Croft graduated from Steinmentz High School in Chicago, Illinois.[1] He was selected to an all-star team of high school players from Chicago to travel to Arizona for a game against an all-star team of Phoenix area players.[2] Croft then attended Ripon College. Despite his size, Croft was known as gentle on the football field. The Ripon coaches set up a boxing match with a semi-professional boxer who promptly punched Croft in the nose which angered him. This experience was seen as a turning point in his athletic career.[3] Croft went on to be a three-year starter as a linemen for the Red Hawks earning first-team All-Midwest Conference three consecutive years.[4] He was also the team placekicker.[5]
After finishing his college career, Croft was drafted in the 20th round of the 1942 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.[6][7] Croft was acquired by the Green Bay Packers during his first training camp.[8] Croft would go on to play for the Packers for six seasons.
Personal life
His freshman year, Croft wrote to actress Ann Sheridan to invite her to the college's prom. Sheridan wrote him back declining his invitation but sent a signed picture.[9] He married Myra Ann Wasserburger in 1944.[10] He was a charter member of the Green Bay Packer Alumni Club. He worked in the automobile business for 30 years and retired as a District Manager for American Motors.[11] Croft died of a heart attack in 1977 at age 56.[12]
