Gene Cronin

Gene Edward Cronin (born November 20, 1933 in Spalding, Nebraska) is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, the Washington Redskins, and the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of the Pacific.

Early years

Cronin attended Ione High School, before transferring to C. K. McClatchy High School after his freshman season. He practiced football and basketball.

In 1952, he attended Sacramento City College. In 1953, he transferred to the University of the Pacific. He played in the 1956 East–West Shrine Game.

In 1984, he was inducted into the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2001, he was inducted into the Sacramento City College Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Detroit Lions

Cronin was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round (74th overall) of the 1956 NFL Draft. He initially made the team as a pass rushing specialist. In 1957, he contributed to the team winning the NFL Championship.

Dallas Cowboys

Cronin was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft. He became one of the first starters at outside linebacker in franchise history (the other was Wayne Hansen).

On July 30, 1961, he was traded to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a draft choice.

Washington Redskins

Cronin played two seasons for the Washington Redskins before retiring in 1963, after he was placed on the injured waiver list. He only missed one game in seven seasons in the league.

Personal life

After he retired, he worked as the Detroit Lions' chief scout. In 1965, he became the first person hired by the newly formed Atlanta Falcons and served as the Director of player personnel.