Russ Craft
American football player (1919–2009)
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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]
Halfback
McEwen, Tennessee, U.S.
Wellsburg, West Virginia, U.S.
Craft on a 1952 Bowman football card | |||||||||||||||||
| No. 33, 24 | |||||||||||||||||
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| Positions | Defensive back Halfback | ||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
| Born | October 15, 1919 McEwen, Tennessee, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||
| Died | January 12, 2009 (aged 89) Wellsburg, West Virginia, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 178 lb (81 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||
| College | Alabama | ||||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 1943: 15th round, 132nd overall pick | ||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||||
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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]
