Winner of the Joe Roth Award at the Hula Bowl. What is the Joe Roth Award?
“The Annual Joe Roth Award, an important tradition for the Hula Bowl, was named after Joe Roth, the 1975 quarterback for the University of California Golden Bears, that led the team to a PAC 8 title as co-champions. Roth was a pre-season favorite for the 1976 Heisman Trophy. The season did not progress as planned and rumors circulated about his drop in performance. He finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting and was still named an All-American.”
“After the season ended, Roth revealed that halfway through it he had been diagnosed with terminal melanoma. Despite his failing health, Roth honored his commitments and played his final domestic All-Star Football game at the Hula Bowl. Roth passed away on Feb. 19, 1977, at the young age of 21. He leaves a legacy of a man committed to faith, humility, and courage.”
Jack Freeman is outstanding representative of UH.