Cornelius R. Roberts was a USC Fullback before moving on to the NFL. He passed away Tuesday, July 11 in Norwalk, California of natural causes.
During Roberts time at USC, he lettered in 1955-56 and earned All-Pacific Coast Conference in 1956. He was best known for his performance in Austin, Texas against the Longhorns. Prior to game day, the team had tried to stay at three hotels but they would not let the Black players on the team stay.
During a 2015 interview, Roberts said he was upset they didn’t want him there but “Damn right, I had something to prove to them.”
Roberts made history that night when he rushed 251 yards, setting the single-game rushing record for 20 years.
Roberts prevailed. He graduated with a degree in business administration and went on to play for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League before being released. He then went on to play for the San Francisco 49er as part of the All-Alphabet Backfield.
In 2007, Roberts was named to the USC Athletics Hall of Fame.
C.R. Roberts became a high school teacher and administrator; later, he also started a tax consulting business.
Roberts is survived by his two daughters, Dr. Cathy Creasia and Chandra Roberts, his son, Craig Roberts, and four grandchildren.