This 3-Time Steelers Super Bowl Champ Calls New Mexico Home
If you live in New Mexico, you know the name Roy Gerela. From 1975 to 2009, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the first NFL team to win 6 Super Bowls. One of the players that helped the Steelers win 3 Super Bowl rings was Roy Gerela was Alberta, Canada in 1975, 1976 & 1979. Roy is still the only Canadian to ever win 3 Super Bowls in NFL history.
For those who live in New Mexico definitely know Roy, because not only does he still live in Las Cruces but he coached for the NMSU Aggies.
When did Roy Gerela coach for NMSU?
Well it turns out that Roy's time in New Mexico dates back to the 60s. Roy went to school at New Mexico State University & played football for the Aggies before he joined the NFL. He would play with the Houston Oilers first before being drafted to the Steelers.
Roy would return to NMSU in the 90s where he had a long career coaching. According to Roy's official page on New Mexico's State University Athletics, he was an assistant coach for the NMSU Aggies from 1991-1995. He then coached at Gadsen High School in Anthony from 1997-2002 & Hatch High School in 2003-2004 in Hatch, New Mexico. Roy then went back to coaching for the Aggies in 2005.
In addition to coaching, Roy Gerela would also get his Master's Degree at NMSU. He would retire from coaching all together by 2016 & currently lives in Las Cruces.
In 2019, Roy would be inducted into the New Mexico State Athletics Department Ring of Honor to recognize all his accomplishments in the NFL & his work for New Mexico football.
One of the biggest things I noticed when researching on Roy Gerela was this quote he gave to a NFL Q&A when asking why did he coach high school, "I think it's the development of kids, teaching them how to play the game and how to succeed... And it's great to see them grow and graduate every year, to see how much they progress, and see how they enjoyed their experience."
Looking back on Roy's career, I would see he absolutely had a hand helping kids & students grow into future stars. And as a fellow Steelers fan, thank you Roy for your time in the NFL & helping kids play football.
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Gallery Credit: Jacob Osborn