Terrible news: A retired Michigan Wolverine was discovered deceased just a few minutes ago.

Terrible news: A retired Michigan Wolverine was discovered deceased just a few minutes ago.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, former Michigan Wolverines defensive standout Craig Roe passed away after a secret battle with colon cancer. His wife, Chelsea, posted on his X account: “I wanted to let all of his followers know that after an 18-month struggle with Stage IV colon cancer, God brought Craig home on Monday, February 26th. Craig was not very public about his battle since he simply wanted to focus on creating the greatest content and products he could. He outlined a timeline for his company, so stay tuned.”

Craig Roh in a game from 2012. (File Photo)
Craig Roh in a game from 2012. (File Photo)
Roh was a four-star recruit at Chaparral High School, where he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Arizona, before committing to Michigan in 2008. He was a standout player for the Michigan Wolverines from 2009 to 2012, making 51 consecutive starts and rewriting history.

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In 2010, one of his most notable plays helped the Michigan Wolverines defeat Illinois 67-65 in triple overtime. As Illinois attempted a two-point conversion to push the game into overtime, Roh forced quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase from the pocket, resulting in an incomplete pass.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said on X: “I am heartbroken to learn of the death of former defensive end Craig Roh, our program’s all-time career starts leader. My heart goes out to his family at this terrible time. The entire Roh family is in my thoughts and prayers, and we wish peace and comfort to those who knew this great Wolverine.

Other tributes poured in as well. Former NFL standout Taylor Lewan, Roh’s high school and college teammate, said, “Without Craig, I would not be able to live the life I do today. I would never have made it to college, the NFL, or the job I hold today. So Craig Roh has genuinely changed my life for the better. I’m heartbroken for his wife Chelsea and his baby son, who will now have to grow up without his father. Anyone who knew Craig knew he was a decent person at heart who always gave his all, no matter what.

Other former Michigan players paid respect to their fallen teammate.

Former Michigan teammates also paid respect to their teammate. Roh was signed by the Carolina Panthers in 2013, however he did not play in any regular-season games. He also competed in the Canadian Football League, winning the Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019.

Following his football career, he relocated to Texas, where he worked with many software businesses and coached. He is survived by his wife Chelsea and two-year-old son, Max.