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Roy Helu

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This article is about the former American football running back. For his father, the former rugby union player, see Roy Helu Sr.

Roy Helu Jr.
refer to caption
Helu with the Washington Redskins in 2014
No. 26, 29
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1988-12-07) December 7, 1988 (age 36)
Danville, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:216 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:San Ramon Valley (Danville, California)
College:Nebraska
NFL draft:2011 / round: 4 / pick: 105
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts:272
Rushing yards:1,171
Rushing touchdowns:7
Receptions:138
Receiving yards:1,227
Receiving touchdowns:4
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Roy Ziegler Helu Jr. (born December 7, 1988) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Helu set the Redskins' franchise record of most receptions in single game with 14 catches in a game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2011.[1]

Early life

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Helu played high school football at San Ramon Valley High School.[2][3]

In his junior year at San Ramon Valley, Helu ran for 1,526 yards rushing and scored 19 touchdowns on 186 carries, and averaged 8.6 yards per carry. He also had 30 receptions for 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns, which earned him All-East Bay League honors.

During Helu's senior year, he helped San Ramon Valley to a 10–2 record in 2006. He finished his senior year with 1,085 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He had 300 yards receiving on 20 receptions and 1 touchdown, and also recorded one interception as a free safety. He earned first-team all-league honors his senior year as a running back.[4]

College career

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Helu with Nebraska in 2010

Despite fighting injuries, Helu rushed for over 1,000 yards each of his last two years at Nebraska.[5][6] By the time he graduated in 2011, he was 4th on the Huskers all-time rushing list, and broke Nebraska's single-game rushing record by rushing for 307 yards and scoring three touchdowns against Missouri on October 30, 2010.[7]

College statistics

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Year Team Att Yards Average TDs Receptions Yards Average TDs
2007 Nebraska 45 209 4.6 0 5 40 8.0 0
2008 Nebraska 125 803 6.4 7 25 266 10.6 0
2009 Nebraska 220 1,147 5.2 10 19 149 7.8 0
2010 Nebraska 188 1,245 6.6 11 5 46 9.2 0
Career 578 3,404 5.9 28 54 501 9.3 0

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0 in
(1.83 m) 		219 lb
(99 kg) 		313⁄8 101⁄4 4.40 s 1.51 s 2.52 s 4.01 s 6.67 s 36.5 in
(0.93 m)		 9 ft 11 in
(3.02 m)		 11 reps
All values from NFL Combine[8][9]

Washington Redskins

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2011 season

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Helu was selected in the fourth round with the 105th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. He would later be joined by Nebraska teammates, DeJon Gomes and Niles Paul, who were drafted after him.[10] On November 6, 2011, in his first career start, Helu broke the Redskins all-time record for receptions in a game with 14 catches, in a loss against the San Francisco 49ers.[11] The following two weeks, in losses to Miami and Dallas, Helu had a combined 14 rushes and five receptions as Coach Mike Shanahan split running back duties between Helu and Ryan Torain.[12][13] Coach Shanahan said, “I like Helu, he’s doing some great things. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him too early. He’s not ready for that. But he’s gaining experience, and I like what I see.”[14]

On November 27, 2011, Helu rushed for a Redskins rookie-record 108 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks' top-ten ranked run defense.[15] While running for a touchdown, he hurdled Seahawks cornerback, Roy Lewis. He was then named the full-time starter by Coach Shanahan,[16] and responded with two consecutive 100 yard performances. Following his 126-yard performance against the New England Patriots, Helu led all active rookies in rush yards.[17] His streak of three consecutive 100 yard games is the most by any Redskins rookie in franchise history; a record he was unable to extend to four games due to an injury he sustained.[18]

Helu at Redskins 2012 training camp

Helu finished with 151 carries for 640 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with 49 receptions for 379 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[19] At the end of the 2011 NFL season, Helu was Redskins' leader in rushing yards.[20] On January 16, 2012, Helu along with fellow rookie, Ryan Kerrigan, were named to the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of America all-rookie team.[21]

2012 season

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After the NFL changed the rule in 2012 to allow players' jerseys to include generational titles in their names, Helu adopted "Jr." to the back of his jersey.[22] He was expected to compete for the starting spot in the 2012 season against Tim Hightower and Evan Royster,[23] but ended up losing the competition to rookie Alfred Morris. His second season was cut short after being placed on injured reserve on September 26, 2012, due to lower leg injuries and turf toe.[24][25] He finished the season with two carries for two rushing yards and 45 receiving yards on seven receptions.[26]

2013 season

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Helu returned from injury and secured his place as the second string running back behind Morris during the 2013 preseason.[27] In a 45–41 Week 7 win against the Chicago Bears, he recorded his first multi-scoring game, recording three touchdowns.[28][29] He appeared in all 16 games. He finished with 62 carries for 274 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 31 receptions for 251 receiving yards.[30]

2014 season

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In 2014, Helu had almost no competition for the second-string running back job, and won it easily over fellow running backs Silas Redd, Evan Royster, Chris Thompson, and Lache Seastrunk.[31] In the 2014 season, he appeared in 14 games. He finished with 40 carries for 216 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 42 receptions for 477 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[32]

Oakland Raiders

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On March 10, 2015, Helu signed a two-year contract worth over $4 million with the Oakland Raiders.[33][34] In the 2015 season, Helu appeared in nine games. He had 17 carries for 39 rushing yards to go along with nine receptions for 75 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[35]

He was placed on the team's injured reserve list on July 29, 2016, ending his season,[36] and was waived from the team a few days later.[37]

Personal life

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Helu (pronounced HEH-loo) was born to Roy Helu Sr. and Kilistofa (Kristi) Helu on December 7, 1988, in Danville, California.[38] His father played rugby for the United States national rugby union team.[39][40]

He is married to retired professional volleyball player and fellow Nebraska Cornhusker alum, Dani Mancuso.[41][42]

Helu is of Tongan descent. He is a devout Christian.[40][43][44]

References

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  1. ^ White, Joseph; Writer, AP Sports (November 6, 2011). "Gore leads 49ers past Redskins 19–11". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  2. ^ "Roy Helu, San Ramon Valley , Running Back". 247Sports. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  3. ^ "Roy Helu Jr., a San Ramon Valley High graduate, creates his own legend in storied Nebraska football program". East Bay Times. December 17, 2010. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  4. ^ "Roy Helu Jr. – 2010 – Football". University of Nebraska. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  5. ^ Christopherson, Brian (October 11, 2009). "No word on Helu's possible injury". JournalStar.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  6. ^ "Roy Helu Jr. College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  7. ^ "Nebraska Hands Missouri Its First Loss". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 31, 2010. Archived from the original on June 17, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  8. ^ "NFL Combine Profile". Archived from the original on March 3, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  9. ^ "NFL Draft Scout". Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
  10. ^ "2011 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  11. ^ Svrluga, Barry (November 6, 2011). "Roy Helu breaks Redskins' record for receptions in a game". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 26, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  12. ^ "Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins – November 13th, 2011". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  13. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – November 20th, 2011". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  14. ^ Maese, Rick (November 22, 2011). "Roy Helu is finishing, but still not starting". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 26, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  15. ^ Jones, Mike (November 28, 2011). "Career day for Redskins rookie RB Roy Helu". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  16. ^ Jones, Mike (November 29, 2011). "Roy Helu will remain starting RB". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  17. ^ Maese, Rick (December 14, 2011). "Roy Helu leads all active rookies in rushing". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  18. ^ Jones, Mike (December 19, 2011). "Roy Helu played injured against Giants". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  19. ^ "Roy Helu 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  20. ^ "2011 Washington Redskins Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  21. ^ Tandler, Rich (January 16, 2012). "Helu, Kerrigan voted to All-Rookie team". CSNWashington.com. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  22. ^ Walker, Andrew (May 10, 2012). "New Jerseys Mean Old Name For Helu Jr". Redskins.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
  23. ^ Tinsman, Brian (July 26, 2012). "Shanahan: Running Back Competition Open". Redskins.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
  24. ^ Tinsman, Brian (September 26, 2012). "Redskins Sign Grant, Place Helu Jr. On IR". Redskins.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  25. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (September 26, 2012). "Redskins sign Ryan Grant, send Roy Helu to I.R." NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  26. ^ "Roy Helu 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  27. ^ Maske, Mark (August 28, 2013). "Helu has secured roster spot behind Morris at tailback". WashingtonPost.com. Retrieved October 20, 2013.
  28. ^ Tinsman, Brian (October 21, 2013). "Redskins-Bears Monday Stats Pack". Redskins.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  29. ^ McNally, Brian (October 20, 2013). "Redskins edge Bears on Roy Helu's third TD of day". WashingtonTimes.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  30. ^ "Roy Helu 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  31. ^ "2014 Washington Redskins Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  32. ^ "Roy Helu 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  33. ^ Keim, John (March 10, 2015). "Raiders sign RB Roy Helu". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  34. ^ "Raiders Sign RB Roy Helu, Jr". Raiders.com. March 11, 2015. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  35. ^ "Roy Helu 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  36. ^ "Raiders Announce Transactions". Raiders.com. July 29, 2017. Archived from the original on July 31, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
  37. ^ Gutierrez, Paul (August 2, 2016). "Raiders formally release RB Roy Helu Jr". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  38. ^ "Roy Helu Jr. – 2010 – Football". University of Nebraska. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  39. ^ Ubben, David (November 5, 2010). "Father and son: A tale of two Helus". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  40. ^ a b "For Roy Helu Jr., Football is All about Focus, Perspective and Humility". University of Nebraska. November 5, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  41. ^ O'Connor, Michael (May 1, 2012). "Ex-Huskers found love after leap of faith". Omaha.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  42. ^ "Dani Mancuso – 2006 – Volleyball". University of Nebraska. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  43. ^ "Huskers For Christ – Roy Helu". Nebraska FCA. September 10, 2010. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  44. ^ "Vaughn and Clay All Day: Episode 32 – Roy Helu Jr. on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. March 13, 2023. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
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