Nick Roach

Nicholas Alexander Roach (born June 16, 1985) is an American football linebacker for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Northwestern.

Roach has also played for the Chicago Bears.

Early years
Roach attended high school at Milwaukee Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he lettered in football, basketball, and track.

College career
Roach attended Northwestern (2003–06) where he started 32 career games. He finished his career with 241 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 16 TFLs and 2 interceptions. He was named Academic All-Big Ten and team co-MVP as a senior despite having his season cut short due to a broken leg. He led the Wildcats with 62 tackles despite playing in just eight games in 2006. He was Northwestern’s second-leading tackler as a junior with 77 stops, Roach earned NGN Defensive Newcomer of the Year Award as a sophomore after finishing second on the team with 7.5 TFLs. He played in all 13 games as a freshman.

Chicago Bears
Roach went undrafted in 2007 and was signed by the Chicago Bears after being cut from the Chargers. That season, he played in only 3 games, starting none. In 2008 he saw increased playing time, starting nine games and tallying 28 solo tackles in addition to nine assists. 2009 saw Roach make his biggest impact yet on defense, starting 15 games for the Bears. He had 54 solo tackles, 28 assists, two sacks and three fumble recoveries.

On March 6, 2011, Roach was a guest on Chalk Them Up Radio to review the Chicago Bears run to the NFC Championship Game.

In 2012, Roach and Stephen Paea were awarded the Brian Piccolo Award.

Oakland Raiders
Roach signed with the Oakland Raiders on March 15, 2013.

Personal life
Roach married on February 18, 2012.