Former Michigan Wolverines star edge rusher Craig Roh passed away Monday after an 18-month battle with stage IV colon cancer.
Roh played with the Michigan Wolverines from 2009 to 2012 before a short stint with the Carolina Panthers from 2013-2014. Roh went on to play for the Omaha Mammoths before finishing his career in the CFL and winning a championship, retiring after the 2021 season.
Michigan Wolverines edge rusher Craig Roh was a unique “hybrid” defender
Michigan Wolverines edge rusher Craig Roh was a unique “hybrid” defender at Michigan. Before it was popular, Roh played defensive end, defensive tackle, and outside linebacker. He started a program-record 51 consecutive games.
20 of those games were at outside linebacker, 29 of those games were at defensive end and two of those games were at defensive tackle. He was twice an All-Big Ten honorable mention and a second-team selection once during his time with the Wolverines.
Roh recorded 26.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks throughout his career with the Wolverines. He also accrued 150 total tackles and three forced fumbles.
Fans lamented the passing of former Michigan Wolverines edge rusher Craig Roh
Former Michigan Wolverines star Craig Roh’s wife took to social media to announce the passing of her spouse.
This is @mrschelsearoh, Craig’s wife. 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. Craig was not very public with his battle, as he truly just wanted to focus on bringing the…
— Craig Roh (@craigroh) February 28, 2024
Along with several fans, new Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore lamented the passing of Roh in an article from 247 Sports.
“I am saddened to hear about the passing of former defensive end Craig Roh, our program’s all-time leader in career starts,” wrote U-M coach Sherrone Moore. “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.”
Craig was such a kind, encouraging and generous person. I am praying for you and your family.
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) February 28, 2024
Craig was very generous with his time, kind and clearly loved and got a lot of joy from football in a way that was refreshing to see. I’m glad we were connected and I’m sorry for your loss. Praying for you and family during this time 🙏
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 28, 2024
So sorry to hear this. Thinking of all of you at this time. ❤️
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) February 28, 2024
We’d like to extend our most sincere condolences to you and your family
— Alouettes de Montréal (@MTLAlouettes) February 28, 2024
After his playing career, Roh took the role of a teacher and mentor. He wrote a book called the “Pass Rush Bible,” which provided resources and insights into the knowledge he gained as a pro football edge rusher for over a decade.
Support for Roh’s family can be given through their GoFundMe page, which is already at over $64,000.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.