Royce Freeman
{{Short description|American football player (born 1996)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| image = Freeman 1 731 (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Freeman with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023
| name = Royce Freeman
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Running back
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|2|24}}
| birth_place = Imperial, California, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 238
| high_school = Imperial
| college = Oregon (2014–2017)
| draftyear = 2018
| draftround = 3
| draftpick = 71
| pastteams =
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2018}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
- Carolina Panthers ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2021}}–{{NFL Year|2022}})
- Los Angeles Rams ({{NFL Year|2023}})
- Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
- Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
- Chicago Bears ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
- Los Angeles Rams ({{NFL Year|2024}})
| status =
| highlights =
- Third-team All-American (2015)
- First-team All-Pac-12 (2015)
- 2× Second-team All-Pac-12 (2014, 2017)
- Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2014)
| statleague = NFL
| statseason = 2024
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Rushing yards
| statvalue1 = 1,792
| statlabel2 = Rushing average
| statvalue2 = 3.8
| statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 10
| statlabel4 = Receptions
| statvalue4 = 86
| statlabel5 = Receiving yards
| statvalue5 = 532
| statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 1
| pfr = FreeRo00
}}
Royce Deion Freeman (born February 24, 1996) is an American professional football running back. He played college football for the Oregon Ducks, earning third-team All-American honors in 2015.
Early life
Freeman attended Imperial High School in Imperial, California, where he played running back for the Tigers high school football team.{{Cite web |last=Maffei |first=John |date=January 4, 2014 |title=Royce Freeman finishes career with bang |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/high-school-preps/sdut-prep-sports-blog-2014jan04-story.html |access-date=October 2, 2018 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} Freeman made his varsity debut as a freshman against Southwest High School. His second career carry was a 63-yard touchdown run. He finished his freshman year with 225 yards on 26 carries and one rushing touchdown. As a sophomore, he ran for 2,075 yards on 162 carries and ran for 35 touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 153 yards and added two receiving touchdowns and returned two interceptions for touchdowns. As a junior, he ran for 2,482 yards on 201 carries and ran for 34 touchdowns. He caught 10 passes for 137 yards and had two touchdown receptions. As a senior, he ran for 2,824 yards on 256 carries and ran for 41 touchdowns. He also caught 8 passes for 116 yards and added two receiving touchdowns. He finished his high school playing career with 7,606 rushing yards on 645 carries (11.8 yards per carry) and ran for 111 touchdowns. Freeman also recorded six receiving touchdowns and two interceptions returned for touchdown (119 total touchdowns).{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman's High School Football Stats |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/royce-freeman/Yde6ZfTqEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/football-stats.htm |access-date=October 6, 2018 |website=MaxPreps.com }}
During his senior season, Freeman set three CIF San Diego Section career records. Against Calexico High School, Freeman broke the career rushing record of 6,694 yards which was set by Ricky Seale of Escondido High School.{{Cite web |last=Dale |first=Jonathan |date=October 26, 2013 |title=Imperial's Royce Freeman becomes king of San Diego Section rushing in Tiger win |url=http://www.ivpressonline.com/sports/imperial-s-royce-freeman-becomes-king-of-san-diego-section/article_c64567cc-3e10-11e3-85a0-0019bb30f31a.html |access-date=October 6, 2018 |website=Imperial Valley Press Online }} The following week against Central High School, Freeman broke the career-rushing touchdown record of 105 set by Rashaan Salaam of La Jolla Country Day High School.{{Cite web |last=Dale |first=Jonathan |date=November 2, 2013 |title=Freeman sets touchdown record in 45–28 win over Spartans |url=http://www.ivpressonline.com/sports/freeman-sets-touchdown-record-in---win-over-spartans/article_587a1412-4393-11e3-91a7-0019bb30f31a.html |access-date=October 6, 2018 |website=Imperial Valley Press Online }} In the final week of the regular season, Freeman broke the career-points-scored record of 697 points set by Dillon Baxter of Mission Bay High School.{{Cite web |last=Whicker |first=Mark |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Whicker: Oregon Ducks no longer a hot ticket? Don't blame RB Royce Freeman |url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/freeman-722502-ducks-don.html |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Orange County Register }}
Freeman is the San Diego Section record-holder for career rushing yards (7,606), career rushing touchdowns (111), and career points scored (724).{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Gus |date=August 13, 2018 |title=Royce Freeman broke records en route to NFL career |url=https://www.thedesertreview.com/sports/royce-freeman-broke-records-en-route-to-nfl-career/article_0e492f1c-9f3d-11e8-b80c-f37f5deda6d9.html |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=The Desert Review }}{{Cite web |last=Lindgren |first=Jim |date=October 26, 2013 |title=Rushing record for Imperial's Freeman |url=https://hs.utpreps.com/news_article/show/303232-rushing-record-for-imperial-s-freeman |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=San Diego U-T Preps }}
Freeman was considered a five-star recruit by Scout.com.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman, Imperial , Running Back |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Royce-Freeman-20412/high-school-32677/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=247Sports }}
College career
Freeman came to Oregon as the highest rated recruit of the 2014 class. He immediately impressed coaches in practice and camp, and competed for the starting role with Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner. All three were listed as co-starters at the running back position to start the 2014 season. Freeman, the heaviest of the three, established himself as a "power back," an element missing in the Oregon offense since the 2008 season. He finished the season with 252 carries for 1,365 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, while having 16 receptions for 158 yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Kaipust |first=Rich |date=September 14, 2016 |title=As engine that drives Ducks' offense, Royce Freeman rolls |url=https://www.omaha.com/huskers/football/as-engine-that-drives-ducks-offense-royce-freeman-rolls/article_f58bc015-0f15-560f-818d-6c0cdb59dc1a.html |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=Omaha.com |language=en}} He even had a 26-yard passing touchdown to quarterback Marcus Mariota in a 31–24 loss to the Arizona Wildcats. At the end of the season, he was awarded Pac-12 Conference Offensive Freshman of the Year.{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2014 |title=Pac-12 football player and coach of the year awards |url=https://pac-12.com/news/2014/12/2/pac-12-football-player-and-coach-year-awards.aspx |access-date=October 6, 2018 |website=Pac-12 Conference |language=en}}
Freeman started the 2015 season off strong with 180 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns against Eastern Washington.{{Cite web |last=Odom |first=Joel |date=September 6, 2015 |title=Ducks beat EWU: Describe game in 5 words or less |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2015/09/ducks_beat_eastern_washington.html |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=oregonlive |language=en}} On October 3, against Colorado, he had 163 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 41–24 victory.{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2015 |title=Oregon rides Royce Freeman to 41–24 win at Colorado |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/oregon-rides-royce-freeman-41-24-win-colorado |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Northwest}} The next week, against Washington State, he had 246 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown in the 45–38 2OT loss.{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Chantel |date=October 10, 2015 |title=Washington State pulls outs dramatic 45–38 double overtime win at Oregon |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/92828 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The next week, he rushed for 138 yards in a victory over Washington.{{Cite web |last=Greif |first=Andrew |date=October 19, 2015 |title=At this rate, Royce Freeman on pace to take down LaMike James' season rushing record: Ducks rundown |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2015/10/royce_freeman_moving_up_oregon.html |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=OregonLive.com |language=en-US}} In the next game, at Arizona State, he had 110 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the victory.{{Cite web |title=Oregon at Arizona State Box Score, October 29, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-29-arizona-state.html |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}} On November 27, against Oregon State, he had 167 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go with 51 receiving yards.{{Cite web |last=Mims |first=Steve |date=November 28, 2015 |title=Oregon football: Ducks can rely on Freeman |url=https://www.gazettetimes.com/albany/sports/college/oregon-football-ducks-can-rely-on-freeman/article_bb011478-c3c7-5580-aff3-175736e2ecaf.html |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Corvallis Gazette Times |language=en}} In the Alamo Bowl against TCU, he had 130 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 47–41 3OT loss.{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2016 |title=TCU posts bowl-record comeback to stun Oregon |url=https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/tcu-posts-bowl-record-comeback-to-stun-oregon/article_267a577c-41a8-5ecb-8866-a09458fb9644.html |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Gwinnett Daily Post |language=en}} Overall, as a sophomore, Freeman had 1,836 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns to go along with 26 receptions for 348 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Thorburn |first=Ryan |date=October 19, 2017 |title=Freeman closing in on James’ school rushing record |url=https://apnews.com/article/c781e9790f0e4b8dbae1b1a12c69f448 |access-date=December 5, 2022 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}} He led the Pac-12 in rushing touchdowns on the season.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/royce-freeman-1/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
In the 2016 season opener against UC Davis, Freeman had 87 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2016 |title=No. 24 Oregon downs UC Davis 53–28 in Prukop's debut |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/09/03/no-24-oregon-downs-uc-davis-53-28-in-prukops-debut/89851510/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=USA TODAY |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} In the next game, against Virginia, he had 207 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Greif |first=Andrew |date=September 11, 2016 |title=Behind Royce Freeman, No. 24 Oregon pushes Virginia aside but can't outrun defensive issues |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2016/09/behind_royce_freeman_no_24_ore.html |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=OregonLive.com |language=en-US}} On October 1, in a game at Washington State, he had 138 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Piraro |first=Tony |date=October 1, 2016 |title=Game Recap: Washington State Embarrasses Oregon, 51–33 |url=https://www.addictedtoquack.com/2016/10/1/13135576/game-recap-washington-state-embarrasses-oregon-51-33 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Addicted To Quack}} On November 19, against Utah, he had 129 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Joshua |date=November 21, 2016 |title=Oregon Ducks Royce Freeman Returns To Form Against Utah |url=https://autzenzoo.com/2016/11/21/oregon-ducks-the-return-of-rolls-royce/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Autzen Zoo |language=en-US}} The following week he rushed for 106 yards in a loss to Oregon State in the annual Civil War game. Overall, as a junior, Freeman recorded 945 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns to go along with 23 receptions for 144 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/royce-freeman-1/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
In the 2017 season opener against Southern Utah, Freeman had 150 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and 50 receiving yards.{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2017 |title=Freeman record watch 2017: Royce rolls for 150 vs. So. Utah |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/royce-freeman-record-watch-2017-royce-rolls-150-vs-southern-utah |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Northwest}} In the next game, against Nebraska, he had 153 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Anne M. |date=September 10, 2017 |title=Herbert throws for 3 TDs and Oregon beats Nebraska 42–35 |url=https://apnews.com/72965f1a91d9401f90352c62abced596 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=AP NEWS}} He continued his hot streak with 157 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns against Wyoming in the following game.{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2017 |title=Freeman and Oregon rush past Wyoming as Allen struggles |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/09/16/freeman-and-oregon-rush-past-wyoming-as-allen-struggles/105703408/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=USA TODAY |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} On October 14, against Stanford, he had 143 rushing yards but the Ducks lost 49–7.{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2017 |title=Royce Freeman record watch 2017: Now 140 yards away |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/royce-freeman-record-watch-2017-now-140-yards-away |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=NBC Sports Northwest}} In the next game, he had 139 rushing yards against Utah.{{Cite web |last=Beyrle |first=Jen |date=October 29, 2017 |title=Willie Taggart: Our guys stopped feeling sorry for ourselves |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2017/10/willie_taggart_our_guys_stoppe.html |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=oregonlive |language=en}} On November 18, against Arizona, he had 135 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Greif |first=Andrew |date=November 19, 2017 |title=Justin Herbert returns, Royce Freeman rolls as Oregon Ducks top Arizona |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2017/11/justin_herbert_oregon_ducks_ar.html |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=OregonLive.com |language=en-US}} In his final collegiate game, he had 122 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against Oregon State in a 69–10 victory.{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2017 |title=Oregon routs Oregon State 69–10 in the Civil War |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/11/25/oregon-routs-oregon-state-69-10-in-the-civil-war/108028424/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=USA TODAY |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} Freeman scored two rushing TDs in the first half of to break OSU's Ken Simonton's all-time Pac-12 rushing touchdown record, which stood at 59 for 16 years. It would mark Royce's 60th rushing touchdown for the Ducks.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/royce-freeman-sets-pac-12-rushing-td-record-112517|title=Royce Freeman sets Pac-12 rushing TD record|date=November 25, 2017|website=foxsports.com}} He also piled up 122 rushing yards which moved him into seventh all-time in NCAA history.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/leaders/rush-yds-player-career.html|title=Rushing Yards Career Leaders and Records - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=Sports Reference}} Overall, Freeman finished his stellar collegiate career with 1,475 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns to go along with 14 receptions for 164 receiving yards in the 2017 season.{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Denver Broncos RB Royce Freeman pushing for lead role in backfield |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2018/06/25/Denver-Broncos-RB-Royce-Freeman-pushing-for-lead-role-in-backfield/9591529948305/ |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=UPI |language=en}}
As of 2024, Freeman is the all-time rushing leader in Pacific-12 Conference history with 5,621 yards.
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 2014 | Oregon
| 15 || 252 || 1,365 || 5.4 || 38T || 18 || 16 || 158 || 9.9 || 30 || 1 | ||||||||||
| 2015 | Oregon
| 13 || 283 || 1,836 || 6.5 || 64T || 17 || 26 || 348 || 12.0 || 33 || 2 | ||||||||||
| 2016 | Oregon
| 11 || 168 || 945 || 5.6 || 85T || 9 || 23 || 144 || 6.3 || 24 || 1 | ||||||||||
| 2017 | Oregon
| 12 || 244 || 1,475 || 6.0 || 59 || 16 || 14 || 164 || 11.7 || 50 || 0 | ||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/royce-freeman-1.html Career] | 51 | 947 | 5,621 | 5.9 | 85T | 60 | 79 | 814 | 10.3 | 50 | 4 |
=Awards & honors=
2014
- Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (Pac-12 Coaches){{Cite web |last=Hinnen |first=Jerry |date=December 2, 2014 |title=Pac-12 awards: Rich Rodriguez named Coach of the Year |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/pac-12-awards-rich-rodriguez-named-coach-of-the-year/ |access-date=December 2, 2014 |website=CBSSports.com}}
- Pac-12 All-Conference 2nd Team (Pac-12 Coaches)
=Records=
Pac-12 Conference
- Career Rushing Touchdowns, 60
- Career Rushing Yards, 5,621
Oregon
- Freshman Rushing Yards, 1,353
- Freshman Rushing Touchdowns, 19
- Career Rushing Yards, 5,621{{Cite web |title=Oregon Ducks Rushing |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/oregon/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
- Career Rushing Touchdowns, 60
High School
- San Diego Section Career Rushing Yards, 7,606
- San Diego Section Career Rushing Touchdowns, 111
- San Diego Section Career Points Scored, 724
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
On November 20, 2017, Freeman officially accepted his invitation to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Greif |first=Andrew |date=November 20, 2017 |title=3 Oregon Ducks accept invites to play in 2018 Senior Bowl |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2017/11/3_oregon_ducks_accept_invites.html |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=oregonlive.com}} Freeman sustained an injury and did not play in the Senior Bowl.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2018 |title=Mo Hurst suffers injury and can't play in the Senior Bowl |url=http://www.diehardsport.com/college-football/mo-hurst-suffers-injury-and-cant-play-in-senior-bowl/ |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=diehardsport.com}} Freeman attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and performed all of the combine and positional drills. He finished ninth among all running backs in the 40-yard dash, tied for 12th in the bench press, and also finished third among his position group in the three-cone drill and short shuttle. Freeman displayed quickness and agility especially for a running back of his size and was able to impress scouts with his overall performance.{{Cite web |last=Fentress |first=Aaron |date=March 3, 2018 |title=Royce Freeman performed well at the NFL Combine |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/royce-freeman-performed-well-nfl-combine |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=NBCSports}} On March 15, 2018, Freeman participated at Oregon's pro day, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Freeman was projected to be a third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the eighth best running back in the draft by Scouts Inc. and was ranked the ninth best running back by DraftScout.com.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman, DS #9 RB, Oregon |url=http://draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=130821&draftyear=2018&genpos=RB |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=DraftScout.com}}{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman |url=http://espn.com/nfl/draftcard?playerId=101573 |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}
{{external media
| video1 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000924440/Royce-Freeman-s-full-2018-NFL-Scouting-Combine-workout Royce Freeman's NFL Combine Workout]
| video2 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000918772/Royce-Freeman-runs-a-4-54-40-yard-dash Royce Freeman runs the 40-yard dash]
}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 11 1/2
| weight = 229
| dash = 4.54
| ten split = 1.60
| twenty split = 2.66
| shuttle = 4.16
| cone drill = 6.90
| vertical = 34
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 10
| bench = 17
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32
| hand span = 9 1/2
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2018 |title=Royce Freeman Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/royce-freeman/32004652-4537-6456-ac22-4a857061d9e4 |access-date=March 1, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2018 Draft Scout Royce Freeman, Oregon NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=130821&DraftYear=2018 |access-date=May 12, 2018 |website=DraftScout.com}}
}}
=Denver Broncos=
{{external media
| video1 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000929636/Broncos-select-Royce-Freeman-No-71-in-the-2018-NFL-Draft Broncos draft Royce Freeman 71st overall]
| video2 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000000808510/Best-of-Royce-Freeman Royce Freeman's College Highlights]
}}
==2018 season==
The Denver Broncos selected Freeman in the third round (71st overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. Freeman was the eighth running back drafted in 2018.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=April 27, 2018 |title=Broncos address RB position, draft Royce Freeman |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-address-rb-position-draft-royce-freeman-0ap3000000929648 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} On July 5, 2018, the Broncos signed Freeman to a four-year, $3.94 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $997,020.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Royce Freeman contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/denver-broncos/royce-freeman-25170/ |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}
Entering his first training camp, Freeman was slated to be the Broncos' starting running back, but he faced minor competition from Devontae Booker. After a very impressive training camp and preseason, head coach Vance Joseph officially named Freeman the starting running back to begin the season.
Freeman made his first career start and NFL regular-season debut in the Broncos' 27–24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the season opener. He had 15 carries for 71 rushing yards in the win.{{Cite web |last=Pereles |first=Zach |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Rookie running backs help power Broncos over Seahawks |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/rookie-running-backs-help-power-broncos-over-seahawks |access-date=October 1, 2018 |website=Denver Broncos |language=en-US}} In the following game, Freeman scored his first professional rushing touchdown in the 20–19 victory over the Oakland Raiders.{{Cite web |last=Ghelken |first=Michael |date=September 16, 2018 |title=Broncos' late field goal stuns Raiders 20–19 |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders-nfl/broncos-late-field-goal-stuns-raiders-20-19/ |access-date=October 3, 2018 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}} In Week 4, on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, Freeman had 8 carries for 67 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown for the third consecutive game.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Michael |date=October 2, 2018 |title=Rookie RBs Freeman, Lindsay pay dividends for Broncos |url=https://www.upi.com/Rookie-RBs-Freeman-Lindsay-pay-dividends-for-Broncos/8521538498306/ |access-date=October 10, 2018 |website=UPI |language=en}} Against the Cardinals in Week 7, Freeman recorded 13 carries for 37 yards before suffering an ankle injury which kept him sidelined for two games.{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Chelsea |date=October 19, 2018 |title=Royce Freeman injury update: Broncos RB sprains ankle against Cardinals, report says |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/royce-freeman-injury-update-broncos-running-back-sprained-ankle-nfl-news-fantasy-football/1rmpa8xklx6oz18wqdp5ggoemp |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Sporting News}} After returning from his injury, Freeman lost his starting job to fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay. Overall, Freeman finished his rookie season with 132 carries for 521 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeRo00.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2019 season==
Heading into his second training camp, Freeman faced competition for the starting running back job from Phillip Lindsay. Although Freeman opened preseason as the Broncos' starting running back, he was surpassed by Lindsay on the depth chart. At the conclusion of preseason, new head coach Vic Fangio named Freeman the No. 2 running back on the depth chart behind Lindsay.
Freeman made his 2019 regular-season debut in the Broncos' season-opening 16–24 loss to the Raiders, recording 10 carries for 56 rushing yards. The following week against the Chicago Bears in a 16–14 loss, Freeman recorded 11 carries for 54 rushing yards and 5 receptions for 48 yards. In Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers in a 16–27 loss, Freeman recorded 15 carries for 63 rushing yards and four receptions for 10 yards. Despite splitting carries with Lindsay and starting the season on a strong note, Freeman struggled from Weeks 4–8 and received less of a role on offense in the second half of the season. He finished the 2019 season with 130 carries for 496 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 43 receptions for 256 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeRo00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 6, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2020 season==
With the addition of veteran running back Melvin Gordon, Freeman was pushed down to the No. 3 running back role.{{Cite web |title=2020 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2020.htm |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the 2020 season with 35 carries for 170 rushing yards and 12 receptions for 81 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeRo00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2021 season==
While Phillip Lindsay left in free agency to sign with the Houston Texans, the Broncos also signed Mike Boone in free agency and drafted Javonte Williams in the 2021 NFL draft. Freeman entered training camp competing for a roster spot as a backup. On September 1, 2021, Freeman was waived by the Broncos.{{Cite web |last=DiLalla |first=Aric |date=September 1, 2021 |title=Broncos waive RB Royce Freeman, DL Jonathan Harris |url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-waive-rb-royce-freeman-dl-jonathan-harris |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=DenverBroncos.com}}
=Carolina Panthers=
On September 2, 2021, Freeman was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Panthers claim RB Royce Freeman off waivers |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-claim-rb-royce-freeman-off-waivers |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Panthers.com}} He played in eight games before being released on November 8.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Panthers place two starting linemen on injured reserve |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-place-two-starting-linemen-on-injured-reserve |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Panthers.com}}
=Houston Texans=
On November 9, 2021, Freeman was claimed off waivers by the Texans.{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2021 |title=Houston Texans Transactions (11-9-2021) |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-transactions-11-9-2021 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=HoustonTexans.com}} He finished the 2021 season with 56 carries for 169 rushing yards and ten receptions for 77 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeRo00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
Freeman re-signed with the Texans on March 25, 2022.{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2022 |title=Houston Texans Transactions (3-25-2022) |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-transactions-3-25-2022 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=HoustonTexans.com}} On September 9, 2022, Freeman was released from the Texans and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Texans cut Royce Freeman |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/09/09/texans-cut-royce-freeman/ |access-date=September 10, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk}} He was promoted to the active roster on December 17.{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2022 |title=Houston Texans Transactions (12-17-2022) |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-transactions-12-17-2022 |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=HoustonTexans.com}} He played in the last four games of the 2022 season and made one start. He finished with 41 carries for 117 yards.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeRo00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Los Angeles Rams (first stint)=
On July 30, 2023, Freeman signed with the Los Angeles Rams.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=July 30, 2023 |title=Rams agree to terms with RB Royce Freeman |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-agree-to-terms-with-running-back-royce-freeman |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=TheRams.com}} He was released on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=August 29, 2023 |title=Rams waive 36 players ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-waive-14-players-ahead-of-tuesday-s-53-man-roster-deadline |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=TheRams.com}}{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=August 31, 2023 |title=Rams sign 16 players to initial practice squad for 2023 season |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-sign-15-players-to-initial-practice-squad-for-2023-season |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=TheRams.com}} He was signed to the active roster on October 17, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=October 17, 2023 |title=Rams add Royce Freeman, sign Myles Gaskin, Darrell Henderson |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38681827/rams-elevate-royce-freeman-sign-darrell-henderson |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}} He appeared in 14 games. He finished with 77 carries for 319 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Royce Freeman 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeRo00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Dallas Cowboys=
On April 16, 2024, Freeman signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys.{{cite web | last=Eatman | first=Nick | title=Cowboys add veteran RB Royce Freeman | website=Dallas Cowboys | date=2024-04-17 | url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-add-veteran-rb-royce-freeman | access-date=2024-10-09}} He was released on August 27.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Patrik |date=August 27, 2024 |title=2024 Cowboys Roster: Carl Lawson, Kemon Hall, 4 RBs included in roster trimming |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2024-cowboys-roster-carl-lawson-kemon-hall-4-rbs-included-in-roster-trimming |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=DallasCowboys.com}}
=Cleveland Browns=
On September 17, 2024, Freeman signed with the Cleveland Browns practice squad.{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=Browns place WR David Bell on injured reserve |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-place-wr-david-bell-on-injured-reserve |access-date=18 September 2024 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com}} He was released on October 8.{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Browns waive Javion Cohen, Sam Kamara and Blake Whiteheart |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-waive-javion-cohen-sam-kamara-and-blake-whiteheart |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com}}
=Chicago Bears=
On December 11, 2024, the Chicago Bears signed Freeman to their practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Ely |date=December 11, 2024 |title=NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/11/24 |url=https://www.profootballrumors.com/2024/12/nfl-practice-squad-updates-12-11-24 |access-date=December 11, 2024 |website=Pro Football Rumors |language=en}}
=Los Angeles Rams (second stint)=
On January 7, 2025, Freeman signed with the Los Angeles Rams practice squad.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=7 January 2025 |title=Rams finally activate John Johnson III from IR, make 3 other roster moves |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/07/rams-roster-moves-john-johnson-royce-freeman/ |access-date=8 January 2025 |website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="2" |Legend |
| Bold
|Career high |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Team ! colspan="2" | Games ! colspan="5" | Rushing ! colspan="5" | Receiving ! colspan="2" | Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost |
| 2018 | DEN
| 14 || 8 || 130 || 521 || 4.0 || 24 || 5 || 14 || 72 || 5.1 || 9 || 0 || 1 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | DEN
| 16 || 0 || 132 || 496 || 3.8 || 28 || 3 || 43 || 256 || 6.0 || 19 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2020 | DEN
| 16 || 0 || 35 || 170 || 4.9 || 23 || 0 || 12 || 81 || 6.8 || 28 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | 2021 | CAR
| 8 || 0 || 21 || 77 || 3.7 || 13 || 0 || 3 || 15 || 5.0 || 8 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| HOU
| 7 || 0 || 35 || 92 || 2.6 || 13 || 0 || 7 || 62 || 8.9 || 12 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2022
!HOU |4 |1 |41 |117 |2.9 |11 |0 |6 |33 |5.5 |9 |0 |1 |1 | |||||||||||||
| 2023
!LAR |11 |0 |73 |317 |4.3 |23 |2 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 | |||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeRo00.htm Career] || 76 || 9 || 467 || 1,790 || 3.8 || 28 || 10 || 80 || 491 || 6.1 || 28 || 1 || 2 || 2 |
See also
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{footballstats|pfr=FreeRo00|yahoo=31041|espn=3122672|nfl=royce-freeman}}
- {{Twitter}}
- [http://www.goducks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7246 Oregon Ducks bio]
{{Pac-12 Player of the Year}}
{{Broncos2018DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Freeman, Royce}}
Category:Players of American football from Imperial County, California
Category:American football running backs
Category:Oregon Ducks football players
Category:Denver Broncos players
Category:Carolina Panthers players
Category:Houston Texans players
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:Los Angeles Rams players