Former Michigan football player Craig Roh dead at 33 after secret battle with colon cancer
Former Michigan Wolverines defensive standout Craig Roe died Monday after a private battle with colon cancer, his wife revealed.
He was 33 years old.
“I wanted to let all of his followers know that after an 18-month battle with Stage IV colon cancer, God brought Craig home on Monday, February 26th,” his widow Chelsea wrote on his X account Wednesday. “Craig was not very public with his battle, as he truly just wanted to focus on bringing the best content and building the best products he could. He laid out a timeline for his business so stay tuned.”
He starred as a four-star recruit at Chaparral High School, where he was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Arizona before he committed to the Wolverines in 2008.
Roh, who played for Michigan from 2009 to 2012, set a program record when he made 51 consecutive starts.
His most memorable play may have been at the end of a 67-65 triple-overtime win over Illinois in 2010.
With Illinois attempting a two-point conversion to send the game to a fourth overtime, Roh forced quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase from the pocket which led to an incomplete pass.
Roh was named a 2011 All-Big Ten honorable mention and a 2012 All-Big Ten second-team selection.
“I am saddened to hear about the passing of former defensive end Craig Roh, our program’s all-time leader in career starts,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore tweeted. “My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. The entire Roh family is in my thoughts and prayers and we hope for peace and comfort for all who knew this great Wolverine.”
Former NFL star Taylor Lewan, Roh’s teammate in high school and college, mourned the loss of his roommate.
“Without Craig I never have the opportunity to live the life I do now,” Lewan said on X. “I would never (made) it to college, never go to the NFL, and would never be sitting in the position I am today. So Craig Roh really and truly did change my life for the better.
“I’m heartbroken for his wife Chelsea and their young son who now has to grow up without his father. Anyone who knew Craig knew at his core he was a good person who always tried his best regardless of the circumstances.”
Former Michigan teammates also paid tribute to their fellow Wolverine.
“Love you brother,” wide receiver Roy Roundtree, who played with the Bengals, wrote. “So sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences. You were a DUDE and your film will forever live on.”
Punter Zoltan Mesko, who played for three NFL teams including the Patriots, wrote, “Rest in Peace, Craig. “Appreciate your passion, your goals, and most importantly the impact you had on me and countless others.”
Roh was signed by the Carolina Panthers in 2013 but didn’t appear in a regular season game.
He later played for three teams in the Canadian Football League, where he won the CFL’s Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019.
Roh last played professional football in 2021.
He moved to Texas to “expand his career into technology” and worked for various tech startups as he stepped into coaching, according to a GoFundMe page, set up by his family.
Roh is survived by his wife Chelsea and 2-year-old son Max.
