 In 1953, Navarro graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he played on the Maryland Terrapins football team.As a standout offensive guard under legendary head coach and mentor, Jim Tatum, Navarro and the Terrapins advanced to the 1952 Sugar Bowl against Tennessee (29-13), and finished the season as national champions.As the Korean War broke out, Navarro took action and joined the Air Force.