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Willis Crenshaw

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Willis Crenshaw
Date of birth (1941-07-16) July 16, 1941 (age 83)
Place of birthSt. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)Running back
US collegeKansas State
NFL draft1963 / round: 9 / Pick 114
Career history
As player
1964–1969St. Louis Cardinals
1970Denver Broncos
Career stats

Willis Clarence Crenshaw (born July 16, 1941) is a former National Football League (NFL) running back from 1964 through 1970.[1]

High school and college career

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Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Crenshaw played for Soldan High School and Kansas State University, where he started out at wide receiver and was a star player;[2][3] played in the 1963 College All Star Football Game.[4] In high school, his main sport was pole vaulting, with a personal best of 13 feet 2 inches (4.01 m); he started out with a double scholarship at Kansas State, where he recalled being one of approximately 50 Black students, before focusing on football after weight training.[4]

Professional career

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St Louis Cardinals

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Crenshaw was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 9th round in 1963. In 1968 he led the team in rushing with 813 yds and touchdowns (7).[2]

Denver Broncos

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In 1970 he was traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 3rd-round draft pick; he played one season,[4][5][6] although he was listed for the 1971 season.[7]

Later career

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Crenshaw later worked selling life insurance, for Monsanto, and as a financial planner.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Willis Crenshaw" at Pro Football Reference.com.
  2. ^ a b "The Top 100 St. Louis Football Cardinals (90-81): 88. Willis Crenshaw (RB)", The Big Red Zone, August 14, 2019.
  3. ^ "Willis Crenshaw", College Football at Sports Reference.com.
  4. ^ a b c d "Crenshaw Defies Odds to Reach NFL", Kansas State University Athletics, September 3, 2013.
  5. ^ Brian Shrout, "Do The Broncos Shuffle: Draft Related Trades During Denver's First Two Decades", Mile High Report, April 18, 2011.
  6. ^ CaptainKirk, "Denver Broncos Greats... By The Numbers: #33", Mile High Report, April 21, 2011.
  7. ^ 1971 Denver Broncos media guide, p. 16.
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  • Willis Crenshaw at John Troan's Pro Players database, updated April 21, 2018.