Johnny Roland: The Two-Way Tiger

Relive the dynamic career of Johnny Roland, the Missouri standout who excelled as both a powerful running back and an All-American defensive back before a solid NFL career.
Born on May 21, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Johnny Roland developed into a remarkable two-way talent during his collegiate career at the University of Missouri. From 1962 to 1965, Roland showcased his athleticism on both sides of the ball for the Tigers.

College Career

Roland burst onto the scene as a sophomore running back in 1962. His impact was immediate and significant, as he rushed for 830 yards, placing him seventh nationally, and scored 78 points, ranking ninth in the nation. Memorable performances included 155 yards against Oklahoma State and 104 against Iowa State. After a year away from the varsity squad in 1963, head coach Dan Devine recognized Roland's exceptional athleticism and moved him to defensive back in 1964. The transition was seamless, and by his senior year in 1965, Roland earned consensus All-America honors at this new position. Even while playing defense, Coach Devine would strategically utilize Roland's offensive skills near the goal line. In his senior season, Roland also displayed his versatility in the kicking game, returning 42 punts and kickoffs for an impressive 690 yards, averaging 16.4 yards per return. His outstanding contributions and impact on the program led to the University of Missouri retiring his jersey number 23. In recognition of his stellar collegiate achievements, Johnny Roland was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Road to the Pro Game

Johnny Roland's exceptional college career made him a sought-after prospect for both professional leagues. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1965 NFL Draft and also by the New York Jets in the first round of the AFL Redshirt Draft. Ultimately, Roland chose to sign with the Cardinals, beginning his NFL journey in 1966.

Football Legacy

Johnny Roland carved out a solid eight-year playing career in the NFL, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals (1966-1972) and concluding with a season for the New York Giants (1973). Known as a powerful and versatile player, Roland made an immediate impact in the league, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1966. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl in both 1966 and 1967. During his NFL career, Roland played in 103 games, rushing for 3,750 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also proved to be a capable receiver, catching 153 passes for 1,430 yards and six touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed in the return game, tallying 452 yards and two touchdowns on punt returns and 444 yards on kickoff returns. Following his playing days, Roland transitioned into a successful coaching career, serving as an assistant coach for several NFL teams, including the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears (where he won a Super Bowl ring in 1985), New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints, as well as a stint at the University of Notre Dame. Johnny Roland's legacy lies in his remarkable two-way talent in college, his productive NFL career, and his subsequent contributions as a respected coach in the professional ranks.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Consensus All-American (1965)

✦ Third-team All-American (1962)

✦ 2-time First-team All-Big Eight (1962, 1965)

✦ Second-team All-Big Eight (1964)

✦ Missouri Tigers No. 23 retired

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)

✦ NFL Rookie of the Year (1966)

✦ 2-time Pro Bowl selection (1966, 1967)

✦ Super Bowl Champion (as assistant coach, XX)

✦ Career NFL Stats: 1015 Rushing Attempts, 3750
Rushing Yards, 28 Rushing Touchdowns, 153 Receptions, 1430 Receiving Yards, 6 Receiving Touchdowns, 49 Punt Returns, 452 Punt Return Yards, 2 Punt Return Touchdowns, 22 Kickoff Returns, 444 Kickoff Return Yards.