Bob Bateson

Robert S. Bateson Jr. (born May 14, 1961) is an American former football linebacker who played for SUNY Cortland, and later professionally for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Seahawks Bellusco in Italy.

He became a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach after retiring, and was associate head coach for The Park School of Buffalo and the Buffalo eXtreme.

Early life

Robert S. Bateson Jr. was born on May 14, 1961 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Genevieve (née Kruk) and Robert S. Bateson Sr who worked in the finance sector.

His family moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1974, and later to Eden, New York in 1977. Bateson played linebacker at Eden Central High School, and was named to the NYSPHSAA Section VI All-Star team as a senior in 1978.

Playing career

Bateson was originally recruited to play collegiate football at Kent State University, but couldn't afford the tuition after they only offered him a partial scholarship.

He was a four-year starter for SUNY Cortland, captaining the team in 1982 when he set the school's single-season record for tackles with 140, and the single-game record for tackles with 23. Bateson was named to the 1982 All-ECAC Team following his senior campaign. He graduated in 1983 with a BS in physical education, concentrated in sports medicine. He played professionally for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in 1984. Bateson was signed by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League as a free agent in 1985, but released due to a knee injury. He has served as personal trainer for professional athletes including Dave Hollins.

He was strength and conditioning coach under Richard Jacob for the Buffalo Rapids of the American Basketball Association from 2005 to 2006, and later for the Buffalo Stampede of the Premier Basketball League in 2008. Bateson was hired by the Buffalo Bills to run informal team workouts during the 2011 NFL lockout. He served as strength and conditioning coach for the Nigeria men's national basketball team under Alexander Nwora at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

He was associate head coach of the Buffalo eXtreme under Richard Jacob from 2023 to 2025.

Personal life

Bateson and his wife Paula own and operate RPB Holdings, a property management company.

He was inducted into the SUNY Cortland Athletics C-Club Hall of Fame in 2023.