ATLANTA — Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a two-time All-American and three-time first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) selection during his illustrious career at Tennessee State University, has been selected for induction into the 2025 Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Rodgers-Cromartie, widely known as "DRC," left an indelible mark on college football as one of the most dominant defensive backs of his era.
Over 44 games and 39 starts for the Tigers, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded 11 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 34.16% (55-of-161) of passes thrown in his direction, underscoring his lockdown coverage ability.
His all-around impact extended far beyond pass defense. DRC returned a fumble and a kickoff for touchdowns, blocked eight kicks, and returned 36 kickoffs for 859 yards during his TSU career. On offense, he caught two passes for 46 yards and rushed twice for 16 yards. His versatility and athleticism were unmatched, cementing his place as one of TSU's all-time greats.
Rodgers-Cromartie's senior season in 2007 was particularly remarkable, as he notched three touchdowns on returns (two interceptions, one kickoff), amassed 1,016 all-purpose yards, and blocked four kicks. That year, he was named an FCS All-American and earned his third consecutive first-team All-OVC honor.
Following his stellar collegiate career, Rodgers-Cromartie was selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, becoming TSU's first first-round pick since Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Waymond Bryant were selected first and fourth overall in 1974.
Rodgers-Cromartie enjoyed a 12-year NFL career, playing for the Cardinals (2008-2010), Philadelphia Eagles (2011-2012), Denver Broncos (2013), New York Giants (2014-2017), Oakland Raiders (2018), and Washington Redskins (2019). Known for his blazing speed and ball-hawking skills, he earned two Pro Bowl selections (2009, 2015) and appeared in Super Bowl XLIII with the Cardinals.
In addition to his football prowess, Rodgers-Cromartie excelled in track and field at TSU. A multi-time OVC champion, he claimed three indoor and one outdoor title and was named the 2007 OVC Indoor Championship MVP.
"We are incredibly proud to see Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame," said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. This honor not only recognizes his exceptional talent and dedication on the field but is well-deserved for a legendary career that inspired so many."
Rodgers-Cromartie's induction further solidifies Tennessee State's legacy in Black college football. He joins an elite class of honorees in the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which will celebrate his achievements both at TSU and in the NFL.
About the Black College Football Hall of Fame
The Black College Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 by African-American pioneers, quarterbacks James Harris and Doug Williams to preserve the history and honor the greatest football players, coaches and contributors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There have been over 100 Inductees since inception, including Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams, who serve as Trustees.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) has a permanent home at the Pro Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF) to tell the story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
About the HBCU Legacy Bowl
The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame is a postseason all-star game that showcases the top 100 NFL draft-eligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game will be played on the Saturday, February 24, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University, and broadcast live on NFL Network. More than a football game, the week-long celebration of Black culture and history will provide invaluable exposure for HBCU students. HBCU Legacy Bowl Founding Partners include Allstate, the National Football League, adidas, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, Coca-Cola, Coors Light, New Orleans Saints, Delta Airlines, Riddell, Allstate Sugar Bowl, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Follow the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on social media via @HBCULegacyBowl or visit www.HBCULegacyBowl.com for more information.
