The National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame have announced that Cal Roberts, a 1953 Gustavus graduate and standout offensive and defensive lineman for the Golden Gustie football team from 1949 to 1952, has been selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He is the first player from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to be chosen for this lofty honor. The induction ceremony will take place at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana on Saturday, August 9.
Earning national attention on both offensive and defensive units for Gustavus for four seasons, Roberts was named First Team All-America at offensive tackle in 1950 and again at defensive tackle in 1952. In 1952, Roberts anchored an offensive line that helped the Gusties produce a remarkable 442 points in nine games and led a defense that allowed only 106 points all season. A three-time All-Conference selection, he helped the Gusties to three consecutive MIAC titles (1950, 1951, 1952) compiling a perfect league mark of 18-0.
Following his collegiate career, Roberts was drafted by the New York Giants. He suffered an injury in training camp in his rookie season that ended his football career. Roberts went on to teach physical education in the Minneapolis and St. Louis Park school systems before his untimely death in 1966.