Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 7, 2026

Russ Craft

William Russell Craft 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. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected in the 15th round of the 1943 NFL draft. 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. 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.

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Aug 7, 2026
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Russ Craft
Craft on a 1952 Bowman football card
No. 33, 24
Positions
Personal information
Born(1919-10-15)October 15, 1919
McEwen, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJanuary 12, 2009(2009-01-12) (aged 89)
Wellsburg, West Virginia, U.S.
Listed height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Listed weight178 lb (81 kg)
Career information
CollegeAlabama (1939-1942)
NFL draft1943: 15th round, 132nd overall pick
Career history
Playing
Coaching
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (1956)
    Defensive backs coach
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards231
Rushing average3.6
Receptions12
Receiving yards303
Interceptions22
Fumble recoveries15
Total touchdowns7
Stats at Pro Football Reference

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

References

  1. "Players". NFL. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  2. "1943 NFL Draft". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  3. "Russ Craft, Player on 2 Eagles' Title Teams, Is Dead at 89". The New York Times. January 17, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  4. "Two-time Pro Bowler Craft dies at 89". ESPN. January 16, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
External links