Bro. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie | Eta Beta Sigma Chapter
Bro. Rodgers-Cromartie was born on April 7, 1986, to Stanley and Melissa Cromartie in Bradenton, FL. He attended three high schools, including spending his sophomore year at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida, before enrolling at Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Florida, where he first received playing time; and eventually became an All-Area, All-Class 5A, and All-District 11 defensive back and wide receiver. He also competed as a jumper and sprinter on the school's track team. He was named the most underrated prospect in Florida by the High School Recruiting Report.
While attending Tennessee State University, Rodgers-Cromartie played for the Tennessee State Tigers football team from 2004 to 2007. In 39 starts for the Tigers, opposing quarterbacks completed just 55 of 161 passes (34.16%) thrown near Rodgers-Cromartie. He intercepted 11 of those throws, deflected 25 and held the opposition to a minuscule 3.54 yards per pass attempt, the best of any collegiate defensive back over his three seasons.
Rodgers-Cromartie was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round (16th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft. On July 25, 2008, he signed a five-year, $15.1 million contract with the team that included $9 million guaranteed. Rodgers-Cromartie was named the starting nickelback for the 2008 season.. In Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks, he recorded two interceptions, the second interception securing a Cardinals 26–20 victory. In Week 14 against the St. Louis Rams, Rodgers-Cromartie returned a late fourth quarter interception 99 yards for a touchdown, ensuring a Cardinals victory and subsequent NFC West title. In the Wild Card Round between the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons, Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted a pass from Matt Ryan.[19] In the Divisional Round versus the Carolina Panthers, he intercepted a pass from Jake Delhomme in the red zone during the second quarter. Rodgers-Cromartie helped the Cardinals reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history after they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 32–25 in the NFC Championship. In Super Bowl XLIII, Rodgers-Cromartie had five tackles and two passes defended, as the Cardinals lost 27–23 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers-Cromartie recorded 50 tackles (48 solo), 25 passes defended, and six interceptions in the 2009 NFL regular season. In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, he interception on the first play of the game to set up a Cardinals touchdown. He was selected as a reserve to the 2010 Pro Bowl. He did not participate in the game due to an injury sustained in the Divisional Round loss to the New Orleans Saints.
In the 2010 season, he recorded 44 total tackles and three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. His three postseason interceptions remainea a Cardinals franchise record shared with Aeneas Williams.
On July 28, 2011, Rodgers-Cromartie was traded, along with a second round pick. He registered zero interceptions in his first season with the Eagles, while playing mostly the nickel. In the 2012 season, he recorded 51 total tackles and three interceptions.
On March 13, 2013, Rodgers-Cromartie signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Denver Broncos. In his second game as a member of the Broncos, Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted Eli Manning in the closing seconds of the first half, in a win against the New York Giants. In week 8, Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted Kirk Cousins, and returned it back 75 yards for a touchdown in a 45–21 win against the Washington Redskins. His third interception came against the Houston Texans in week 16, in a 37–13 win.
The Broncos advanced to Super Bowl XLVIII after they defeated the New England Patriots 26–16 in the AFC Championship.In the Super Bowl, Rodgers-Cromartie had one tackle as the Broncos lost 43–8 to the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers-Cromartie finished his only season with the Broncos with 31 tackles and three interceptions.
On March 17, 2014, Rodgers-Cromartie signed a five-year contract with the New York Giants worth $35 million, with $11.98 million guaranteed. September 21, 2014, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded three tackles and an interception against the Houston Texans. He recorded his first interception of the season (20th career), picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick. On December 7, 2014, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded an interception against the Tennessee Titans and returning it 36 yards for a touchdown. In the 2014 season, Rodgers-Cromartie had 38 total tackles and two interceptions while also having 12 pass deflections.
On October 25, 2015, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded two tackles, two interceptions, and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys returning one 58 yards for a touchdown, and the other one for 12 yards. November 1, 2015, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded six tackles and an interception against the New Orleans Saints. He recorded his 24th career interception. In Rodgers-Cromartie's second season with the Giants he had a career-high 58 tackles. Rodgers-Cromartie also had two forced fumbles, three interceptions and 13 pass deflections. On January 26, 2016, he was named to his second Pro Bowl.
On October 23, 2016, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded four tackles and two interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams recording his 25th and 26th career interceptions, catching both in the endzone for touchbacks. He recorded his fifth multi-interception game of his career. December 18, 2016, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded seven tackles and an interception against the Detroit Lions.[58] He recorded his third interception of the season (27th career) in the endzone for a touchback. December 22, 2016, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded two tackles and an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded his fourth interception of the season (28th career). His last interceptions of the season were against the Washington Redskins twice to win the game. He finished the 2016 season with one sack, 49 total tackles, six interceptions, 21 passes defended, and one forced fumble. In the 2017 season, he had .5 sacks, 48 total tackles, and one pass defended.
Rodgers-Cromartie retired in 2019
Awards:3X Pro Bowl (2009, 2015, 2016), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2008), FCS All-American (2007) and 3X First-team All-OVC (2005–2007).
