Former 11-year NFL veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is lending his services to the SIAC’s Allen University, joining the institution as its Athletics Ambassador per HBCUGameday.
The 2025 Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee joins Allen University, where his father, Stanley Cromartie, has been the school’s Athletic Director since last October.
“Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie represents the very best of athletic achievement, leadership, and professionalism,” said [Stanley] Cromartie. “We are honored to welcome him to the Allen University family as our Athletics Ambassador. His experience, passion, and dedication to uplifting HBCU athletics will have a tremendous impact on our student-athletes and our institution.”
Rogers-Cromartie went from HBCU star to NFL first-round pick
A standout defensive back at Tennessee State, Rodgers-Cromartie was selected to the All-OVC First Team three times and was named an FCS All-American in his final season in 2007.
He then entered the 2008 NFL Draft, where he was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the first Tennessee State player to be taken in the first round since 1993.
In his first season, Rodgers-Cromartie helped lead the Cardinals to their first and only Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, recording six total interceptions (two in the playoffs).
The following year, he made the first of two career Pro Bowl appearances, snagging a team-high six interceptions (tied for 5th in the NFL).
He made yet another Super Bowl appearance with the Denver Broncos in 2013, headlined by a record-setting season by Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.
The Tennessee Star ended his career with 30 interceptions (returning six for touchdowns) and seven forced fumbles.
“I am honored to join Allen University as Athletics Ambassador,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “HBCUs continue to play a vital role in shaping opportunities for young people, and I look forward to supporting the student-athletes, staff, and university community in every way possible.”
