Rodriguez Named To U.S. National Team

Newport News, VA - Christopher Newport University senior Rob Rodriguez has been selected to play on the first-ever United States national football team.

He will represent the United States in the World Cup for American Football this summer in Tokyo , Japan.

Rodriguez, a standout defensive back and special teams player with the Captains, will team with players from all divisions from across the country, including Division I BCS Conferences.

The American team will be led by former NFL and University of Texas coach John Mackovic.

Rodriguez, a native of Virginia Beach and graduate of Kempsville High School , this year became the third CNU football player to achieve All-America status. He played in the Aztec Bowl, an all-star game in Mexico held after the season.

Prior to his senior season, Rodriguez was selected the first-ever team captain in the six-year history of the Christopher Newport football program.

Rodriguez was named the USA South Athletic Conference's defensive Player of the Year in 2005, and was a first-team all conference selection in 2006. He blocked 10 kicks in his CNU career, a school record, and made nine career interceptions. He also scored four touchdowns in his remarkable Christopher Newport career.