Russ Craft

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]

Russ Craft

Craft on a 1952 Bowman football card
No. 33, 24
Position:	Defensive back Halfback
Personal information
Born:	(1919-10-15)October 15, 1919 McEwen, Tennessee, U.S.
Died:	January 12, 2009(2009-01-12) (aged 89) Wellsburg, West Virginia, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:	178 lb (81 kg)
Career information
College:	Alabama
NFL draft:	1943: 15th round, 132nd pick
Career history
Philadelphia Eagles (1946–1953) Pittsburgh Steelers (1954)
Career highlights and awards
2× NFL champion (1948, 1949) 2× Pro Bowl (1951, 1952) Second-team All-SEC (1942)
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards: 231 Rushing average: 3.6 Receptions: 12 Receiving yards: 303 Interceptions: 22 Fumble recoveries: 15 Total touchdowns: 7 Stats at Pro Football Reference

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]