Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Craig Roh dead at 33

CBC
·2 min read
Winnipeg Blue Bomber Craig Roh (93) sacks B.C. Lions quarterback Mike Reilly (13) and forces a fumble during the first half of CFL action in Winnipeg on Aug. 15, 2019. Defensive lineman Roh, who won a Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019, has died. (John Woods/The Canadian Press - image credit)
Winnipeg Blue Bomber Craig Roh (93) sacks B.C. Lions quarterback Mike Reilly (13) and forces a fumble during the first half of CFL action in Winnipeg on Aug. 15, 2019. Defensive lineman Roh, who won a Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019, has died. (John Woods/The Canadian Press - image credit)
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Defensive lineman Craig Roh, who won a Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019, has died. He was 33.

Roh's wife, Chelsea, confirmed his death on social media.

"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," she posted on the social media media platform X.

"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."

News of Roh's death hit former teammate Adam Bighill, a linebacker with the Blue Bombers, very hard.

"Craig was not only one of my closest friends but was like family," Bighill tweeted. "My [broken heart emoji] hurts so much for his family, and we have been hurting this whole 18 month journey.

"I could go on for hours of great things, but Craig was a devoted man of faith, and an amazing friend."

Saskatchewan Roughrider Greg Morris, left, carries the ball past B.C. Lion Craig Roh during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver on Saturday August 5, 2017.
Saskatchewan Roughrider Greg Morris, left, carries the ball past B.C. Lion Craig Roh during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver on Saturday August 5, 2017.

Saskatchewan Roughrider Greg Morris, left, carries the ball past B.C. Lion Craig Roh during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver on Aug. 5, 2017. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

Derek Dennis, a retired former CFL offensive lineman, also took to social media to offer his condolences.

"Tremendous amount of respect for him as a teammate in Carolina to competitor in CFL," Dennis tweeted. "Rest easy brother and my condolences to his wife and family."

The six-foot-five, 266-pound Roh, a native of Scottsdale, Ariz., played in the CFL with the B.C. Lions (2015-17) and Winnipeg (2018-19). He signed with the Toronto Argonauts in 2020 but the league didn't play that season due to the global pandemic.

"Craig was a consummate professional who always battled hard for his teammates," the Lions said in a statement.

"His dedication to representing the B.C. Lions and helping others was also evident during the many hours he put into our team's school programs. Our thoughts are with Craig's wife Chelsea, son Max and their entire family at this difficult time."

Roh had 64 tackles, 20 sacks and a forced fumble during his time with B.C. He recorded 46 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery during his time with Winnipeg.

"A beautiful family lost a husband, father and a good man," former Lions head coach and GM Wally Buono posted on X. "Condolences to [Chelsea] and the Roh Family.

"It was a pleasure to have coached you [Craig]. Blessings to your family."

Roh didn't see any regular-season action with the Panthers.

A GoFundMe page has been established in Roh's memory. A celebration of life will be held in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 16.