Defensive End Craig Roh Cause of Death and Obituary, What Happened to Craig Roh? How did Craig Roh Die? Who was Craig Roh?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Feb 29, 2024
Defensive End Craig Roh Cause of Death
Former University of Michigan football star, Craig Roh, passed away at the age of 33 on Monday, succumbing to a secret battle with stage IV colon cancer, as revealed by his wife, Chelsea Roh. In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, Chelsea disclosed that Craig had been diagnosed in August 2022 but had chosen to keep his health struggles private.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Roh displayed remarkable resilience throughout the 18-month-long battle, undergoing various treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and participation in clinical trials at MD Anderson and in Honduras.
Craig Roh, a standout defensive end, joined the University of Michigan in 2008 and earned recognition as the No. 7 defensive end in the nation. His contributions played a role in Michigan's victory in the Sugar Bowl during his junior year.
Although he entered the NFL Draft in 2013 and joined the Carolina Panthers' practice squad, he eventually found success in the Canadian Football League (CFL), signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2018 and contributing to the team's Grey Cup win. Roh concluded his football career in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that garnered tributes from fans and fellow athletes on social media.
In the wake of Craig Roh's untimely death, Chelsea Roh has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses and provide for the future education of their young son, Max. The outpouring of support has been substantial, with over $24,000 already raised to aid the grieving family during this challenging time.
Who was Craig Roh?
Craig Robert Roh was a prominent American football player known for his contributions as a defensive end in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Hailing from Arizona, Roh garnered recognition early in his career, being named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2008–2009 academic year. His exceptional athletic and academic abilities were further acknowledged when he received the 2009 Scholar-Athlete Award from the College Football Hall of Fame.
Enrolling at the University of Michigan in 2009, Roh quickly made an impact, starting all 12 games at the "hybrid linebacker" position during his true freshman year. His skills on the field earned him accolades, including being named a 2011 All-Big Ten honorable mention and a 2012 All-Big Ten second-team selection, showcasing his prowess as a versatile and talented player within collegiate football. Unfortunately, Craig Roh's life was cut short on February 26, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a standout athlete and scholar in the world of football.
Specifications
Details
Name
Craig Roh
No.
93
Position
Defensive end
Born
January 25, 1991
Born Place
Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Died
February 26, 2024
Age at death
33
Height
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight
266 lb (121 kg)
High school
Chaparral (Scottsdale, Arizona)
College
Michigan
Undrafted
2013
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Craig Roh Career
Craig Roh's football journey began in his early years at Paradise Valley Christian Prep for junior high before making a mark at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale. There, he excelled as a defensive end, breaking school records and earning accolades such as being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Arizona. His impressive high school stats, including 140 tackles and 16.5 sacks in his senior year, made him one of the most highly recruited high school football players in the United States.
In 2008, Roh committed to the University of Michigan, where he continued to showcase his prowess. As a true freshman, he started all 12 games, playing the "hybrid linebacker" position. Over the seasons, Roh's dedication and versatility shone through, earning him recognition as a Freshman All-American and a key player in Michigan's defense. His leadership and performance continued to evolve in subsequent seasons, adapting to different positions and earning All-Big Ten honors.
After an impactful college career, Roh entered the professional arena, signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2013. Although his time with the Panthers was relatively short-lived, Roh found a new home in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
He played for the BC Lions from 2015 to 2017, consistently contributing with tackles and sacks. His 2018 season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers marked career highs in games played, tackles, and sacks. Despite facing injuries in 2019, Roh demonstrated resilience, maintaining his impact on the field with tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles.
Craig Roh's career journey reflects not only his exceptional skills on the gridiron but also his ability to adapt and contribute at different levels of the sport, leaving a lasting legacy in both collegiate and professional football.
Craig Roh Family
Craig Roh, hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona, had a family deeply touched by both joy and sorrow. His father, Fred Roh, was an athlete who played basketball at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. Unfortunately, details about his mother and potential siblings remain unknown.
Tragically, at the time of Craig's death, he was married to his wife Chelsea. Their journey was marked by heartache as they grappled with infertility, experiencing the loss of four babies during pregnancy. Despite these challenges, the couple remained open about their struggles, undergoing IVF treatments. Their resilience bore fruit when they welcomed their son Max into the world in September 2021.
Chelsea, in announcing Craig's passing, shared the heartbreaking revelation that he is now reunited with their four children in heaven. She expressed the difficulty of facing life without him but vowed to move forward for the sake of their beautiful little boy, Max. The Roh family's story reflects not only the triumphs on the football field but also the profound resilience and love that characterized their personal journey.
Craig Roh Obituary
In memory of Craig Roh, a formidable defensive end, whose tenacity and skill left an indelible mark on the gridiron. From his standout high school performances in Scottsdale to becoming a key player for the University of Michigan, Roh's dedication and versatility were unmatched.
A silent warrior, he faced his battle with stage IV colon cancer with resilience, a testament to his character. Craig's legacy extends beyond the field, embodying strength, humility, and a commitment to excellence. In the hearts of football enthusiasts, he remains a symbol of unwavering determination. Rest in peace, Craig Roh, a true sportsman and inspiration.
What Happened to Craig Roh? How did Craig Roh Die?
Former University of Michigan football star Craig Roh, 33, passed away on Monday after a private battle with stage IV colon cancer, as revealed by his wife Chelsea. Diagnosed in August 2022, Craig chose to keep his illness confidential.
Despite facing aggressive treatments, including chemo and clinical trials, Roh showed unwavering resilience. A standout defensive end for Michigan, he won the Sugar Bowl in his junior year. After an NFL Draft stint in 2013, Roh later joined the Canadian league, contributing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Grey Cup victory in 2018. Tributes flooded social media, and a GoFundMe has been initiated to support his family, raising over $24,000.
Defensive End Craig Roh Cause of Death - FAQs
Craig Roh, the former defensive end, passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 33 after a private battle with stage IV colon cancer.
Craig Roh succumbed to the effects of stage IV colon cancer. His wife, Chelsea Roh, revealed that he had been diagnosed in August 2022, and the couple chose to keep the devastating news private during his 18-month-long battle.
Craig Roh was an accomplished American football player, known for his tenure as a defensive end at the University of Michigan and later in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was born on January 25, 1991, and his career spanned from college football to professional leagues.
The cause of Craig Roh's death was stage IV colon cancer, a diagnosis he faced with resilience and strength until his passing on February 26, 2024.
Craig Roh had a notable football career, starting from his impressive high school performances to becoming a star defensive end at the University of Michigan. He further extended his impact in the Canadian Football League (CFL), retiring from football in 2021. His legacy goes beyond the field, encompassing his determination, versatility, and dedication to the sport.