Lindon Crow obit

Lindon Crow, veteran of NFL's 'greatest game ever,' dies at 85

 

He was not on the list.

Lindon Crow, the former NFL defensive back who had an interception in the 1958 sudden-death NFL championship dubbed "the greatest game ever played," has died. He was 85.

He died Thursday in Exeter, California, due to complications from a series of strokes, the University of Southern California said Friday.

Crow led the NFL in interceptions with 11 in 1956 and had 41 picks in his pro career. He played defensive back for the Chicago Cardinals from 1955 to '57, New York Giants from 1958 to '60, and Los Angeles Rams from 1961 to '64.

He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection in 1956, '57 and '59.

In the 1958 NFL title game, Crow intercepted a pass by Baltimore quarterback Johnny Unitas in the Giants' 23-17 loss to the Colts at Yankee Stadium. It was the first NFL game to go to sudden-death overtime and was televised nationwide on NBC.

Crow was a teammate of the late Frank Gifford on the Giants, whose offensive coordinator was future Packers coach Vince Lombardi and whose defensive coordinator was Tom Landry, future Dallas Cowboys coach.

Crow also played in the NFL title game the following year, with the Colts winning again 31-16 in Baltimore.

Crow was a second-round pick of the Chicago Cardinals in the 1955 NFL draft.

He was a three-year letterman as a two-way halfback at Southern California from 1952 to '54. Crow rushed for 666 yards and caught 13 passes with six touchdowns in his career. He also had 11 career interceptions.

Crow played in two Rose Bowls for the Trojans, including a 1953 victory over Wisconsin. He captained the Trojans' 1954 team, and he earned All-Pacific Coast Conference honors in 1952 and '54.

He also played in the 1955 Senior Bowl and College All-Star Game.

After retiring from football, Crow worked as defensive coordinator at Cal State Northridge from 1972 to '75 and as head coach at St. Genevieve High in Panorama City, California, from 1976 to '88. He also served four years as the school's athletic director.

He is survived by Sandy, his wife of 47 years, daughters Wendy and Melissa and son Lindon Jr., six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. No services were planned.

Some of his other football associates were: Ray Richards, Violet Bidwill Wolfner, Walter Wolfner, Ollie Matson, Johnny Olszewski, Dick Night Train Lane, Pat Summerall, Charley Trippi, Fred Wallner, Tom Keane, Don Stonesifer, Lamar McHan, Leo Sanford, Jack Simmons, Ted Marchibroda, Jim Lee Howell, Ray Walsh, Tim Mara, Alex Webster, Bob Schnelker, Jimmy Patton, Rosey Brown, Rosey Grier, Sam Huff, Emlen Tunnell, Ray Wietecha, Kyle Rote, Andy Robustelli, Don Maynard, Charlie Conerly, Jack Stroud, Bob Mischak, Jack Mara, Wellington Mara, Allie Sherman, George Shaw, Dick Nolan, Jim Katcavage, Dick Modzelewski, Bob Waterfield, Tom Fears, Edwin Pauley, Red Phillips, Jon Arnett, Frank Ryan, Les Richter, Deacon Jones, Zeke Bratkowski, Lamar Lundy, Jack Pardee, Joe Marconi, Merlin Olsen, Dick Bass, Eddie Meador, Roman Gabriel, Harland Svare, Frank Varrichione, Elroy Hirsch,  Hampton Pool, Jim David, Dan Reeves, Ron Miller, Carroll Dale, Marlin McKeever and Joe Scibelli.