Former Michigan Football Standout Craig Roh Dies at 33

The Sugar Bowl and Grey Cup champion privately fought colon cancer for over a year.

Craig Roh, a linebacker and defensive lineman at Michigan from 2009-12, died Monday of colon cancer, his wife announced on social media Wednesday. He was 33.

“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 26,” his wife, Chelsea, wrote. “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.”

In four years with the Wolverines, Roh registered 10 1/2 sacks and 26 1/2 tackles for loss. He helped Michigan reach the Sugar Bowl in 2011 and garnered All-Big Ten acclaim in 2012. Roh also holds the school record with 51 consecutive starts. 

“I am saddened to hear about the passing of former defensive end Craig Roh, our program’s all-time leader in career starts,” Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore wrote on social media. “My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”

I am saddened to hear about the passing of former defensive end Craig Roh, our program’s all-time leader in career starts. 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…

— Sherrone Moore (@Coach_SMoore) February 28, 2024

Roh spent seven years in the Canadian Football League with the British Columbia Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts—winning a Grey Cup with the Lions in 2019.

After his playing career, Roh took to building an online course dedicated to helping coaches improve defensive line play.