Born in Waynesville, North Carolina, Fred Crawford, son of U.S. Congressman W. T. Crawford, attended Duke University and played football for Wallace Wade. Crawford was the first Tar Heel football player to achieve national fame and All-American status.
Reportedly a rough and tumble kid, who never was intimidated, Fred Crawford became an All-American under the tutelage of the famous Duke University football coach, Wallace Wade. Crawford played defense and offense, but he earned his fame playing tackle. In 1933, he earned All-American status and was considered one of the best eleven players in the nation.
As a professional, Crawford played for the Chicago Bears.