Roy Lopez Jr.’s parents played a crucial role in shaping his football career and character.
Highlights
- Roy Lopez Jr.’s career trajectory demonstrates resilience through challenges, from a college injury to being waived by the Texans, eventually finding his way back to his home state with the Cardinals before signing with the Detroit Lions.
- The Lopez and Gomez families have deep roots in Arizona spanning four generations, with a rich legacy in both football and public service that has directly shaped Roy Jr.’s values and approach to his career.
- Family remains the central driving force in Roy Lopez Jr.’s life, as evidenced by his numerous family-honoring tattoos, game-day family reunions, and his adherence to his father’s principles of prioritizing being a good person and student before being a good athlete.
Roy Jacob Lopez Jr., born on August 7, 1997, has established himself as a formidable presence in the National Football League.
Lopez began his collegiate career at New Mexico State, where he committed in August 2016.
His time there was productive until a leg injury in the first week of the 2019 season sidelined him.
After a brief return at the end of that season, he was granted a fifth year of eligibility, which led him to transfer to the University of Arizona in July 2020, bringing him back to his home state.
The Houston Texans recognized Lopez’s potential and selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft with the 195th overall pick.
He quickly made an impact, officially signing with the team on May 12, 2021.
During a game against the Miami Dolphins on November 7, 2021, Lopez recorded his first professional sack and takeaway when he brought down quarterback Jacoby Brissett and later recovered a fumble.
After making 29 starts in 33 games over two seasons with the Texans, Lopez was waived with an injury settlement in August 2023 after suffering a hamstring injury in the second preseason game.
This setback led to a meaningful homecoming, as he signed with the Arizona Cardinals‘ practice squad on September 23, 2023, and was promoted to the active roster just three days later.
The move to the Cardinals held special significance for Lopez, as it allowed him to represent his home state and play in front of his extensive family support system.
Most recently, on March 11, 2025, Lopez signed with the Detroit Lions, continuing his NFL journey.
Roy Lopez Jr.’s Rise To Success: A Story Of Parental Love And Encouragement”
Behind Roy Lopez Jr.’s success stands a family deeply rooted in Arizona soil and football tradition.
His parents, Roy Lopez Sr. and Veronica Gomez, have been instrumental in shaping his athletic career, character, and values.
* BAND OF BROTHERS * Roy Jacob Lopez-Coach Brian Walker – Keiano Sotelo – Coach Roy Lopez – Jalen Walker *FAITH*FAMILY*FOOTBALL* pic.twitter.com/9dTwsitTrp
— Roy Lopez (@CoachRoyLopez) March 27, 2019
Roy Lopez Sr. has dedicated his life to football and education, amassing 28 years of coaching experience across Arizona.
His coaching journey began at New Mexico Highlands University before he made his way to the East Valley.
The elder Lopez spent a significant portion of his career at Marcos de Niza High School, where he achieved remarkable success, leading the Padres to an impressive 88-32 record over ten seasons.
After his tenure at Marcos de Niza, Lopez Sr. moved to the West Valley to take over the football program at Tolleson.
However, his time there was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing him to coach only one full season during his two years with the school.
Eventually, Lopez Sr. found his way to Desert Ridge, where he embraced the opportunity to rebuild the program and move closer to home.
At Desert Ridge, Lopez Sr. quickly made an impact that transcended the team’s win-loss record.
He transformed the culture of the program, earning respect and admiration from his players.
Senior edge rusher Lance Holtzclaw noted that
“from the moment I started working with coach Lopez, things were different… he was a brand new face to me and everyone else, but very soon his face became well-known, respected, and loved all around his new home.”
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Lopez Sr. currently teaches adaptive physical education at Mesa Desert Ridge, helping physically challenged students.
His commitment to education mirrors his dedication to coaching, embodying his belief in using sports as a tool for personal growth and development.
Veronica Gomez comes from a family with deep ties to public service in Arizona.
The Gomez family has maintained a continuous presence in the Phoenix Police Department since 1967, with Veronica herself serving as a police officer.
This tradition of service extends throughout the family, with her brother Nick working as an instructor at the police academy while also coaching football and wrestling at Glendale Cactus, and another brother, Andrew, recently retiring after 35 years as an officer.
The influence of both parents is evident in the values Roy Jr. lives by.
“Be a good person, be a good student, and then be a good athlete, in that order” is a mantra instilled in him by his father from a young age.
This philosophy has guided Lopez Jr. throughout his career and is something he shares with young athletes during his football camps.
The Lopez and Gomez families began settling in Arizona four generations ago as copper miners in Gilbert, Superior, and Kearny.
They discovered football shortly thereafter, and it quickly became central to their identity.
The passion for the game has been passed down through generations, with family members playing at various collegiate levels, including Illinois State, Fayetteville State, and New Mexico Highlands.
Family remains the cornerstone of Roy Lopez Jr.’s life, something he proudly displays through numerous tattoos honoring his heritage.
Over his heart, Roman numerals mark the birth years of his parents and sister.
His left forearm bears a prayer to Our Lady of Victory, which his father recites before every game.
Two late cousins are commemorated by angels on his left triceps and along the right side of his chest.
Mottos from his father and grandmother adorn each shoulder, while his back features a gladiator in a Roman coliseum, a nod to his grandfather calling him “the man in the arena.”
This deep familial bond is perhaps most evident on game days. Before each Cardinals home game, the extended family gathers at State Farm Stadium, setting up tents on the Great Lawn for pre-game tailgating.
Even for away games, a contingent typically travels to support Lopez. These gatherings serve as dedicated family reunions, bringing together multiple generations to celebrate their shared love of football and family.
During games, Lopez looks to the stands for familiar faces, sometimes seeking guidance from his family through hand signals they’ve used since his childhood.
After games, the family often rents a private room at a nearby restaurant, where Lopez reviews game film with his father and uncles.
For Veronica, each game is an emotional experience. “I’m always crying when I see him,” she admits, tears welling up whenever her son looks into the stands, searching for her among thousands of fans.
Additional Information
- Roy Lopez Jr. was a standout wrestler in his youth and during his high school years at Gilbert Mesquite, showing his athletic versatility beyond football.
- During his time with the Houston Texans, Lopez became a fan favorite and was once invited to be the grand marshal of a large Mardi Gras-style parade in Galveston, Texas.
- When the Arizona Cardinals signed him, Roy Lopez Jr. mentioned he had owned youth-sized Emmitt Smith and Larry Fitzgerald jerseys as a child, highlighting his longtime connection to the Cardinals franchise even before playing for them.
