The college football world, more specifically, the USC Trojans are in deep mourning after hearing news about the death of a former prominent player.
Former USC football legend and Trojans’ Hall of Famer C.R. Roberts passed away this week, the school announced on its Twitter page. He was 87 years old.
“The @uscfb legend and @USC_Athletics Hall of Famer was best known for breaking through racist barriers in segregated Texas to run for a record-setting 251 yards and 3 TDs against the Longhorns in 1956. He died on Tuesday at the age of 87,” the program announced on Wednesday.
Roberts played for the Trojans in the 1950s as he led the program to a win over Texas during the 1956 season, rushing for 251 yards on only 12 carries. Fearing rioting by the segregated crowd, USC’s coaching staff pulled Roberts early.
When they first arrived, the Trojans went to three different hotels before finding one that would allow its Black players to stay.
“I was upset that they didn’t want me down there,” Roberts said in a 2015 USC online article for Black History Month. “Damn right, I had something to prove to them.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NCAA stories via Google! Follow Us
Roberts was taken in the 14th round of the 1958 NFL draft by the New York Giants.
He went on to play in the NFL from 1959-62.
He also played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. He rushed for 595 yards and five touchdowns, including TD runs of 67 and 85 yards, in 10 games.
He is survived by daughters Cathy Creasia and Chandra Roberts; son Craig; and four grandchildren.
