A graduate of Kansas State University, Crews joined the Leos in 1981 and was part of their 1985 Grey Cup championship team.[2] He was winner of the Tom Pate Memorial Award for community service. In 2010, he was elected into the BC Lions Wall of Fame.[3]
In 1995, Crews became head coach of the Vancouver Trojans and coached them for six seasons, compiling a 14 win, 42 loss and 2 tie record. In 1997, he was named BCFC Coach of the Year and was winner of the Gord Currie CJFL Coach of the Year Award.[citation needed]