Chargers’
Oben contributing on and off field
There
are a lot of reasons why the San Diego Chargers have become the NFL’s
surprise team of the year. Volumes have been written about the dramatic
improvement of quarterback Drew Brees and the continuing success of running
back LaDainian Tomlinson. On the other side of the ball, the Chargers have
developed into a solid defensive team. But without a dramatically improved
offensive line, the Chargers offense and Brees and Tomlinson in particular,
would have little room to operate. The off-season acquisition of veteran left
tackle Roman Oben has been a key to turning what was once a porous offensive
line into a formidable one. Considering his background, Oben is about the least
likely guy one would expect to be playing in the NFL.
Oben
was born in the impoverished West African nation of Cameroon. Raised initially
by his grandparents, he came to the United States with his single-parent mother
Marie at the age of five. Living in a tough inner city Washington, D.C.
neighborhood, Oben exchanged one difficult situation for another.
Determined
to build a better life for her son, Marie Oben, a devout Catholic, worked
multiple jobs and attended night school. Young Roman often spent many hours
alone while his mother struggled to provide for him. After his lack of
supervision was discovered by authorities, he began accompanying her everywhere
she went. From his mother he learned the importance of faith and hard work.
Sitting beside her as she attended night school, Oben acquired a thirst for
learning at an early age.
As
he grew from childhood to adolescence Oben’s athletic abilities became
increasing obvious. His talent on the field was matched by his excellence in
the classroom. He was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of
Louisville and after a stellar collegiate career, he was selected by the New
York Giants in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft.
After
three successful seasons in New York, Oben signed a lucrative contract with the
Cleveland Browns and then moved on after two seasons there to the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers. Oben earned a Super Bowl ring as a Bucs starter following their
2002-2003 season. On June 9 of this year, his career took another twist. That
was the day he became a San Diego Charger. The Chargers were coming off a
miserable 4-12 campaign and what seemed like an endless succession of losing
seasons.
“Initially
when I was traded from Tampa to here my sentiments were that at least I was
still in the NFL and maybe I could help these guys turn it around,” Oben
said in a recent phone interview. “Everyone thought (in June) that Tampa
was going to be doing a lot better than they have been doing, so I’m glad
to see that the tables have been turned for the better and in my favor. History
shows in the NFL that you can’t lose for ten years without having a good
season. If you give a head coach three or four years to get his program
implemented and to get his key guys in the right places (success usually
follows). Confidence has replaced pessimism in San Diego.
“Optimism
has been floating around our locker room this season. We feel like our best is
good enough right now to beat anybody in the league,” Oben said. But
optimism isn’t the only thing floating around the Chargers locker room.
There is a sense of unity and Christian fellowship among several of the
players. Oben, now 31 and a strong leader, is one of them.
“I
was raised as a Catholic and that gave me a strong spiritual foundation, but I
have taken it a step further,” Oben said. “On August 9, 2001, I
accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. I was intellectually Christian for
many years. I knew that Christ existed and died for our sins, but saying you
are going to walk his walk is a very different thing. Now I hold myself
accountable.” Having several teammates that are also fully committed
Christians has helped with that sense of accountability.
It
seems that everywhere he has gone, Oben has made an impact. And not just on the
football field. In June of 2003, Oben returned to his Washington, D.C. high
school (Gonzaga) and founded the Roman Oben Football Camp. This year’s
event benefited close to 400 kids. With the hope of reaching even more
youngsters in the future, Oben has turned it into an annual event.
He
operates his own foundation, which is dedicated to promoting positive
development through football, literacy and community outreach. He has been
actively involved with United Way, Special Olympics and the fight against
hunger. Oben has even returned to his Cameroon homeland on several occasions
and seeing the poverty there he has tried to help. During his most recent trip
in March of this year, Oben donated $10,000 to two elementary schools and a
center for orphaned and disabled children. Seeing first hand what good can be
accomplished, he plans to return.
Closer
to home, Oben has visited prisons and inner city schools in the hope of turning
peoples lives around. People have taken notice. Last year, Oben was selected
for the Vince Lombardi award by the Vincent T. Lombardi Foundation for his
ongoing community service in the Washington, D.C. area.
Here
in San Diego, the Chargers’ offensive line has been praised all season
long by head coach Marty Schottenheimer. He has often referred to Oben as an
“anchor and a major contributor” on his offensive line. Oben has
also been singled out for his leadership, toughness and consistent play.
Charger fans have already seen what Oben has done to improve their football
team. They are just beginning to find out what he can do in their community.
“I
hope to continue to be an example to the young guys on this
football team as well as in the community. During the season, we only have one
free day per week, but when the season is over I’ll have more time to be
involved in outreach.
Having
never forgotten his humble beginnings, Oben says, “It’s important
to me to find the demographics in which I grew up, the inner city.” That
is where he feels he can accomplish the most good. His next such event is the
holiday toy drive sponsored by Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Other than that he
says, “I’ll go wherever God leads.”
John
Philip Wyllie is a writer and educator. He lives in Bonita.