Faith, Loyalty anchor ‘ultimate teammate’

For Southwestern Oklahoma State University safety Zack Roberts, football has always been about more than the prominence and excitement of the game.

The fifth-year senior certainly displayed both in 2024 — racking up 60 total tackles a season ago.

Roberts logged 11 in Week two against Arkansas-Monticello and had 13 stops during the Bulldogs’ Week nine game against Southern Arkansas. He also snagged an interception and logged a sack in 2024.

So, while Roberts certainly brings excitement on the field and makes his presence known, the sport is more of a reflection of his beliefs.

“I believe God gave me a passion for football so I could use it as a platform to share my faith,” Roberts said.

He added, “Our time on earth is short compared to the eternity God promises us, and I try to use my time with teammates to point them toward something bigger than the game.”

Roberts, a Newcastle native, said it was his high school coach, Jeff Brickman, who played a key role in shaping that perspective.

“He taught me that football is bigger than the game itself — that it’s about character, leadership, and faith,” Roberts said. “Without that foundation, I’m not sure I would’ve made it through some of the tougher moments in my college career.”

Some of those tougher moments included being on a winless team, with both the Bulldogs’ 2021 and 2023 campaigns ending in 0-11 records.

Roberts didn’t jump ship after the struggles of years past though, staying on board with SWOSU because of a desire to build something special with his closest teammates.

“Guys like Zion Mercer and Elijah Reed — who are also fifth-year seniors — got here in 2021 with me,” Roberts said. “We’ve been through rough seasons and a couple of different coaching staffs, but all of it has led us to where we are now — an incredible opportunity to make those sacrifices worth it.”

The “incredible opportunity” might just be the arrival of SWOSU head coach Andrew Rice and his staff. The new leadership at the top helped lead the Bulldogs to a 3-8 mark in 2024 — again, SWOSU was winless in 2023 — but is more importantly capturing the respect of their players.

“Our coaches made sure we did everything with discipline and focus. It’s one thing to work hard, it’s another to work right,” Roberts said.

The admiration from player to coach is a two-way street, with Rice touting his veteran leader.

“Zack has been a staple of our program since we got here as a coaching staff,” Rice said. “He completely embodies everything we preach on a daily basis.”

Rice added, “One of the best things Zack does is he is not bashful about sharing his faith with his teammates. He truly makes a positive impact on their lives — he’s a true servant leader.”

That faith-driven toughness and consistency earned Roberts one of the program’s highest honors: being named the Bulldogs’ “Ultimate Teammate.”

Voted on by the team following spring ball, the award is given to the player who garners the most votes from teammates based on effort, attitude, and leadership. The recipient wears jersey No. 0 and serves as a captain for every coin toss throughout the season.

“It means everything to me that my teammates see me that way,” Roberts said. “When I came in as a freshman in 2021, I never imagined I’d earn that kind of respect. Now that I have, I’m embracing it — and alongside the other captains we are creating a true culture change on this team.”

For now, Roberts remains focused on the present, and has a clear message for the people of Weatherford and SWOSU alumni that haven’t witnessed much football success from the Bulldogs in recent years.

“This year’s SWOSU team is built to empty the tank every single game,” he said. “Expect an explosive, physical, and violent brand of football at Milam Stadium this fall — and know that we’re coming with one goal in mind: to win.”

“One of the best things Zack does is he is not bashful about sharing his faith with his teammates. He truly makes a positive impact on their lives — he’s a true servant leader.”

— Head Coach Andrew Rice