{{Short description|American football player (born 1988)}} {{about|the former American football running back|his father, the former rugby union player|Roy Helu Sr.}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox gridiron football biography | name = Roy Helu Jr. | image = Roy helu 2014.jpg | caption = Helu with the Washington Redskins in 2014 | position = Running back | number = 26, 29 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|12|07}} | birth_place = Danville, California, U.S. | height_ft = 5 | height_in = 11 | weight_lbs = 220 | pastteams = * Washington Redskins ({{NFL Year|2011}}–{{NFL Year|2014}}) * Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2015}}) | high_school = San Ramon Valley {{nowrap|(Danville)}} | college = Nebraska (2007–2010) | draftyear = 2011 | draftround = 4 | draftpick = 105 | highlights = * PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011) * 2× Second-team All-Big 12 (2009, 2010) | statlabel1 = Rushing attempts | statvalue1 = 272 | statlabel2 = Rushing yards | statvalue2 = 1,171 | statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns | statvalue3 = 7 | statlabel4 = Receptions | statvalue4 = 138 | statlabel5 = Receiving yards | statvalue5 = 1,227 | statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns | statvalue6 = 4 | pfr = HeluRo00 }}
'''Roy Ziegler Helu Jr.''' (born December 7, 1988) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Helu set the Redskins' franchise record of most receptions in single game with 14 catches in a game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Joseph |last2=Writer |first2=AP Sports |date=November 6, 2011 |title=Gore leads 49ers past Redskins 19–11 |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-gore-leads-49ers-past-redskins-19-11-2011nov06-story.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317020538/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-gore-leads-49ers-past-redskins-19-11-2011nov06-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Early life== Helu played high school football at San Ramon Valley High School.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu, San Ramon Valley, Running Back |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Roy-Helu-53045/high-school-90675/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=247Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317020524/https://247sports.com/Player/Roy-Helu-53045/high-school-90675/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2010 |title=Roy Helu Jr., a San Ramon Valley High graduate, creates his own legend in storied Nebraska football program |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/12/17/roy-helu-jr-a-san-ramon-valley-high-graduate-creates-his-own-legend-in-storied-nebraska-football-program/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=East Bay Times |language=en-US |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203071727/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/12/17/roy-helu-jr-a-san-ramon-valley-high-graduate-creates-his-own-legend-in-storied-nebraska-football-program/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In his junior year at San Ramon Valley, Helu ran for 1,526 yards rushing and scored 19 touchdowns on 186 carries, and averaged 8.6 yards per carry. He also had 30 receptions for 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns, which earned him All-East Bay League honors.
During Helu's senior year, he helped San Ramon Valley to a 10–2 record in 2006. He finished his senior year with 1,085 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He had 300 yards receiving on 20 receptions and 1 touchdown, and also recorded one interception as a free safety. He earned first-team all-league honors his senior year as a running back.<ref name="NebraskaBio">{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu Jr. – 2010 – Football |url=https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/roy-helu-jr-/14617 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728063938/https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/roy-helu-jr-/14617 |archive-date=July 28, 2022 |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=University of Nebraska–Lincoln |language=en}}</ref>
==College career== thumb|left|120px|Helu with Nebraska in 2010 Despite fighting injuries, Helu rushed for over 1,000 yards each of his last two years at Nebraska.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christopherson |first=Brian |date=October 11, 2009 |title=No word on Helu's possible injury |url=https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/no-word-on-helu-s-possible-injury/article_f0fae9bf-0582-567b-9b19-96201c3831fe.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=JournalStar.com |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317020520/https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/no-word-on-helu-s-possible-injury/article_f0fae9bf-0582-567b-9b19-96201c3831fe.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu Jr. College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/roy-helu-jr-1.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009083525/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/roy-helu-jr-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By the time he graduated in 2011, he was 4th on the Huskers all-time rushing list, and broke Nebraska's single-game rushing record by rushing for 307 yards and scoring three touchdowns against Missouri on October 30, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2010 |title=Nebraska Hands Missouri Its First Loss |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/sports/ncaafootball/31huskers.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617092836/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/sports/ncaafootball/31huskers.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
===College statistics=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" ! Year !! Team !! Att !! Yards !! Average !! TDs !! Receptions !! Yards !!Average!! TDs |- | '''2007''' || Nebraska || 45 || 209 || 4.6 || 0 || 5 || 40 ||8.0|| 0 |- | '''2008''' || Nebraska || 125 || 803 || 6.4 || 7 || 25 || 266 ||10.6|| 0 |- | '''2009''' || Nebraska || 220 || 1,147 || 5.2 || 10 || 19 || 149 ||7.8|| 0 |- | '''2010''' || Nebraska || 188 || 1,245 || 6.6 || 11 || 5 || 46 ||9.2|| 0 |- | colspan=2 | '''[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/roy-helu-jr-1.html Career]'''|| 578 || 3,404 || 5.9 || 28 || 54 || 501 ||9.3|| 0 |- |}
==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 5 | height in = 11 1/2 | weight = 219 | dash = 4.44 | ten split = 1.50 | twenty split = 2.64 | shuttle = 4.01 | cone drill = 6.67 | vertical = 36.5 | broad ft = 9 | broad in = 11 | bench = 11 | arm span = 31 3/8 | hand span = 10 1/4 | wingspan ft = 6 | wingspan in = 3 7/8 | note = All values from NFL Combine<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/roy-helu/32004845-4c69-7773-da3a-acf468e89006 |title=Roy Helu Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=April 19, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=70324&DraftYear=2011 |title=Roy Helu, DS #14 RB, Nebraska |access-date=August 13, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker/2011/rounds/4 |title=Draft Tracker 2011 |website=NFL.com |access-date=April 19, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/roy-helu?id=2495161 |title=NFL Combine Profile - Roy Helu |access-date=August 13, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101333/https://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/roy-helu?id=2495161 |url-status=live }}</ref> }}
===Washington Redskins===
====2011 season==== Helu was selected in the fourth round with the 105th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. He would later be joined by Nebraska teammates, DeJon Gomes and Niles Paul, who were drafted after him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=February 26, 2019 |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814023237/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 6, 2011, in his first career start, Helu broke the Redskins all-time record for receptions in a game with 14 catches, in a loss against the San Francisco 49ers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Svrluga |first=Barry |date=November 6, 2011 |title=Roy Helu breaks Redskins' record for receptions in a game |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-breaks-redskins-record-for-receptions-in-a-game/2011/11/06/gIQAuCzNtM_blog.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=The Washington Post |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226234106/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-breaks-redskins-record-for-receptions-in-a-game/2011/11/06/gIQAuCzNtM_blog.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The following two weeks, in losses to Miami and Dallas, Helu had a combined 14 rushes and five receptions as Coach Mike Shanahan split running back duties between Helu and Ryan Torain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins – November 13th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111130mia.htm |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107144519/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111130mia.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – November 20th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111200was.htm |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010002706/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111200was.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Coach Shanahan said, “I like Helu, he’s doing some great things. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him too early. He’s not ready for that. But he’s gaining experience, and I like what I see.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maese |first=Rick |date=November 22, 2011 |title=Roy Helu is finishing, but still not starting |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/roy-helu-is-finishing-but-still-not-starting/2011/11/21/gIQAi6pHjN_story.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=The Washington Post |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226234104/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/roy-helu-is-finishing-but-still-not-starting/2011/11/21/gIQAi6pHjN_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On November 27, 2011, Helu rushed for a Redskins rookie-record 108 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks' top-ten ranked run defense.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=November 28, 2011 |title=Career day for Redskins rookie RB Roy Helu |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/career-day-for-rookie-rb-roy-helu/2011/11/27/gIQAabhb3N_blog.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=The Washington Post |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916054959/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/career-day-for-rookie-rb-roy-helu/2011/11/27/gIQAabhb3N_blog.html |url-status=live }}</ref> While running for a touchdown, he hurdled Seahawks cornerback, Roy Lewis. He was then named the full-time starter by Coach Shanahan,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=November 29, 2011 |title=Roy Helu will remain starting RB |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-will-remain-starting-rb/2011/11/28/gIQA6MO46N_blog.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=The Washington Post |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916064040/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-will-remain-starting-rb/2011/11/28/gIQA6MO46N_blog.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and responded with two consecutive 100 yard performances. Following his 126-yard performance against the New England Patriots, Helu led all active rookies in rush yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maese |first=Rick |date=December 14, 2011 |title=Roy Helu leads all active rookies in rushing |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-leads-all-active-rookies-in-rushing/2011/12/14/gIQA7s7PuO_blog.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=The Washington Post |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916045852/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-leads-all-active-rookies-in-rushing/2011/12/14/gIQA7s7PuO_blog.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His streak of three consecutive 100 yard games is the most by any Redskins rookie in franchise history; a record he was unable to extend to four games due to an injury he sustained.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=December 19, 2011 |title=Roy Helu played injured against Giants |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-played-injured-against-giants/2011/12/19/gIQA4t5C5O_blog.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=The Washington Post |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916040822/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/roy-helu-played-injured-against-giants/2011/12/19/gIQA4t5C5O_blog.html |url-status=live }}</ref> thumb|175px|right|Helu at Redskins 2012 training camp
Helu finished with 151 carries for 640 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with 49 receptions for 379 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107023831/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of the 2011 NFL season, Helu was Redskins' leader in rushing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Washington Redskins Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2011.htm |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135851/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2011.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 16, 2012, Helu along with fellow rookie, Ryan Kerrigan, were named to the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of America all-rookie team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tandler |first=Rich |date=January 16, 2012 |title=Helu, Kerrigan voted to All-Rookie team |url=http://www.csnwashington.com/01/16/12/Helu-Kerrigan-voted-to-All-Rookie-team/landing.html?blockID=632274 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729213327/http://www.csnwashington.com/01/16/12/Helu-Kerrigan-voted-to-All-Rookie-team/landing.html?blockID=632274 |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |access-date=January 16, 2012 |website=CSNWashington.com}}</ref>
====2012 season==== After the NFL changed the rule in 2012 to allow players' jerseys to include generational titles in their names, Helu adopted "Jr." to the back of his jersey.<ref>{{cite web|work=Redskins.com|url=http://blog.redskins.com/2012/05/10/new-jerseys-mean-old-name-for-helu-jr/|title=New Jerseys Mean Old Name For Helu Jr.|last=Walker|first=Andrew|date=May 10, 2012|access-date=July 31, 2012|archive-date=August 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812161338/http://blog.redskins.com/2012/05/10/new-jerseys-mean-old-name-for-helu-jr/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was expected to compete for the starting spot in the 2012 season against Tim Hightower and Evan Royster,<ref>{{cite web|work=Redskins.com|url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Shanahan-Running-Back-Competition-Open/0d98b33e-f02c-4ef7-979d-af6b74cc5de9|title=Shanahan: Running Back Competition Open|last=Tinsman|first=Brian|date=July 26, 2012|access-date=July 31, 2012|archive-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730210323/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Shanahan-Running-Back-Competition-Open/0d98b33e-f02c-4ef7-979d-af6b74cc5de9|url-status=dead}}</ref> but ended up losing the competition to rookie Alfred Morris. His second season was cut short after being placed on injured reserve on September 26, 2012, due to lower leg injuries and turf toe.<ref>{{cite web|work=Redskins.com|url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Grant-Place-Helu-Jr-On-IR/a6e11b53-7aa1-41e4-837a-b36533abff13|title=Redskins Sign Grant, Place Helu Jr. On IR|last=Tinsman|first=Brian|date=September 26, 2012|access-date=September 26, 2012|archive-date=September 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928054908/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Grant-Place-Helu-Jr-On-IR/a6e11b53-7aa1-41e4-837a-b36533abff13|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/redskins-sign-ryan-grant-send-roy-helu-to-ir-0ap1000000066403|title=Redskins sign Ryan Grant, send Roy Helu to I.R.|first=Gregg|last=Rosenthal|date=September 26, 2012|access-date=September 26, 2012|archive-date=September 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927232939/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000066403/article/redskins-sign-ryan-grant-send-roy-helu-to-ir|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the season with two carries for two rushing yards and 45 receiving yards on seven receptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107023833/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
====2013 season==== Helu returned from injury and secured his place as the second string running back behind Morris during the 2013 preseason.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maske |first=Mark |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Helu has secured roster spot behind Morris at tailback |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2013/08/28/helu-has-secured-roster-spot-behind-morris-at-tailback/ |access-date=October 20, 2013 |website=WashingtonPost.com}}</ref> In a 45–41 Week 7 win against the Chicago Bears, he recorded his first multi-scoring game, recording three touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web|work=Redskins.com|url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Bears-Monday-Stats-Pack/06fd5e18-0aa5-41ff-b63a-23d368f06e43|title=Redskins-Bears Monday Stats Pack|date=October 21, 2013|first=Brian|last=Tinsman|access-date=November 11, 2013|archive-date=March 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303050424/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Bears-Monday-Stats-Pack/06fd5e18-0aa5-41ff-b63a-23d368f06e43|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McNally |first=Brian |date=October 20, 2013 |title=Redskins edge Bears on Roy Helu's third TD of day |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/20/redskins-edge-bears-roy-helus-third-td-day/ |access-date=November 11, 2013 |website=WashingtonTimes.com |archive-date=October 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026145255/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/20/redskins-edge-bears-roy-helus-third-td-day// |url-status=live }}</ref> He appeared in all 16 games. He finished with 62 carries for 274 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 31 receptions for 251 receiving yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107023835/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
====2014 season==== In 2014, Helu had almost no competition for the second-string running back job, and won it easily over fellow running backs Silas Redd, Evan Royster, Chris Thompson, and Lache Seastrunk.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Washington Redskins Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2014.htm |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124122730/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/2014.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2014 season, he appeared in 14 games. He finished with 40 carries for 216 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 42 receptions for 477 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608072028/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Oakland Raiders=== On March 10, 2015, Helu signed a two-year contract worth over $4 million with the Oakland Raiders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keim |first=John |date=March 10, 2015 |title=Raiders sign RB Roy Helu |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12457871/roy-helu-oakland-raiders-agree-contract |access-date=March 10, 2015 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311231213/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12457871/roy-helu-oakland-raiders-agree-contract |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-RB-Roy-Helu-Jr/9a554da9-b39e-47cf-b060-ad772a52e7db|title=Raiders Sign RB Roy Helu, Jr.|work=Raiders.com|date=March 11, 2015|access-date=March 12, 2015|archive-date=March 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314002757/http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-RB-Roy-Helu-Jr/9a554da9-b39e-47cf-b060-ad772a52e7db|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2015 season, Helu appeared in nine games. He had 17 carries for 39 rushing yards to go along with nine receptions for 75 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Helu 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107023838/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeluRo00/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Helu was placed on the team's injured reserve list on July 29, 2016, ending his season,<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2017 |title=Raiders Announce Transactions |url=http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Announce-Transactions/49a6be41-a119-451c-b2e3-5ba63777d273 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |website=Raiders.com |archive-date=July 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731093510/http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Announce-Transactions/49a6be41-a119-451c-b2e3-5ba63777d273 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was waived from the team a few days later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gutierrez |first=Paul |date=August 2, 2016 |title=Raiders formally release RB Roy Helu Jr. |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/208602/raiders-formally-release-rb-roy-helu-jr |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
==Personal life== Helu (pronounced HEH-loo) was born to Roy Helu Sr. and Kilistofa (Kristi) Helu on December 7, 1988, in Danville, California.<ref name="NebraskaBio" /> His father played rugby for the United States national rugby union team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ubben |first=David |date=November 5, 2010 |title=Father and son: A tale of two Helus |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/31853/father-and-son-a-tale-of-two-helus |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805222943/https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/31853/father-and-son-a-tale-of-two-helus |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="husker">{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2010 |title=For Roy Helu Jr., Football is All about Focus, Perspective and Humility |url=https://huskers.com/news/2010/11/5/205025699.aspx |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=University of Nebraska |language=en}}</ref>
He is married to retired professional volleyball player and fellow Nebraska Cornhusker alum, Dani Mancuso.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Michael |date=May 1, 2012 |title=Ex-Huskers found love after leap of faith |url=http://www.omaha.com/article/20120501/NEWS01/705019915 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131001020631/http://www.omaha.com/article/20120501/NEWS01/705019915 |archive-date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |website=Omaha.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dani Mancuso – 2006 – Volleyball |url=https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/dani-mancuso/20954 |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=University of Nebraska |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317020527/https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/dani-mancuso/20954 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Helu is of Tongan descent. He is a devout Christian.<ref name="husker" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2010 |title=Huskers For Christ – Roy Helu |url=https://nebraskafca.org/huskers-for-christ-roy-helu/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Nebraska FCA |language=en-US |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406184035/https://nebraskafca.org/huskers-for-christ-roy-helu/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2023 |title=Vaughn and Clay All Day: Episode 32 – Roy Helu Jr. on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-32-roy-helu-jr/id1519035024?i=1000603898770 |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-US |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313141350/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-32-roy-helu-jr/id1519035024?i=1000603898770 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{commons}} {{footballstats|pfr=H/HeluRo00|espn=14192|yahoo=24892}} *[http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=831215 Nebraska Cornhuskers bio]
{{Redskins2011DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Helu, Roy}} Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:American football running backs Category:Nebraska Cornhuskers football players Category:Washington Redskins players Category:Oakland Raiders players Category:American people of Tongan descent Category:Players of American football from Danville, California