BOB CRYDER

FOOTBALL

Born: September 7, 1956; East St. Louis, Illinois
Position: Offensive Lineman
Played For: Alabama University (1975-1977), New England Patriots (1978-1983), Seattle Seahawks (1984-1986), Detroit Lions (1987)

Bob Cryder was born in East St. Louis in 1956. Bob graduated from O’Fallon Township High School in 1974.

Bob was a three-sport athlete in high school. Bob excelled in wrestling and achieved All-Conference honors and won district and sectional championships. He then moved on to the state championship where he finished third.

He also was a top-notch shot and discus thrower during track season. In 1973-74 he placed first in every meet. He has held the shot-put record since 1974 and held the discuss record until 2015.

But there was no doubt that football was Bob’s best sport. He played under IFCA Hall of Fame coach, Bobby Joe Scates at OTHS. His senior year he was first team All-Metro, first team All-State, and first team All-American.

One of the best football players ever to play for the Panthers, he was recruited by the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant to play football at the University of Alabama. In fact, Coach Bryant came to O’Fallon, IL to visit with Bob and his parents. Bob says that Coach Bryant only offered him one thing – four bowl games. I t was not a tough decision for Bob to decide to play for the Crimson Tide.

Bob became a starter his sophomore year at Bama. However, injuries prevented him from playing his entire junior season. His senior season saw Bob become one of the best linemen in the country.

His senior season he was first team All-SEC, he was the winner of the Jacobs Trophy for the best lineman in the SEC, and he was selected a second team All-American. In addition, he has been named to Coach Bryant’s All-Time first team.

He was a first round draft choice of the New England Patriots in 1978. He was the 18th player chosen in the draft. He played six seasons for the Patriots before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks. He retired after three seasons with the Seahawks and one with the Detroit Lions.

Bob and his wife Lisa have four children; Jessica Fahey, Wynter Mayhle, Amanda Husak, and Booby Cryder. Bob and Lisa are retired and living happily in Quincy, Washington.