BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb University and the football program mourns the loss of former quarterback Nick Roberts, who passed away after a battle with cancer on January 30, 2019.

Roberts played for the Runnin' Bulldogs from 2002-2005, graduated from the school in 2007, played professional football in Louisville, Ky., then began a successful career in the private sector in his home state of Alabama.

The former Springville (Ala.) High star made a spectacular impact during his time under center in Boiling Springs, earning first-team All-Big South Conference honors in 2003 – and second-team All-Big South honors in both 2004 and 2005 under head coach Steve Patton and offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo.

Roberts helped GWU to a 9-1 record, top-20 national finish and its first Big South Conference championship in 2002 – playing primarily on special teams – before moving into a starting role at quarterback as a sophomore in 2003.

He quickly found a home, completing 203-of-338 passes for 2,201 yards and 20 touchdowns to lead Gardner-Webb to an 8-4 mark and its second Big South Conference crown in a row. Roberts nearly engineered an upset of eventual I-AA semifinalist and 17th-ranked Florida Atlantic before the 'Dogs fell 31-26 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on November 1, 2003.

One of Roberts' best individual efforts came on September 24, 2005 vs. UT-Martin, when he passed for 291 yards, ran for 137 more and finished the day with 428 yards of total offense. 

A testament to his toughness and resolve, Roberts' final game in Spangler Stadium was also memorable, as he nearly directed the largest comeback in Division I history vs. Wofford.

With his team trailing the Terriers 41-7 in the third quarter on November 19, 2005, Roberts threw touchdown passes of 24, 17 and 13 yards to pull his team into a 42-41 lead with 5:46 remaining. Gardner-Webb eventually fell, but not without a fight that left the entire stadium abuzz.

Roberts finished his career by completing 597-1,107 passes for 6,690 yards and 48 touchdowns – completing a crisp 59.3 percent of his attempts along the way. Blessed with 4.36-second speed in the 40-yard dash, the elusive Roberts also ran for 1,182 yards and 19 touchdowns – which still ranks second among Gardner-Webb quarterbacks.

One of the finest leaders to ever play for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Roberts was part of 27 overall wins and an 11-4 Big South Conference record (73.3 percent) in his four seasons.