Roger Shoals, the former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle who played a pivotal role in securing the franchise’s last league championship in 1964, has sadly passed away. Announced in an obituary by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Shoals, aged 86, succumbed to complications from pneumonia on June 30 in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 260 pounds, Shoals was a powerhouse in his era. He was drafted by both the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and the AFL’s Dallas Texans (now known as the Kansas City Chiefs) in the early 1960s. Opting for the Browns in 1963, Shoals brought his formidable skills to Cleveland after a notable college career at Maryland, where he earned Second-team All-ACC honors in 1961.
His rookie year saw him starting just two games, but by 1964, Shoals carved out his niche as a regular starter. His blocking was integral to Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown’s impressive 1,446-yard, seven-touchdown season. That year, the Browns dominated the Baltimore Colts 27-0 to clinch the NFL Championship, with Shoals’ performance in the trenches a key factor.
Roger Shoals leaves behind a legacy not just with the Browns but also with his family—his wife Jean, to whom he was married for 65 years, their two children, four grandchildren, one sister, and two brothers. In this moment of mourning, our heartfelt condolences go out to Shoals’ loved ones.
Shoals’ football journey didn’t end in Cleveland. After two seasons, he was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1965. Despite the team’s struggles in the post-Bobby Layne era, Shoals was part of a resurgence that culminated in a playoff appearance in 1970. His final chapter in professional football unfolded with the Denver Broncos in 1971, where he again excelled in run blocking, paving the way for Floyd Little’s 1,133-yard rushing title season.
Roger Shoals’ dedication on the field and contribution to the game of football are remembered by fans and peers alike. His story serves as a testament to the importance of the foundational roles that often go unnoticed but are crucial to a team’s success on the gridiron.
