| Number | 33, 24 |
|---|---|
| Position | |
| Birth date | October 15, 1919 |
| Birth place | McEwen, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Death date | January 12, 2009 (aged 89) |
| Death place | Wellsburg, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft |
| Height in | 9 |
| Weight lb | 178 |
| College | Alabama (1939-1942) |
| Draftyear | 1943 |
| Draftround | 15 |
| Draftpick | 132 |
| Pastteams | |
| Pastcoaching |
|
| Highlights | |
| Statlabel 1 | Rushing yards |
| Statvalue 1 | 231 |
| Statlabel 2 | Rushing average |
| Statvalue 2 | 3.6 |
| Statlabel 3 | Receptions |
| Statvalue 3 | 12 |
| Statlabel 4 | Receiving yards |
| Statvalue 4 | 303 |
| Statlabel 5 | Interceptions |
| Statvalue 5 | 22 |
| Statlabel 6 | Fumble recoveries |
| Statvalue 6 | 15 |
| Statlabel 7 | Total touchdowns |
| Statvalue 7 | 7 |
| Pfr | CrafRu00 |
William Russell Craft (October 15, 1919 – January 12, 2009) was an American professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers.[1] He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected in the 15th 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 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
- ^ "Players". NFL. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
- ^ "1943 NFL Draft". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
- ^ "Russ Craft, Player on 2 Eagles' Title Teams, Is Dead at 89". The New York Times. January 17, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
- ^ "Two-time Pro Bowler Craft dies at 89". ESPN. January 16, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2016.