Roberto Garza

Roberto Garza (born March 26, 1979) is an American football center and guard for the Chicago Bears of the NFL.

High School Years
Garza attended Rio Hondo High School in Rio Hondo, Texas and was a Letterman in football and track and field. He was also a member the school's National Honor Society.

Post-High School
The son of immigrants from Mexico, Garza was encouraged to join the Marines after high school. A Marine recruiter interested in Garza ridiculed his desire to play professional football, allegedly stating that, "Mexicans do not play in the NFL". Roberto was not discouraged, and worked toward his goal by playing for the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelinas as a "walk-on". In addition to playing football, Roberto worked to pay for school. Garza's hometown of Rio Hondo, Texas established December 2 as "Roberto Garza, Jr. Day", and subsequently named a street after him. He is fluent in Spanish.

Professional career
He was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 99th overall pick of 2001 NFL Draft from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Garza played with the Falcons up until the 2004 season when his contract was up. He signed a one year contract with the Chicago Bears in 2005 and a six year contract extension in 2006. Garza was chosen to be the cover athlete of the Spanish version of Madden 09 En Español.

Among the 1,700 NFL players in the 2006 season, Garza was one of only 19 Hispanics.

In 2012, Garza, along with teammate and defensive end Henry Melton were named to the 2012 All-Joe Team.

Charitable work
Garza is a supporter and member of the United Way, a group of charitable organizations dedicated to helping less fortunate children and elderly. In 2006, Garza was named the Chicago Bears' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He has previously worked with the Empty Stocking Fund, the Atlanta Falcons' Feed The Homeless Campaign, and the Hall County Boys & Girls Club. He also supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.