Lindon Crow — American football cornerback
Encyclopedic profile of Lindon Crow (1933–2018), American football cornerback who played college ball at USC and spent a professional career in the NFL during the 1950s–1960s.
Overview
Lindon Oscar Crow (April 4, 1933 – October 25, 2018) was an American professional football player best known as a defensive back and cornerback in the National Football League. He came to prominence in the 1950s and into the early 1960s for his coverage skills and contributions to his teams' pass defenses. Crow's career is often noted in histories of mid‑20th century pro football as representative of the era's two‑way athleticism and evolving secondary play.
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Early life and college
Crow grew up in the western United States and played college football at the University of Southern California, where he developed as a defensive back. His time in college established him as a reliable tackler and skilled pass defender, qualities that drew attention from professional scouts. Besides defense, he was involved in special teams work, which was common for backs of his generation.
Professional career
In the NFL Crow played for multiple franchises during a decade-long career. He was a regular starter at cornerback and participated in high-profile games of the period. Teams with which he is associated include:
- Los Angeles Rams
- New York Giants
Contemporaries and chroniclers credit him with solid coverage technique, intelligence in reading opposing pass patterns, and contributing turnovers when opportunities arose. For an overview of his playing years and team history see this career summary.
Playing style and recognition
Crow's approach combined disciplined footwork, anticipation, and an emphasis on positioning rather than purely aggressive tackling. He worked in an era before specialized nickel and dime packages were common, so cornerbacks like Crow needed to be versatile. His performances drew attention in sport reporting of the time and he is remembered among defensive backs of the 1950s and 1960s.
Later life and legacy
After retiring from professional play, Crow remained part of the broader football community and was mentioned in retrospectives about the game's development at the professional level. He passed away in 2018, and later obituaries and memorials note both his playing career and his role in an important transitional period for defensive back play. For game‑by‑game statistics and season records consult the detailed statistical profiles available at detailed statistics.
Notable facts:
- Played in the NFL during the 1950s–1960s era of changing defensive schemes.
- Alumnus of the University of Southern California football program.
- Remembered for coverage ability and situational awareness in the secondary.
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AlegsaOnline.com Lindon Crow — American football cornerback Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/58222