Robert was born in 1960 in West Bromwich, England. When he was six years old, his family moved to Canada and called Toronto home. Robert attended Newtonbrook Secondary School in North York and in his first year he was eager to try out for the football team. Unfortunately, he didn’t make the cut, but he didn’t let that stop him.  

Despite not making the football team in his first year, he persevered and made the team the next year. Robert was an exceptional athlete and participated in a variety of high school sports including basketball, track and field (100m, 200m, 400m, javelin, and relays), and even gymnastics. His persistence paid off when, in his final year, Newtonbrook won the North York Football Championship — the first and only in the school’s history.

During his last year of high school, Robert attended an evaluation camp for football players who were graduating high school. It was sponsored by the Toronto Argonauts and his head coach, Rod Woodard, happened to be part of it. During the camp they had a pivotal conversation that ultimately influenced Robert to enroll at Simon Fraser University (SFU). 

Robert arrived in British Columbia without a scholarship or even a guarantee of making the SFU football team. The risk was worth it, and after just one week of training camp, he earned a scholarship and a spot in campus residency. During his time at SFU, Robert excelled as a two-sport athlete, competing in football and track. He ran the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m events. During his final year, the 4x400m relay team won the District Championship and he placed second in both the 100m and 200m events. Robert’s university football accolades included Honourable Mention All-Northwest, Evergreen All-Conference, and First Team NAIA All-District 1. 

During his senior season with SFU, Robert played 8 games, rushing for 474 yards on 114 carries for an average gain of 4.2 yards, with eight touchdowns. He caught 14 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. 

In 1984, Robert was drafted 9th overall in the first round of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as their first pick and the team’s general manager, John Herrera, praised Robert has having the best quickness of any Canadian back he’d ever seen. During this time, he considered opportunities in the National Football League, including interest from the Cleveland Browns to join their practice squad, but he chose to pursue a career in the CFL. The following year he was traded to the Ottawa Rough Riders as part of a six-player deal. He stayed with that team until he retired.

Robert’s professional football career spanned six seasons from 1984 to 1989, playing for both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Ottawa Rough Riders. Known for his speed and agility, he was voted one of the fastest running backs in the league by his peers in an MVP Magazine poll. His professional career stats includes 655 rushing yards, 367 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns. A highlight came in September 1986, when he was named Offensive Player of the Game.

After retiring from football in 1989, Robert transitioned into family life and entrepreneurship. He and his wife Charlotte moved to Aurora, Ontario, in 1994, where they raised their children Courtney and Jarred. Robert took over his father’s business, the Reid Lift Truck Company, managing sales and service of industrial lift trucks.

Fitness remained central to Robert’s lifestyle. He maintained his playing weight and continued daily workouts, even after undergoing two knee surgeries and managing a shoulder injury. His commitment to health and fitness led him to become a personal trainer, mentoring athletes and community members alike. He coached soccer, football, and basketball in Aurora, including his children’s teams. His son Jarred went on to play basketball at Dalhousie University, a testament to the athletic legacy Robert fostered.

In retirement, Robert explored acting, appearing in commercials, Canadian television shows, and films. Despite his accomplishments, he remains humble, rarely speaking about his CFL career unless prompted by others.

From Robert’s early days overcoming setbacks, to his professional career and ongoing mentorship, he exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and athletic excellence. His nomination to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of a life dedicated to sport and service.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to football, we are honored to welcome Robert Reid as part of the 2025 class of inductees into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.