Education
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Roach graduated from Highland Park High School in University Park, which had earlier produced hall of famers Bobby Layne and Doak Walker.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Roach graduated from Highland Park High School in University Park, which had earlier produced hall of famers Bobby Layne and Doak Walker.
Roach played college football at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and was selected in the third round (31st overall) in the 1956 NFL draft by the Chicago Cardinals. After his rookie season, he spent two years in the United States. Air Force, and returned to the team in 1959, and started as a defensive back, then as a quarterback late in the season. He was the starting quarterback in 1960, their first season in Saint Louis, then was traded in the off season to Cleveland, and again to Green Bay in August.
Roach was on the Packers" 1961 and 1962 NFL championship teams, backing up Baronet Starr under head coach Vince Lombardi.
When Starr injured his passing hand in October 1963 and was out for 4½ games, Roach was the starter. Roach retired after the season and worked for an investment firm in Dallas.
He was acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in 1964 after starting quarterback Don Meredith went down with a minor knee injury in late August and Roach made several starts during the season.