Robert Massey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience both as a player and a coach to Winston Salem State University (WSSU). With stints at NCCU (2003-04), Livingstone College (Interim Head Coach - 2005-06) and Shaw University (Assistant Coach, Head Coach 2007-2015). After leading WSSU for two seasons as the interim Head Coach, Massey was named Head Coach on December 17, 2021.
“I am humbled to be in this position, and I’m grateful,” said Massey. "Being named 10th head football coach in the storied history of the school, I don’t take this opportunity lightly and we are going to work hard to get us back to where we belong, "winning championships". We are going to Protect the Legacy!”
Massey spent 10 years in the National Football League (NFL) prior to returning to North Carolina to become Head coach at Hillside High School (1999-2002). He then returned to his alma mater, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to coach receivers and defensive backs (2003 – 2004). Coach Massey was instrumental in winning four Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Championships as an assistant coach at Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University.
As a player, he had a successful collegiate career at North Carolina Central University and finished third on the Eagles' career interceptions list. He served as team captain and earned All-CIAA honors as both a junior and a senior. He also received All-American honors as a senior.
In 1989, Massey was drafted in the second round of the National Football League (NFL) by the New Orleans Saints and was named to the 1989 NFL All-Rookie Team. Massey was later selected to the 1992 Pro Bowl as a member of the Phoenix Cardinals. In 1998, after 10 seasons in the NFL, Massey retired as a member of the New York Giants. He continued with the team as an assistant defensive backs coach. He is a member of the North Carolina Central University Sports Hall of Fame and the Rock Hill, South Carolina Pop Warner Hall of Fame.
Massey and his wife Adrienne have three children.
