Craig Krenzel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Craig Krenzel (July 1, 1981) is a former college and professional American football quarterback. He played in college for the Ohio State University Buckeyes, with his most successful years being 2002 and 2003. In 2002 he led the Buckeyes to an all-time best 14-0 record and the national championship by defeating the University of Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. He was known for his clutch play, smart decision making, accuracy, and speed. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2005 and was on their roster until he was released to waivers on May 15, 2006.
Krenzel graduated from Ohio State with a degree in molecular genetics. He was a three-time All-Big Ten award winner, recipient of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame post-graduate scholarship, Sporting News' Socrates Award winner, and Draddy Award winner (academic Heisman). He was also awarded the Today's Top VIII Award (Class of 2004). His overall record with Ohio State is 24-3 as a starter. After quarterback Steve Bellisari was suspended from play due to an alcohol-related police charge late in the 2001 season, Krenzel earned the starting position against Michigan and led the Buckeyes to their first win in Ann Arbor since 1987.
Krenzel was drafted in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, for whom he played the 2004 season. Despite poor passing statistics, Krenzel actually won his first three starts at quarterback with the Bears, including a win over the San Francisco 49ers, which was at the time starting Ken Dorsey at quarterback, the same quarterback that started for the Miami Hurricanes during the 2003 National Championship game. However, he lost his final two starts with the Bears and injured his ankle, ending his season. In 2005, he was cut by the Bears after a poor preseason performance and he signed with the Bengals. He was the third string quarterback on the team behind Carson Palmer and John Kitna. He retired after the season.
Prior to Ohio State, Krenzel attended Henry Ford II High School (Sterling Heights, Mich.), [1] Completed 60 percent of his passes and threw for 1,760 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior, earning USA Today honorable mention All-America accolades that year.
[edit] Trivia
- He is currently a radio commentator for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.[2]
- Shares the distinction of being a two-time Fiesta Bowl MVP with fellow Ohio State Buckeye A.J. Hawk.
- During one game in the 2004 season, his jersey showed the name "Krenezl" because of an error.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Steve Bellisari |
Ohio State Buckeyes Starting Quarterbacks 2002-2003 |
Succeeded by Justin Zwick |
| Preceded by Jonathan Wells |
Ohio State Buckeyes Football Season MVP 2002 (with Chris Gamble) |
Succeeded by Michael Jenkins |
