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John David Crow
1935 - 2015
John David Crow
1935 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1935
DIED
2015
John Crow Obituary
The university said Crow died Wednesday night surrounded by his family. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Crow was the first Heisman winner for the Aggies, who were coached at the time by Paul "Bear" Bryant. During the 1957 season, Bryant famously said: "If John David Crow doesn't win the Heisman Trophy, they ought to stop giving it."
He had 129 carries for 562 yards and six touchdowns during his Heisman season. He also threw five touchdown passes and played defense, where he grabbed five interceptions. He ran for 1,465 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught four touchdowns in his three-year career at Texas A&M.
He lived in College Station in his later years and delighted in spending time with Johnny Manziel the year the quarterback joined him as a Heisman winner. In an interview with The Associated Press just before Manziel won the award, Crow was reminded of Bryant's famous words about him and asked if he felt the same way about Johnny Football.
"I don't have near the audience that coach Bryant had," he said in 2012, chuckling. "I'm not sure how big that would go over."
Crow became a favorite of Aggie fans when he helped Texas A&M to its first win over Texas in Austin in 1956. Crow, who was born in Marion, Louisiana, didn't fully understand the importance of the rivalry at the time.
"It was an electrifying crowd for a young guy that came out of a little ol' town in Louisiana," Crow said in 2012. "I came from Louisiana and at that time I knew about LSU and Tulane- that was a big rivalry. It just wasn't as big a thing to me then. It obviously has grown in my mind to become a very, very big game."
Crow was the second pick in the 1958 NFL draft and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection in a professional career with the Chicago/ St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. Crow piled up 4,963 yards rushing, 3,699 yards receiving and threw from 759 yards in his 11-year NFL career.
He coached with Bryant at Alabama and was the head coach at Northeast Louisiana University, now known as Louisiana-Monroe, from 1975-80, where he went 20-34-1. He later returned to Texas A&M where he worked in various positions in the athletic department until his retirement in 2001.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
31 Entries
Galt
February 9, 2021
I knew John David best as a pro with the Chicago/St. Louis Cardinals. He epitomized the word "Pro"; not because he earned the "big bucks", (he didn't), but, because he knew his assignment on every play, and filled his assignment first. He played the game the way every game is meant to be played, 3 steps and 3 plays ahead of everyone else on the field.
In my memory, one play exemplifies his passion, drive and effort: he had already made a nice gain on the play when the defense tried to tackle him high. JD kept running and after another ten yards or more, we discovered that he had actually run out of his shoes. Nobody could keep up with him once he got rolling. You may be gone, but you live on in our hearts and minds.
Harry Simpson
June 17, 2017
Godspeed John, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rudy Davalos
August 11, 2015
I was out of the state when John David passed away. I was shocked today Aug.11 to find out he died. A great human being that I was fortunate to have met and known. I am sad that I missed attending his service because I respected him so much.
How you can show support
June 29, 2015
My sincere condolences are with the family for your loss. May your treasured memories and the drawing close to God in prayer help comfort you in your time of sorrow. Jeremiah 29:12,13
The Carters
June 24, 2015
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Crow family during this difficult time. John David's obituary says it all. He was a great football player, highly respected by his teammates and friends, and very much admired by his fans. Please allow God to be your refuge and your strength during this time of great sadness.
Andrew Griffin
June 23, 2015
Our condolences to the family. We will all miss a great and kind man.
Andrew Griffin, '90; Charlotte Kimmel, '88; Elise Dorman of Homer, LA.
June 22, 2015
I was at a luncheon on top of the Bright Complex and accidentally got John -David's seat. I immediately appologized and said who am I to take the Heisman Trophy winner's seat? I'll never forget what John David replied to me, "there are no Heisman winners here, we are all aggies here!" That was the kind of person he was; always making everyone feel special. He exemplified to me what a great Aggie and man he truly was! My prayers are with the family and friends. May God comfort you with the fond memories of his life. Jimmy Owen '69
Bryan,Texas
Kenny Hand
June 22, 2015
So saddened to hear about the passing of the Greatest Aggie. I am fortunate to have been able to call John David Crow a friend. Best ambassador Texas A&M could ever have. Great heart, great soul, great compassion. A true Texas legend.
Betty Kramer
June 22, 2015
I was raised an Aggie. My brother John David(+)was named after Mr. Crow.
Now he is with John David Kramer and the Great 'Bear' Bryant. We will miss you but I know you will be smiling down on the Aggies.
'There is a Spirit'
RIP And Gig 'EM!
Betty Kramer
Pamela Maddox
June 20, 2015
I grew up listening to Aggie football on the radio and loved John David Crow then. I met him years later and learned my love for this man this Aggie was not wasted. He was a true gentleman, a credit to the Heisman, a faithful spirit of Aggieland, loved and respected by all who knew him and by those who "knew" him because he said Howdy or shook your hand. May God's blessings and peace be with his family.
June 20, 2015
I first played football in the eighth grade in 1959. I wanted number 44 because, to me, John David Crow was everything a football player should be, and he was! God be with his family in their loss.
Mike, Texarkana
JJ
June 20, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
Toni Rohan
June 20, 2015
John David Crow was bigger than life. He was the best Texas Aggie football player of all time. I watched him play when I was 6 years old and remember getting his autograph. I have idolized him since then. He was a great man and took the time out to give a fan some pleasure talking to him and made you feel like you were friends. He will be missed. He was always a great ambassador for Texas A&M. Prayers to his family and know that he was loved by many.
Toni Rohan
Jimmy Harris
June 19, 2015
I grew up close to him in No. La. but never met him until he recruited my son at NLU, now La. Monroe. My wife and I were lucky enough to become friends and spend time with him and Carolyn before he left Monroe to return to A&M. He was a really good man and a nice person and a good influence on young people. God bless his family and may he rest in peace.
Ken Akins
June 19, 2015
I remember John David Crow when he played with the football Cardinals and 49ers. He was great! A player when football was played in the mud, the blood, and the beer. RIP John David Crow.
John D Crow
June 19, 2015
Very sorry to hear that Mr Crow passed away. He has always been in my thoughts, past, present and future. Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family and friends. God Bless John David Crow
June 19, 2015
Very sorry to hear this news...Mr. Crow was an outstanding player for the Football Cardinals and my favorite player as a youngster in St. Louis...a life well lived and may he rest in peace.
John Rester
June 19, 2015
He was my next door neighbor when I was young,and I heard all about all his accomplishments and how wonderful he was as a person and football player. God bless him and his family
June 19, 2015
Hookum ,RIP.. scott
June 19, 2015
Sympathy and condolences to the family,
Comfort to your thoughts and heart in time,
"Do not worry over anything, but in everything let the things you have to ask for be made known to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving."
Elizabeth
Kirby Arceneaux
June 19, 2015
As a former player for him when he coached at Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM), Coach Crow was great man and winner. He had huge influence on many people. Thank you sir. We'll miss him for sure!
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
June 19, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
June 18, 2015
when i first remember watching football he was a go to player for the SF 49er's. he was tough.
June 18, 2015
A fine man and a great football player. I had privilege of meeting him on one occasion. I have his autographed picture of him in my room.. Rest in Peace..
Nick D'Angelo
Bayonne,NJ
Cole Slade
June 18, 2015
I met Mr.Crow as a teenager who gave me
advice on being a good human-not a football
player. Thank You Sir.
June 18, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers sent up for the family.
Tanesha Burns
June 18, 2015
I send my condolences to the Crow family, I know this is hard for the family, John will be missed by all who knew him, 'the god of all comfort' will help us through the grief that we experience when we lose a loved one.
drian Barnette
June 18, 2015
We'll miss you !
George Renick
June 18, 2015
my late father will now get to greet his hero from our days as season ticket holders with the football cardinals in saint louis. may john david rest in peace.
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