Michael Crabtree's journey in professional football began when he was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. A standout wide receiver from Texas Tech University, Crabtree entered the league with high expectations following an illustrious college career where he won the Fred Biletnikoff Award twice, recognizing him as the nation's top receiver.
Crabtree's rookie season was marked by a contract holdout that delayed his debut until the sixth game of the season. Despite the late start, he quickly demonstrated his potential, finishing the season with 48 receptions for 625 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to make difficult catches and his strong hands made him a reliable target for the 49ers' quarterbacks.
Over the next few seasons, Crabtree continued to develop as a receiver. In 2012, he had a breakout year, recording 85 receptions for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII, where they faced the Baltimore Ravens. In the Super Bowl, Crabtree caught five passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, though the 49ers ultimately fell short in a closely contested game.
In 2013, Crabtree faced a significant setback when he tore his Achilles tendon during offseason workouts. The injury sidelined him for most of the season, but he made a remarkable return in December, playing in the final five games and the playoffs. His resilience and determination to return to the field were evident, and he contributed to the team's postseason efforts.
Crabtree's tenure with the 49ers ended after the 2014 season, and he signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2015. His arrival in Oakland marked a new chapter in his career, and he quickly became a favorite target for quarterback Derek Carr. In his first season with the Raiders, Crabtree caught 85 passes for 922 yards and nine touchdowns, revitalizing his career and proving himself as a valuable asset to the team's offense.
The following year, Crabtree continued to be a key player for the Raiders, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time since 2002. He recorded 89 receptions for 1,003 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level. His chemistry with Carr was evident, and the duo became one of the more productive quarterback-receiver tandems in the league.
Crabtree's time with the Raiders concluded after the 2017 season, and he subsequently signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. In Baltimore, he played a supporting role in the Ravens' offense, contributing 54 receptions for 607 yards and three touchdowns. His experience and veteran presence were valuable to the team's young receiving corps.
In 2019, Crabtree joined the Arizona Cardinals, but his stint with the team was brief. He played in just two games before being released, marking the end of his decade-long NFL career. Throughout his time in the league, Crabtree was known for his strong hands, route-running ability, and knack for making clutch catches in critical moments.
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