Michael McCrary


Michael Curtis McCrary is a former American football player who was defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens for ten seasons in the National Football League between 1993 and 2002. McCrary was a two-time Pro Bowler in 1998 and 1999. McCrary was inducted to the Ravens Ring of Honor in 2004. McCrary is now doing commentary for the Ravens on WBAL-AM.

Early years

When McCrary was a young boy his mother wanted to place him in a day care which was located across the street from his home. However, it wasn't racially integrated and she sued the day care to allow Michael's admittance. The case went to the United States Supreme Court Runyon v. McCrary in 1976. One of the justices who dissented was former football star Byron "Whizzer" White; a quarter-century later, in 2000, McCrary won the Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award. He later attended George C. Marshall High School in Fairfax County, Virginia.

College career

McCrary played college football at Wake Forest University from 1989–92, setting school records for sacks in a season and in a career, records he still holds.
When being scouted by NFL scouts they found his vertical leap was measured at 36 inches; and at 250 pounds, he came in at 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard sprint.

Professional career

McCrary was drafted in the seventh round by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1993 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons as a defensive end as well as playing on special teams before leaving the team to head to Baltimore following the 1996 season.
McCrary played the starting role with the Ravens at defensive end during the 1998 season playing alongside left defensive end, Rob Burnett, veteran defensive tackles, Tony Siragusa, Keith Washington, and backup Tackle, Mike Frederick. In 1998, McCrary lead the team in quarterback sacks, and he finished second on the team in tackles. That same year he was elected to the pro bowl along with five other Ravens' teammates, Bennie Thompson, Peter Boulware, Jermaine Lewis, Ray Lewis, and Johnathan Odgen. McCrary was placed 2nd on franchise sack list, now 3rd behind Terrell Suggs and Peter Boulware. Due to various injuries, McCrary retired following the 2002 season, ending his stint with the Ravens.

Retirement

On August 21, 2003, McCrary announced his retirement.