KJ ROBERTSON

“My father’s message was always that it wasn’t about the game of football,” KJ Robertson said. “It was about what can you get from the game of football. How can it teach you to be a better person and a better man in life?”

Since first dawning a football helmet, Robertson has had his fair share of trials en route to becoming a two-time All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention. One fortunate trial in his journey to becoming a better man allowed him to become a father to his two biggest fans: his daughters, Layla Drew and Kylie Jean.

Robertson became a father during the pandemic to his first-born child, Layla, on July 12, 2020, just a few short days before fall camp began. While things remained different in the COVID-19 world, Robertson’s goal remained the same. He aimed to excel on the field while now being the best father to Layla.

“Lyla Drew is as crazy as all heck, and she’s definitely a diva,” Robertson said. “I was unlucky because she was born during the COVID era, so I couldn’t be present for that one, which sucked. She was born four days before fall camp, so, I got a lot of time with her at night. I think I slept maybe 3 hours each night for a week and a half, which was great because I got to spend time with her. She’s awesome. Every time I come home, she goes ‘up, up’ and smiles and runs and hugs me. And that’s the best part of my day.”

The Alabaster, Ala. native, became a girl dad of two after the birth of Kylie on June 17. The biggest difference was Robertson’s ability to be present for what he considers the best day of his life.

“Kylie sure is something,” Robertson said. “I can’t get a read on her, which is scary, but I was lucky enough to be there for that one, and it was the happiest day of my life. I’ve never felt joy like that. There’s not even a description. She’s the most beautiful thing in the world.”

Change But the thing is, she has not smiled since she’s been born. I’ve tried so many things, and nothing helps. But I like that. I like a little mean side, so that’s good. It’s a cool experience. I put Layla Drew and Kylie Jean on my face tape to let them know I’m thinking about them. And their Page mom, Brittany Hooper, sends me videos of Layla going, ‘touchdown,’ even though we just got to stop.” Robertson knows the journey of fatherhood has many highs and lows, but he feels that he is more than ready to take on the challenge. He often gives credit to his father and the game of football for preparing him for this test. His father, Ken Robertson Sr., was also the man that inspired KJ to enter the game of football. Initially, Troy’s 203 tackle and three-sack linebacker was a running back, just like his father. “I started as a running back because I wanted to be like my dad,” Robertson said. “I wanted to play peewee football for the longest time, but my dad was a football player too, so he knew the rigorous toll on the body. So, he didn’t want me to play, but I talked him into it. And he coached me till middle school.” His journey to linebacker saw the Thompson High School graduate play various positions, including the offensive line, defensive line, quarterback, receiver and safety. “I played quarterback, but I can’t throw a ball worth anything,” Robertson said. “So, it was just drop back and run. And then, I hit a huge growth spurt. They used to give this yellow dye to the big kids to position you where you could play, so I played offensive and defensive lines. Then, I played everything in middle school from a receiver to safety. Wherever they needed me until high school, I started developing into more of a defensive guy.” Through all the trials Robertson has faced, one woman stands above all others to inspire No. 7. His grandmother, Ruthla Robertson, was the physical embodiment of work ethic for KJ. She worked from a janitor to the first black woman to become a senior engineer at the hospital where she worked.