Chelsea Roh announced on X, formerly Twitter, that Craig Roh, a former standout football player at the University of Michigan, passed away on February 26 at the age of 33 after an 18-month battle with colon cancer. She expressed that Craig kept his struggle private, stating, “God brought Craig home.” Despite his diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer in August 2022, Craig chose not to publicly disclose his condition. The family set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses and support their son Max’s education. The GoFundMe described Craig’s resilience throughout his treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and participation in clinical trials.
Colon cancer in young people
Recent findings from the American Cancer Society indicate that colon cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities among men below 50. Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, the senior author of the study, expressed concern over the persistent rise in colorectal cancer cases among young adults, emphasizing the urgency to reverse this concerning trend. Despite decades of observation, the exact reasons behind this increase remain unclear to experts. Dr. David Liska from the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic admitted the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon, highlighting the consistent rise in cases over the past two decades. Recognizable symptoms of colorectal cancer include bloody stool, alterations in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal discomfort, unintended weight loss, and fatigue.
A love of sports, God and family
Craig Roh began his athletic journey in both football and basketball around the age of 6, but eventually focused solely on football. By his sophomore year of high school, he had become a starting varsity defensive end, showcasing his talent on the field. This earned him a full scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he excelled from 2009 to 2012, setting records and contributing to a Sugar Bowl victory during his junior year.
Despite his athletic achievements, Craig remained grounded in his faith and was a source of light to those around him. Following a year in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, he played in the Canadian Football League for five years before transitioning to a career in the tech industry in Austin, Texas.
In 2016, Craig married Chelsea Roh, and in 2021, they welcomed their son, Max 2. Described as a caring father, husband, brother, son, friend, and teammate, Craig’s impact went beyond his accomplishments. He was known for his vulnerability, humility, and sense of humor, prioritizing meaningful connections and values in life.
