Royce Freeman
A powerful, patient running back who carved out a significant role in the NFL after setting rushing records at the University of Oregon.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American football player·Birthday: February 24·Millennials
Biography
Royce Freeman emerged from the football fields of Imperial, California, to become a record-setting force for the Oregon Ducks. At Oregon, his blend of size, patience, and power made him a nightmare for Pac-12 defenses, and he left the program as its all-time leader in rushing touchdowns. His transition to the NFL saw him drafted by the Denver Broncos, where he adapted to a professional role that valued his reliability and pass protection as much as his hard-nosed running. While never quite the featured back he was in college, Freeman built a sustained career as a valuable committee player and special teams contributor for several teams, proving that durability and football IQ can forge a lasting path in the league.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Royce was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Royce Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Royce's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the University of Oregon's all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns with 60.
- Rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive collegiate seasons from 2014 to 2016.
- Selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round (71st overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
- Recorded a career-high 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a single game for the Broncos in 2019.
Did You Know?
His full name is Royce Deion Freeman.
He was a first-team All-State selection in California at Imperial High School.
He majored in General Social Science at the University of Oregon.
“I just put my head down and go to work, that's what I do.”
