Roger Staubach was born on February 5, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the only child of Elizabeth and Robert Joseph Staubach. He attended Purcell High School, a Catholic parochial school in Cincinnati, where he participated in baseball, football, and basketball. His athletic abilities were evident early on, particularly in football and baseball.

Originally interested in playing football for Notre Dame, Staubach shifted his plans after he was not recruited by them. He considered Purdue University but ultimately caught the attention of a U.S. Naval Academy recruiter after being seen in game footage. Although initially uninterested in a military education, a campus visit to the Naval Academy in Annapolis—arranged by recruiter Rick Forzano—impressed him, particularly due to the institution’s strong values and discipline.

Preparatory Training

After struggling with English on his entrance exams, Staubach chose to attend the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell to better prepare academically and athletically for the demands of the Naval Academy. There, he improved his English skills and developed his quarterback abilities, leading the school’s football team to a 9–1 record. His time in Roswell proved pivotal in shaping both his academic discipline and athletic precision.

Naval Academy Years

Staubach entered the United States Naval Academy in 1961. The adjustment to the Academy's strict regimen was challenging for the Ohio native. He battled homesickness and found it difficult to adapt initially, accruing about 150 demerits during his first four months—half the maximum allowable before facing dismissal. After reflection during his Christmas break, he returned with renewed focus and discipline, ultimately receiving only 20 additional demerits during the remainder of his time at the Academy.