NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — DB
3.71 GPA — Economics and Learning & Organizational Change
Head Coach: David Braun | Athletics Director: Mark Jackson
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Wesley R. Burghardt
Selected by his teammates to wear Northwestern's No. 1 jersey, the highest honor in Wildcat football, Robert Fitzgerald has earned a reputation as a leader who embodies the program's values while excelling in the classroom and on the field. The Dallas, Texas, native becomes Northwestern's sixth NFF National Scholar-Athlete and first since 2017.
Fitzgerald graduated from Northwestern in May 2026, studying economics and learning and organizational change while compiling a 3.71 GPA. Currently pursuing a master's degree in specialized studies, he earned CSC First Team Academic All-America honors in 2025. He is also a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection and three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
A four-year letterman and 2026 team captain, Fitzgerald earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after recording 115 tackles, ranking second in the conference, while leading the Big Ten with 69 solo stops. He paced all conference defensive backs with six tackles for loss while also becoming Northwestern's first defensive back since at least 1995 to record more than 110 tackles in a season. Against Michigan last season, he registered 15 tackles and an interception, becoming the first Wildcat to accomplish the feat since 2010.
Entering 2026, he had amassed 174 career tackles, seven tackles for loss and two interceptions. Through five games in 2026, he has recorded 49 tackles and two interceptions, including a pick-six against Ball State, and a fumble recovery. His average of 9.8 tackles per game ranks seventh nationally and leads the Big Ten.
Fitzgerald helped Northwestern win the 2023 Las Vegas Bowl and the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl, where the Wildcats defeated Central Michigan 34-7 for the largest bowl game margin of victory in program history. His selection as team captain and recipient of the No. 1 jersey reflects the respect he has earned from teammates and coaches, with head coach David Braun describing him as an extension of the coaching staff on the field. The Wildcats have posted a 5-1 record this season and are ranked No. 24 in the AP Top 25.
Beyond football, Fitzgerald has participated in numerous activities through Northwestern's chapter of Uplifting Athletes. He is also involved in NU for Life, a professional networking initiative for Wildcat student-athletes.
(All stats through Oct. 17 games.)
