John David Crow, a Texas A&M Distinguished Alumnus and winner of the 1957 Heisman Trophy, passed away late Wednesday at the age of 79, according to a report from WTAW in Brazos Valley.
At the time of his death, his wife, Carolyn, their two daughters Annalisa Stenklyft and Jeannie Pietrowiak and several of their grandchildren, surrounded Crow.
"While I never had the opportunity to meet John David Crow in person, his accomplishments as both a student athlete, coach and administrator at Texas A&M are legendary," Texas A&M President Michael K. Young said in a statement. "He not only embodied the spirit of Texas A&M but richly contributed to the traditions and values that make this place so special. Marti and I were extremely sad to hear about John David Crow's passing and on behalf of Aggies everywhere we extend our condolences to the entire Crow family."
Crow grew up in Springhill, Louisiana, where he was a letterman in both football and basketball and earned All-American honors for football. After high school he was recruited to the Aggies by then-head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. He arrived on campus at Texas A&M in 1954.
Crow would go on to earn three letters under Bryant and assistant coach Elmer Smith during an Aggies career, which saw him perform both as a running back and a defender. In 1957, he became the first player from Texas A&M to win the Heisman Trophy. His efforts that season helped the Aggies reach No. 1 in the polls.
"John David Crow was the finest player I ever coached. Watching film on him was like watching a grown man play with boys," Bryant was quoted as saying when he retired from coaching football.
Crow wasn't just a phenomenal football player though. As a member of the Texas A&M class of 1958, Crow earned a degree in business administration and was named to the 1957 Scholastic All-America team.
"This is a sad day for the Aggie Family, and our thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn and the entire Crow family. We have lost a true Aggie legend and one of the all-time college football greats. Not only was John David the first Heisman winner in Texas A&M history, but he was the only Heisman winner to play for legendary Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant," said current Director of Athletics for the Aggies, Eric Hyman.
"What many don't know is that John David was also a terrific coach and outstanding athletics administrator. This year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of women's athletics at Texas A&M. It was John David who really took the lead in helping develop women's athletics at our university. In getting to know John David, one thing was quite clear: He believed if you were going to do anything, you better do it right and to the best of your abilities."
After his Aggies career, Crow wound up as the second-overall selection in the 1958 NFL Draft of the Chicago Cardinals. Crow played in the NFL for 11 seasons as a member o f the Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. During his NFL career he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was named All-Pro in 1960.
Crow then found his way into coaching, starting out as part of Bryant's staff at Alabama and then in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers, before returning to Texas A&M as associate athletics director and then Athletics Director.
During his tenure as Athletics Director, Crow spent significant time and resources furthering the gender equity cause, stating that, "if you do anything, do it to the best of your abilities."
