Tommy Crutcher

Who was Tommy Crutcher?

Tommy Joe Crutcher

Tommy Joe Crutcher with 10.5 speed, was one of the finest fullbacks and defensive linebackers in Texas High School football during the late 1950s. As a junior in 1958, Crutcher, a strong, punishing runner, rushed for 1,070 yards in 13 games to lead the McKinney Lions offense.

Crutcher, who was All-District as a junior was also an outstanding outside linebacker that had numerous unassisted tackles as the Lions lost in the 1958 AAA semi-final game to eventual AAA state champion Breckenridge.

Despite missing 3 games with a shoulder injury his senior year in 1959, Crutcher still managed to lead the Lions with 850 yards rushing on 143 carries over 7 games. He was also well known for his crushing tackles from his defensive linebacker position. He was Co-Captain of the football team and a 1959 AAA Honorable Mention All-State selection. Tommy Joe, a High School Football All-American, was highly respected by his coaches, teachers, team mates and the people of McKinney.

Crutcher attended Texas Christian University where he was first team All-America in 1963. As a TCU sophomore in 1961, he rushed for 580 yards. During his junior year in 1962, Crutcher rushed for 542 yards on 108 carries and was an All-Conference selection, while in 1963, he rushed for 473 yards on 108 carries to lead the Hornfrogs offense. He was also Co-Captain and played fullback on offense and linebacker on defense.