Red Roberts (American football)


 * This is an article about the college football coach. For the baseball player, see Red Roberts.

James Madison "Red" Roberts (August 23, 1900 – June 27, 1945) was an American football player and coach in the United States. He played football for the Centre Praying Colonels in Danville, Kentucky. After college Roberts, played in the early National Football League for the Toledo Maroons and the Akron Pros. He also played in the first American Football League for the Cleveland Panthers. He later made a run for the office of Governor of Kentucky as a Democrat in 1931, losing in the primary to Ruby Laffoon who went on to win the election.

Playing career
Roberts played fullback for the Centre College football team along with teammates Bo McMillan and Matty Bell. He was selected by Walter Camp as a first team All-American at the end of the regular season and became the third, first team player designated by Camp, joining “Bo” McMillin and Red Weaver from the 1919 Centre team.

Coaching career
Colonel Roberts was the head college football coach for the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and he held that position for the 1923 season. His coaching record at Waynesburg was 3 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie. As of the conclusion of the 2010 season, this ranks him #19 at Waynesburg in total wins and #15 at the school in winning percentage (.430).