Michael McCrary is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. He was born on July 7, 1970, in Berlin, West Germany, and grew up in the United States. McCrary played college football at Wake Forest University, where he was a standout defensive end. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 1993 NFL Draft.
McCrary played for the Seahawks from 1993 to 1998, where he established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1996 and 1997 and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 1996. In 1996, he recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks and helped lead the Seahawks to the playoffs.
In 1999, McCrary signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. He played for the Ravens from 1999 to 2002 and was a key member of the team's dominant defense. He helped lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2001, where he recorded two sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl. He was also a first-team All-Pro selection in 1999 and 2000.
McCrary retired from the NFL after the 2002 season. He finished his career with 71 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions. He was known for his relentless pass rush and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He was also a team leader and a respected veteran in the locker room.
After retiring from football, McCrary became involved in various business ventures and philanthropic activities. He founded the Michael McCrary Foundation, which supports children's charities and provides scholarships to underprivileged youth. He also worked as a commentator for NFL games and appeared on various television shows.
In 2019, McCrary was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor, which recognizes the team's greatest players and coaches. He was honored for his contributions to the team's Super Bowl victory and his leadership on and off the field.
Overall, Michael McCrary had a successful career in the NFL and was one of the best defensive ends of his era. He was a dominant pass rusher and a respected leader in the locker room. He continues to make a positive impact through his philanthropic work and his contributions to the sport of football.
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