Hall of Fame
Position: Defensive Back
Years: 1962, 1964-1965
Place of Birth: Corpus Christi, TX
Date of Birth: May 21, 1943
Jersey Number: 23
Height: 6-2
Weight: 198
High School: Corpus Christi, TX (Roy Miller HS)
Johnny Roland's career at Missouri had two dimensions. As a sophomore in 1962, he was a running back. He rushed for 830 yards, seventh best total in the nation, and scored 78 points, ninth in the nation. He rushed for 155 yards against Oklahoma State, 104 against Iowa State. When he returned for his junior year in 1964, Coach Dan Devine moved him to defensive back. He made All-America at this position in 1965. Roland stood 6-2, weighed 198, and was a power runner. Even in the years he was a defensive back, Devine occasionally moved him into the game on offense. He always picked times when Missouri had the ball inside the opponent's 20-yard line. In 1965, Roland also returned 42 punts and kickoffs for 690 yards, averaging 16.4 yards on each. He was Missouri co-captain in 1965. He helped the team to an 8-2-1 record, including victory over Florida 20-18 in the Sugar Bowl. Missouri retired his jersey, No. 23. He made All-Big Eight as a runner in 1962 and as a defensive back in 1964 and 1965. In 1965 he had six pass interceptions. He had an 8-year playing career in the pros with St. Louis and the New York Giants. Then came a career as assistant coach -- with the Green Bay Packers 1974, Notre Dame 1975, and various pro teams after that. He bought a radio station, KIRL, in St. Louis. Roland was born May 21, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
