Robert Golden

Robert Golden (born September 13, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats and was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He is the founder of Golden Charter Academy.

Early life Golden attended Edison High School in Fresno, California. He was named to the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100. He was selected to the 2007 PrepStar Dream Team. Golden began his first two seasons as a cornerback and was thought to be the heir-apparent to Antoine Cason. In the 2008 season, he recorded 13 total tackles and a forced fumble. In the 2009 season, he recorded 41 total tackles, two interceptions, one pick six (against Stanford), and three passes defensed. Following his sophomore season though, head coach Mike Stoops switched Golden to strong safety. In the 2010 season, he recorded 60 total tackles, one interception, 13 passes defensed, and one forced fumble. In the 2011 season, he recorded 69 total tackles, one pick six (against Washington), six passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.

Professional career Pre-draft Golden entered the 2012 NFL draft after graduating from Arizona. Although he attended the NFL combine and worked out at Arizona's Pro Day, he went undrafted.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2012 On April 29, 2012, Golden was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers. His contract was for three-years, $1.44 million, a $5,000 signing bonus, and $5,000 guaranteed.

Golden played in his first career game against the Denver Broncos, in the season opener his rookie season. On October 11, 2012, he made his first career tackle in a 23–26 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He finished his first year playing in 15 games and made 6 tackles as a back-up free safety behind long-time Steelers veteran Ryan Clark.

2013 The following year, he began the season opener making two solo tackles against the Tennessee Titans. On November 10, 2013, Golden made a season-high 3 tackles in a victory over the Buffalo Bills. In Week 8, he caused his first career forced fumble in an 18–21 loss to the Oakland Raiders. During his second year he played in all 16 games and recorded 14 total tackles as the Steelers finished 8–8 for the second consecutive season.

2014

He opened the 2014 season as a back-up to new free safety Will Allen, after Clark's departure during the off-season. In the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, he completed a 25-yard pass to Antwon Blake in the fourth quarter. Golden also played in his first career playoff game during the Steelers' 17–30 loss to the Ravens in the wild card game. He finished his season playing in all regular season games and finished with 10 tackles, with 5 being solo.

2015 On March 9, 2015, he was signed as a restricted free-agent to a one-year deal worth $1.54 million. On October 18, 2015, he received his first career start after Will Allen was injured the previous game. He ended the game with a career-high 8 total tackles and a pass deflection. He also received the next two starts in place of Allen. During a Week 14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he made his first career interception and returned it for 27 yards.

2016 On March 7, 2016, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Golden to a three-year, $4.95 million contract with a signing bonus of $1.25 million.

2017 Golden started the regular season as the backup strong safety to Sean Davis. In Week 7, against the Cincinnati Bengals, he completed a 44-yard pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey on a fake punt. Overall, in the 2017 season, Golden recorded 15 total tackles, two passes defensed, and an interception.

On March 14, 2018, Golden was released by the Steelers.

Kansas City Chiefs On April 3, 2018, Golden signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released on August 15, 2018, at his request.