Jack Crabtree: Legendary Ducks QB Passes

0:00On April 7, Jack Krabtree, the legendary quarterback for the University of Oregon Ducks, passed away at 90 years old. He made history as the MVP of the 1958 Rose Bowl and earned spots in multiple Hall of Fame's for his poise under pressure. Born in Lakewood, California, Krabtree sharpened his skills at Excelsior High School, then spent time at San Bernardino Junior College before, transferring to Oregon. In a senior year of 1957, he took over as starter, helping the Ducks share the Pacific Coast Conference title and snag a Rose Bowl, invite over rival Oregon State. Fans and the programs still talk about their Rose Bowl clash against Ohio State, where Krabtree went 10 for 17 with 135. Yards in a tight 10-to-7 loss, but walked away with MVP honors. The University of Oregon announced his passing on April 7, calling him one of their most respected alumni. After college, the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in the 12th round, 136 overall, but military service in the Army delayed, his pro dreams.

1:06He later tried out with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers in the American Football League, though he never played a regular season game. His legacy lives on through inductions into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1981, Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1998. In Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002, reminding every duck fan what grit and leadership look like on the Grid Iron.