Born October 9, 1972 in Cameroon, West Africa, Oben moved to the United States on January 4, 1977. He was 5 years old and moved with his mother, Marie, who came to the states to work for the Cameroon embassy.

A talented student athlete, Oben prepped at Gonzaga High School in Washington D.C and also attended Fork Union Military Academy. He lettered in track, shot put and discus. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Louisville and a master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2001.

Growing up in the nation’s capital spurred a natural interest in politics. While working toward his master’s degree in public administration at Fairleigh Dickinson, Oben completed internships with Democratic Congressmen Bill Pascrell of New Jersey and Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland. Kucinich was a 2004 presidential candidate.

The founder of the Roman Oben Foundation in 2003, Oben works to promote the positive development of youth and families through football, literacy and other community outreach projects. In March 2004, Oben returned to Cameroon to visit schools and an orphanage, providing them with much-needed textbooks and financial assistance. It was the third time he’d returned to his native country.

Oben is married to Linda and has two sons, Roman Jr. and Andre. Following his retirement from the NFL, Oben and his family have settled in the New York City metropolitan area.