Robby Felix Overcomes Adversity in Pursuit of Dreams

I’ve written quite a few pieces on draft prospects and their drive to reach the ultimate goal. But this one differs from others, as it doesn’t sustain a vertical march from high school to the NFL doorstep.

The story of Robby Felix is one of peaks and valleys, enduring both the highs and lows of the trail. And after overcoming a mild stroke just four months ago, Felix has pulled himself back to the rugged road, in pursuit of his dreams.

Although I already knew the name, his sister, Tabby Felix, shed more light on Robby’s story. Her brother is a player that received just a single Division I scholarship offer in high school. Four years later, he’s a legitimate NFL draft prospect.

I asked if she felt he was simply overlooked by major programs or if the Texas El Paso coaching staff should be credited for his rise.

“A little bit of both,” she said. “He played both offense and a little bit of defense his senior year, and leading Centennial to two CIF championships in his four years.

However, UTEP only offered him if he gained weight, so they were hard on him in the beginning. He was starting center for UTEP in his first year, so he was already at that level, but he has become ten times better, of course.”

Robby Felix made 46 consecutive starts, before a stroke knocked him from the UTEP lineup in November. Miraculously, with the aid of another stroke victim, Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, Felix participated in February’s NFL scout combine.

His numbers placed the 6-foot-3, 302-pound center among the offensive line leaders, which is important in a draft class deep at his position.

“Tedy overcame a stroke, so he knew it was possible to come back,” Tabby tells me. “They have a lot in common, and my brother learns a lot from him.”

Certain injuries or conditions can lower a player’s stock or even push them entirely out of the draft. I asked how uplifting it was for her brother, after going through the motions of recovery, to be invited to the combine.

“We knew Robby had it in the bag, his rankings were high and he still continued to work hard. He would tell me every time I talked to him, “As long as I don’t get hurt.”

"We hoped and prayed he wouldn’t get hurt and his dreams would come true. When the stroke happened we were all devastated, and Robby himself was going crazy not being able to play in his last two college games.

"He worked even harder than on the field to recover as quickly as possible, so he didn’t miss anything. When he was invited to the combine, the family, as well as Robby, knew he was back on the charts and ready to show people how great of a football player my brother is.”

Last impression is very important in player evaluation, and the effects are seen time and time again, with the descent of several prospects after games are complete and private workouts begin.

“There were teams showing interest, until the stroke,” she said.

And it’s understandable, because as much as the total body of work acts as an impressive resume, any serious ailment raises a red flag, and may decrease the number of suitors. But with Tedy Bruschi as a model, and Robby Felix regaining his form, maybe there is someone out there willing to see him for what he is now, and not what he was in November.

We often take the numbers, heights, weights, etc to formulate a projection for those in the draft. Sometimes in the equation, scouts fail to measure a player’s character, drafting a person physically fit for dominance, but also possessing mental weaknesses that may keep them sidelined.

A sister best describes her hero, in a way that stopwatches and measuring bars cannot.

“My brother is amazing. He is my big brother and the strongest person I know. He pushes me to never give up, no matter how hard things get. He is always there for me, and teaches me how to go for my dreams.”

Robby resides in Texas, and Tabby won’t be at his side when April names are being called. She’ll spend that time with him on the phone from California, and close in heart.

But the Felix family won’t endure the wait alone, as I, and persons like myself, will also be eagerly awaiting the announcement, to cheer a courageous young man as he steps into a dream.