Carl Crennel facts for kids
| Born: | September 14, 1948 Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died: | August 19, 2023 (aged 74) |
| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | LB |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| College | West Virginia |
| NFL draft | 1970 / Round: 9 / Pick: 209 |
| Drafted by | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1970 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1971 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| 1972–1979 | Montreal Alouettes |
| 1979 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 1980 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| 1981 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| CFL East All-Star | 1973, 1978, 1979 |
| Honors | 1974, 1977, 1979 - Grey Cup Champion |
Carl Lee Crennel (born September 14, 1948 – died August 19, 2023) was a talented American football player. He played as a linebacker, a defensive position, in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Carl was especially known for his time with the Montreal Alouettes. He won three Grey Cup championships during his career.
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Carl Crennel's Football Journey
Carl Crennel had an exciting career playing professional football. He was known for his strong defensive skills as a linebacker. He played for several teams in both the United States and Canada.
Early Life and College Football
Carl Crennel was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He grew up loving football. He went to West Virginia University, where he played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
In 1969, Carl was the captain of his college team. They had a fantastic season, winning 10 games and losing only one. The team also won the Peach Bowl, a big college football game. Carl was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of that game. In 1998, Carl Crennel was honored by being added to the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame.
Playing in the NFL and CFL
After college, Carl was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970 NFL Draft. He played one season with the Steelers in the National Football League.
After his time in the NFL, Carl moved to Canada to play in the Canadian Football League. He played for several different teams there. His longest and most notable time was with the Montreal Alouettes, where he played from 1972 to 1979. He also played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Edmonton Eskimos, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Championship Wins and Achievements
Carl Crennel was a champion! He won two Grey Cup championships with the Montreal Alouettes. The Grey Cup is the championship game of the Canadian Football League. He won these in 1974 and 1977.
Later in his career, he won another Grey Cup in 1979 with the Edmonton Eskimos. This made him a three-time Grey Cup champion. He was also named a CFL East All-Star three times, in 1973, 1978, and 1979. This shows he was one of the best players in his division.
Family Connection
Carl Crennel had an older brother named Romeo Crennel. Romeo also had a very successful career in football. He was a well-known coach in the NFL. Romeo was the head coach for teams like the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also served as an interim head coach for the Houston Texans.
Later Life
Carl Crennel passed away on August 19, 2023. He was 74 years old. He is remembered as a talented football player and a three-time Grey Cup champion.
