performance in his senior year helped him get noticed by NFL scouts, despite going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Why did Robby Anderson go undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft?
Despite an outstanding senior season at Temple, Robby Anderson went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft, largely due to concerns over his past academic issues and a lack of elite college-level competition. Many scouts questioned whether his performance in college could translate to the NFL. Additionally, Anderson’s lack of top-tier size compared to other wide receiver prospects and his previous off-field behavior may have contributed to his draft stock falling. Nonetheless, Anderson signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.
What was Robby Anderson’s best season in the NFL?
Robby Anderson’s best season came in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers. In his first year with the team, he posted career highs in receptions (95) and yards (1,096). This performance solidified him as one of the league’s top wide receivers and helped the Panthers’ offense become more dynamic. His ability to stretch the field with his speed made him a crucial part of the team, and his chemistry with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was a significant factor in his success.
In summary
Robby Anderson’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a respected NFL veteran is a story of perseverance, growth, and overcoming adversity. Despite facing challenges early in his life, including academic struggles and being overlooked in the draft, Anderson worked hard to establish himself as a reliable wide receiver in the NFL. His impact both on and off the field has made him a role model for many aspiring athletes. Whether as Robby Anderson or Chosen, his career remains a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
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