Justin Rogers (linebacker)

Justin Rogers (born August 31, 1983 in Penngrove, California) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs. He played college football at SMU.

Early years
Rogers grew up in Commerce, Texas and attended Commerce High School.

College career
Rogers accepted a scholarship from Southern Methodist University. He became a starter at defensive end as a junior, leading the conference in sacks (7) and ranking in the top 10 in tackles-for-loss and forced fumbles. His senior season was cut short with a neck injury, but he still was able to lead the team in sacks.

During his 54-game career he had a total of 123 tackles, 28 for a loss (83 solo tackles, 23 of which were for a loss). He also recorded 19.5 career sacks, five forced fumbles, and one blocked kick.

Pre-Draft
At his Pro Day, Rogers measured in at 6'3" 252 pounds. He ran a 4.76 40 yard dash (1.58 10 yard split) with a 4.28 20 yard shuttle and 7.32 3 cone time. He had a vertical jump of 34" and a broad jump of 9'9" and bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times.

New England Patriots
Rogers was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft, with the intention of converting him into an outside linebacker. He became the first Mustang drafted by an NFL team since Kevin Garrett in 2003. He was waived by the Patriots during final cuts on September 1.

Dallas Cowboys
On September 2, 2007, he was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys. He played in all 16 games primarily on special teams. He finished the season with 16 special teams tackles as well as three tackles on defense.

Rogers played in 15 games for the Cowboys in 2008, finishing third on the team with 18 special teams tackles.

He missed time in the 2009 training camp with tendinitis in his knee. On August 2, he was waived/injured and subsequently reverted to the injured reserve list. He was released on August 27.

Kansas City Chiefs
On October 14, 2009, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was waived three days later, and re-signed on October 20. He was declared inactive in five games. He was placed on the injured reserve list with a thigh injury on December 26. He was waived on February 8, 2010.