Former New York Jet Paul Crane passed away this week at the age of 76. His death was first reported by Creg Stephenson of AL.com, who confirmed it through Bill Griffin, the athletic director at McGill-Toolen Catholic School, where Crane served as the head coach of the football team for eight seasons.
Crane’s impact on the Jets began before he ever set foot in New York, originally serving as Joe Namath’s center at the University of Alabama. Despite earning All-American honors twice and helping the Crimson Tide earn consecutive national championships, Crane went undrafted in both the NFL and AFL Drafts.