Bryan Crawford facts for kids
![]() Crawford in 2023
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Born: | Hamilton, Ontario |
February 18, 1982
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Career information | |
Status | retired |
CFL status | National |
Position(s) | RB |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
University | Queen's |
High school | Barton |
CFL Draft | 2005 / Round: 5 / Pick: 44 |
Drafted by | Toronto Argonauts |
Career history | |
As player | |
2005–2011 | Toronto Argonauts |
Career highlights and awards | |
Honors |
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Career stats | |
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Bryan Crawford, born on February 18, 1982, is a Canadian sports leader. He used to play Canadian football as a running back. He played his whole professional career, 112 games, with the Toronto Argonauts. On August 6, 2024, Crawford became the commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League. He took over from David Branch.
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Early Life and School
Bryan Crawford is the son of Glenn and Elaine Crawford. His younger brother, Brad, also played football with him on the Argonauts. His sister, Lauren, played soccer for the University of Buffalo.
High School Achievements
Bryan went to Barton Secondary School. There, he was named the team's MVP. He also won Athlete of the Year. He was the game MVP of the Hamilton Steel City Bowl.
University Sports and Studies
Bryan played football for four seasons with the Golden Gaels at Queen's University. While playing, he studied political science. He also won two bronze medals in track and field in 2004-2005.
In football, he received several awards. He was named Queen's Rookie of the Year in 2001. In 2002, he was Queen's Special Teams Player of the Year. He was also the MVP at the 2004 CIS East West All-Star game.
Professional Football Career
Bryan Crawford showed great speed at the 2005 CFL Evaluation Camp. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds. The Toronto Argonauts picked him in the fifth round of the 2005 CFL Draft. He was the 44th player chosen overall.
Starting with the Argonauts
He played his first regular season game in week 11 of the 2005 CFL season. He continued to play as a backup running back. He was also a key player on special teams. His important plays in weeks 14 and 16 earned him the ESQ Player of the Game award for week 14.
Career Highlights and Retirement
In the 2007 CFL season, Crawford played in every game for the Argonauts' offense. He led the team with 27 special teams tackles, which was his highest number ever. His teammates recognized him as a special teams co-captain. They valued his hard work and smart play.
The Argonauts extended his contract until the 2010 CFL season on January 8, 2008. On November 4, 2011, Bryan announced he was retiring from professional football. He ended his career as the Argonauts' all-time leader in special teams tackles with 137. He also had 26 carries for 217 yards and two touchdowns. He caught 17 passes for 140 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per catch. He played in a total of 112 games.
Sports Executive Career
After his football career, Bryan Crawford moved into sports management.
Basketball Canada
From November 2015 to July 2018, Crawford worked for Basketball Canada. He was the Senior Director of Operations.
RBC Canadian Open
From July 2018 to June 2024, Crawford was the Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open. This is a major golf tournament in Canada.
Ontario Hockey League Commissioner
In August 2024, Bryan Crawford took on a new role. He became the Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League. This is a top junior ice hockey league in Canada.