Michael Crabtree

Michael Alex Crabtree Jr. is an American former professional football player best known for his eleven‑season career as a wide receiver in the National Football League. Born on September 14, 1987, in Dallas, Texas, he excelled at Dallas Carter High School where he played quarterback, basketball, and ran track before committing to Texas Tech University. At Texas Tech, Crabtree earned unanimous All‑American honors twice, captured back‑to‑back Biletnikoff and Paul Warfield Awards, and set numerous NCAA receiving records, including 134 receptions and 1,962 yards in a single season. His explosive performance in college made him a top prospect, leading the San Francisco 49ers to select him tenth overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed a six‑year, $32 million contract after a record‑setting rookie holdout and quickly became a key target, recording his first touchdown against the Houston Texans and finishing his rookie year leading all first‑year receivers in yards per game. Over his tenure with the 49ers, Crabtree amassed 347 catches for 4,327 yards and 26 touchdowns, highlighted by a Super Bowl XLVII appearance where he posted five receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. After leaving San Francisco, he continued to produce solid numbers with the Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals, finishing his NFL career with 637 receptions, 7,499 yards, and 54 touchdowns. Off the field, Crabtree was featured on the cover of NCAA Football 10, secured endorsements with brands such as Subway and EA Sports, and was honored with a mural in Texas Tech’s Jones AT&T Stadium. His legacy includes induction into the Texas Tech Football Ring of Honor in 2021 and a reputation as one of the most prolific receivers of his era.