Robbie Rogers is a former American soccer player, who is widely known for being one of the first openly gay professional footballers in the United States. Born on May 12, 1987, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Rogers began his soccer career at a young age, and quickly rose to prominence as a talented player. Over the course of his career, Rogers played for several teams, including the Columbus Crew, Leeds United, Stevenage, and the LA Galaxy.
However, it was not just his success on the field that made Rogers a noteworthy figure in the world of sports. In 2013, Rogers publicly announced that he was gay, becoming the first openly gay male athlete to play in a top North American professional sports league. His announcement was met with widespread support, but also highlighted the lack of representation and acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports. Rogers’ story is an important one, not only for his impact on the sport of soccer, but also for his bravery and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Know more about Robbie Rogers’s personal life and football career from this article of International lgbt football
Robbie Rogers Early Life and Career
Childhood and Upbringing
Robbie Rogers was born and raised in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, the youngest of five siblings. His parents, Robert and Teresa Rogers, were both lawyers, and instilled a strong work ethic in their children. Rogers attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, where he played on the school’s soccer team.
Early Soccer Career
Rogers’ soccer talent was evident from a young age, and he began playing competitively at the age of four. In high school, he played on the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program team, and was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2005. After graduating from high school, Rogers played for the Orange County Blue Star, a United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League team.
College Years and Playing for the US National Team
In 2005, Rogers enrolled at the University of Maryland to play for the Maryland Terrapins men’s soccer team. During his freshman year, he helped lead the team to the NCAA championship game. In 2007, Rogers left college to play professionally for Dutch team SC Heerenveen, but later returned to the US to finish his degree at the University of Maryland.
In addition to his professional career, Rogers also played for the US National Team. He represented the US at the U-20 and U-23 levels, and made his senior team debut in 2009. Rogers played in several matches for the US National Team, including the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Also read about other gay soccer players
Professional Career
Signing with the Columbus Crew
After leaving college early to pursue his professional career, Robbie Rogers was selected in the second round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. He made his MLS debut on April 7, 2007, in a match against the New York Red Bulls. Rogers quickly established himself as a key player for the Crew, helping the team win the 2008 MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield in 2009.
Playing in Europe for Leeds United and Stevenage
In January 2012, Rogers signed with Leeds United, becoming the first openly gay footballer to play for an English team. He made his debut for Leeds United in March 2012, and scored his first goal for the team in September of that year. After struggling with injuries and limited playing time, Rogers joined Stevenage on loan in January 2013. He made his debut for Stevenage on January 12, 2013, in a match against Doncaster Rovers.
Return to MLS with the LA Galaxy
In May 2013, Rogers returned to the US and signed with the LA Galaxy, becoming the first openly gay male athlete to play in a top North American professional sports league. He made his debut for the Galaxy on May 26, 2013, in a match against the Seattle Sounders. Rogers helped the Galaxy win the MLS Cup in 2014, and retired from professional soccer in November 2017.
Robbie Rogers’ Net Worth
Robbie Rogers’ net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. While this is a modest net worth compared to some other professional athletes, it reflects the fact that Rogers’ playing career was relatively short.
Rogers earned his wealth primarily through his career as a professional soccer player, playing for teams in the US, Europe, and the UK. He also earned income through sponsorships and endorsements, including a deal with Nike.
Since retiring from soccer, Rogers has worked as a commentator and analyst for various sports networks, which has likely contributed to his net worth.
Compared to other soccer players, Rogers’ net worth is relatively modest. This is in part due to the fact that he retired from playing soccer at a relatively young age, and did not have the opportunity to accumulate the same level of wealth as some other players.
However, Rogers’ impact on the soccer world goes far beyond his net worth. As the first openly gay male athlete to play in a top North American professional sports league, he has paved the way for greater inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes in sports. His advocacy work and the establishment of the Robbie Rogers Foundation have also had a significant impact on the lives of young people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Coming Out as Gay
In February 2013, Robbie Rogers came out as gay in a blog post on his personal website, becoming the first openly gay male athlete to play in a top North American professional sports league. Rogers wrote about his struggles with his sexuality and his fear of rejection from teammates and fans. His decision to come out was met with widespread support from fans, teammates, and the soccer community.
Advocating for LGBTQ+ Rights
Since coming out, Rogers has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He has worked with organizations like GLAAD and Athlete Ally to promote equality and acceptance in sports. Rogers has also spoken at events and conferences about his experiences as a gay athlete, and has been an inspiration to many young LGBTQ+ people.
Establishing the Robbie Rogers Foundation
In 2015, Rogers established the Robbie Rogers Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth and their families. The foundation works to provide resources and education to help young people navigate the challenges of coming out and living as an LGBTQ+ person.
Relationship with Boyfriend Greg Berlanti
In 2013, Robbie Rogers began dating Greg Berlanti, a prominent television producer and director. The couple announced their engagement in December 2016, and were married in December 2017. They have two children together, a son and a daughter, who were born via surrogacy. Rogers and Berlanti have been vocal about their commitment to their family and their belief in the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media and popular culture.
Robbie Rogers on Social Media
Overview of Robbie Rogers Instagram
Robbie Rogers is an active user of social media, particularly Instagram, where he has over 95,000 followers. He frequently posts photos and videos that give fans a glimpse into his personal life, including his family, travels, and hobbies.
Rogers’ Instagram account reflects his personality and interests, with a mix of personal and professional content. He often posts about his family, sharing photos of his husband, children, and their adventures together. Rogers also uses his account to promote LGBTQ+ causes and organizations, and to share his own experiences as a gay athlete.
In addition, Rogers frequently posts about his fashion and style, showcasing his unique and edgy fashion sense. He also shares updates about his career, including his work as a soccer commentator and his involvement with the Robbie Rogers Foundation.
Impact on his Fan Base and Followers
Robbie Rogers’ social media presence has helped to grow his fan base and increase his visibility as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His posts often generate a lot of engagement and interaction from his followers, who appreciate his openness and authenticity.
Many of Rogers’ followers look up to him as a role model and source of inspiration, and his social media presence has allowed him to connect with fans and supporters around the world.
Conclusion
Robbie Rogers’ career as a professional soccer player, his advocacy work for LGBTQ+ rights. His establishment of the Robbie Rogers Foundation have had a significant impact on the sports world and beyond.
As we reflect on Robbie Rogers’ story, it’s important to remember that there is still much work to be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ athletes are accepted and supported in sports.
By working together, we can help to create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel safe and welcomed in sports. Let’s honor Robbie Rogers’ legacy by continuing the fight for equality and inclusion.
