North Fulton Today

Xavier McKinney's focus is helping the New York Giants change their losing ways and become a winning team again, but he wanted to honor someone during an important game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Field.

The defensive back and Roswell High School alum paid tribute to Robbie Roper, the Roswell High quarterback, who died suddenly from complications during a surgical procedure on his shoulder, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Roper, 18, was a 6-foot-4-inch, 215-pound dual threat who was highly sought after to play college football.

McKinney, a Roswell High alumnus, wore cleats that read "RIP ROBBIE ROPER" and "FOREVER THE GOAT" during the Eagles game, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Roper seemed headed toward a promising career before tragedy struck, leaving the entire community in shock, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

"Losing a student is always tough, especially as a coach, you have a really close relationship with all you players especially your quarterbacks," second-year Roswell Coach Chris Prewett told Fox 5 Atlanta.

Roper scored a last-second touchdown during his last game, a playoff against North Cobb, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. His classmates and family gathered for a vigil in his honor shortly after his death.

Roper had yet to commit to a college, but drew interest from Morehead State, Morgan State, Western Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Texas Christian, Michigan and North Carolina, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.