William Russell Craft (October 15, 1919 – January 12, 2009) was an American football defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers.[1] He played college football at the University of Alabama and was drafted in the fifteenth round of the 1943 NFL Draft.[2] In 1948, Craft was a key member of the Eagles in what became known as the Blizzard Bowl, in which the Eagles’ defense overwhelmed the Cardinals on the way to a 7–0 victory that earned Philadelphia its first N.F.L. championship.[3] In 1949, he was a notable player in helping the Eagles win a second World Championship, a 1947 Division Championship, and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1951 and 1952.[3]
 Craft on a 1952 Bowman football card | |
| Date of birth | October 15, 1919 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | McEwen, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Date of death | January 12, 2009 (aged 89) |
| Place of death | Wellsburg, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Defensive back |
| US college | Alabama |
| NFL draft | 1943 / Round: 15 / Pick: 132 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1946–1953 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1954 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Pro Bowls | 2 |
| Career stats | |
| |
Craft had some other notable achievements. In 1950, against the Chicago Cardinals, the Eagles' defense recorded eight interceptions, including an NFL-record-tying four by Craft. Craft had 22 career interceptions.[3] Then in 1952, while playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Craft was able to block three Extra points (PATs).
Craft was also a defensive coach for the Steelers.[4]
After football, Craft served as the sheriff of Brooke County, West Virginia from 1969 to 1972.[4]
References edit
- ^ "Players". NFL. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
- ^ "1943 NFL Draft". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Russ Craft, Player on 2 Eagles' Title Teams, Is Dead at 89". The New York Times. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
- ^ a b "Two-time Pro Bowler Craft dies at 89". ESPN. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
External links edit
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