Rich Romer

Richard H. Romer (born February 27, 1966) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1988 to 1989. He was selected by the Bengals in the seventh round of the 1988 NFL draft after playing college football for the Union Dutchmen.

Early life Richard H. Romer was born on February 27, 1966, in East Greenbush, New York. He attended Columbia High School in East Greenbush. He was the captain of the football, basketball, and track teams as a senior.

College career Romer was a four-year starter for the Union Dutchmen of Union College from 1984 to 1987 and was a stand-up defensive end. The Albany Times Union named him the "Collegiate Rookie of the Year" in 1984. He recorded 84 tackles and 13 sacks in 1985, earning Associated Press (AP) honorable mention All-American honors and Pizza Hut second-team All-American honors. Romer was also an Academic All-American while at Union College and won one of six NCAA post-graduate scholarships that were awarded to Division II and Division III players. He graduated from Union in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He signed with the team on July 10. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29. Romer was released on October 12 but re-signed two days later.

In 1989, he competed for a roster spot with 1989 draft picks Kerry Owens and Chris Chenault. Romer played in five games during the 1989 season before being released on October 23, 1989.

Pittsburgh Steelers Romer signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 3, 1990. He was waived on August 20, 1990.

Post-football career From 1990 to 1994, Romer served on New York governor Mario Cuomo's Youth Drug Prevention Campaign/Athletes Against Drunk Driving program. He graduated from the State University of New York at Albany in 1993 with a Master of Business Administration. He later worked as a businessman and engineer at several companies. Romer was inducted into the East Greenbush Education Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame.