Antonio Cromartie, a cornerback known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, made a name for himself in the National Football League (NFL) with his exceptional skills on the field. Born on April 15, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida, Cromartie attended Florida State University, where he played college football for the Seminoles. Despite suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2005 season, his potential was evident, leading to his decision to enter the NFL Draft.
In 2006, the San Diego Chargers selected Cromartie in the first round as the 19th overall pick. His rookie season saw him gradually acclimating to the professional level, but it was in his second year that he truly began to shine. The 2007 season was a breakout year for Cromartie, as he led the league with 10 interceptions, including a memorable one-handed interception against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. That same year, he set an NFL record with a 109-yard return of a missed field goal against the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his speed and agility.
Cromartie's performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and recognition as a first-team All-Pro. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions made him a valuable asset to the Chargers' defense. However, after four seasons with San Diego, Cromartie was traded to the New York Jets in 2010.
With the Jets, Cromartie continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess. Teaming up with fellow cornerback Darrelle Revis, he became part of a formidable secondary that was instrumental in the Jets' playoff runs. His tenure with the Jets was marked by consistent performances, and he was selected for the Pro Bowl again in 2012.
In 2014, Cromartie signed with the Arizona Cardinals, reuniting with his former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. His time with the Cardinals was brief but impactful, as he helped the team reach the playoffs and earned yet another Pro Bowl selection. The following year, Cromartie returned to the Jets, signing a four-year contract. However, his second stint with the team was short-lived, as he was released after the 2015 season.
Cromartie joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, but his time there was limited to just four games before he was released. Throughout his career, Cromartie was known for his ability to make game-changing plays, his speed, and his knack for intercepting passes. Over 11 seasons in the NFL, he recorded 31 interceptions, 2,292 return yards, and five touchdowns.
Off the field, Cromartie was known for his large family, which often drew media attention.
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