He graduated from Oceanside High School in Northern San Diego County after being named the 1953 state football player of the year as a senior, having scored 65 touchdowns. He then went to the University of Southern California where he was a fullback for the USC Trojan. Known for his speed and agility on the field, he made college football history in 1956 as well as American History when he rushed for 251 yards on only 12 carries and 3 TDs, leading the Trojans to a 44–20 victory. He was cheered as he left the field for two reasons, the first being his prowess on the field, and second, it was the first time a black player competed against a white player in that state, breaking racial barriers in football.

Prior to that game, the University of Texas did not want him to attend the game, but the USC players refused to play without him. He was shouted down and called the "N" word by some fans. However, not only did he break rushing records that last for over 20 years, he broke racial barriers. Mr. Roberts became a USC football legend and Trojans’ Hall of Famer. He was best known for breaking through racial barriers in segregated Texas to run for a record-setting 251 yards and 3 TDs against the Texas Longhorns in 1956. After graduating from USC with a degree in business administration, he was taken in the 14th round of the 1958 NFL draft by the New York Giants. However, he chose to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. He rushed for 595 yards and five touchdowns, including TD runs of 67 and 85 yards, in 10 games. In 1959 he went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers from until 1962.

Mr. Roberts obtained a bachelors degree in Business Administration from what is now the Marshall School of Business at USC. Mr. Roberts taught typing and BOL here at Lennox.

He passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at a care facility in suburban Norwalk. He was 87. He was preceeded in death by his parents, brother Johnnie, sisters Josphine and Lorena. He is survived by his brother, another younger brother named Johnnie, his daughters Dr. Cathy Creasia and Chandra Roberts; son Craig; and four grandchildren.