(September 7, 1945 – June 8, 2022) A giant on the football field for the Oregon State Beavers, Rockne Freitas has also been a giant in education in his home state of Hawaii.

He was destined for the gridiron from birth.  His father, John Freitas, named him after Notre Dame coaching legend Knute Rockne.

He was a true island boy, loved the outdoors, surfing, canoeing, and fishing.  And It was a fishing trip on his recruiting visit to Oregon State that sold him on becoming a Beaver.

Rockne came to Corvallis a fully grown 6-5 270-pound tight end. His work ethic in the weight room served him well.  Freitas moved to center, playing on the 1964 team that reached the Rose Bowl, then became a starter his final two seasons.

He completed his major in animal studies and played in all three major college all-star games.

Freitas was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1967, then traded to Detroit where he began an 11-year NFL career the following season.

Rockne started every game for the Lions for 8 consecutive seasons, was named All-Pro 3-times and played in the 1972 Pro Bowl.  He finished his pro career in Tampa Bay in 1978.

His life experiences taught him the value of education and Freitas brought that passion home to help native Hawaiians.  The “C” student in high school received masters and doctorate degrees at the University of Hawaii.  Rockne has spent 23 years in administration at the U of H and Hawaii Community College.

Freitas joined the Oregon State Hall of Fame in 1991 and 2014 became the first OSU athlete to receive the E.B. Lemon distinguished alumni award.

Now it is time to welcome Rockne Freitas to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.