JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ■ 41
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BY TIM PEELER
obert Abraham knows how to handle
the obstacles in his life in only one
way: head-on.
Like when he was a fairly scrawny,
inexperienced high school linebacker
at Myrtle Beach (S.C.) High School. A
150-pound junior, he spent 18 months
going to the weight room six days a week to get
bulky and strong enough to earn a scholarship for
head coach Bo Rein's NC State defense.
Like when he had to tackle Heisman Trophy
winner George Rogers of South Carolina in a
game in 1980. The collision between the two
split Abraham's helmet right down the middle,
facemask to crown.
Like when he spent five seasons helping the
Houston Oilers through the most difficult re-
building process in franchise history, only to miss
most of the 1987 season with a broken leg. Abra-
ham became the team's biggest sideline proponent
when it reached the NFL playoffs for the first time
since 1980.
Now, the decorated linebacker once known for
his strength, physique and speed is facing the
toughest obstacle of his life: learning to live
as a double amputee using a wheel-
chair to move from place to place.
R
INNER
STRENGTH
Former Wolfpack Linebacker
Robert Abraham Tackles Health
Difficulties With Fierce Determination
Abraham's 407 career tackles rank fourth all-time at NC
State behind Levar Fisher (492), Dantonio Burnette (476)
and Damien Covington (457).
PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS
ROBERT
ABRAHAM
