title: Willis Crenshaw
text: # Willis Crenshaw
  
  Willis Clarence Crenshaw (born July 16, 1941) is a former National Football League (NFL) running back from 1964 through 1970.
  
  ## High school and college career
  
  Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Crenshaw played for Soldan High School and Kansas State University, where he started out at wide receiver and was a star player; played in the 1963 College All Star Football Game. In high school, his main sport was pole vaulting, with a personal best of 13 feet 2 inches (4.01 m); he started out with a double scholarship at Kansas State, where he recalled being one of approximately 50 Black students, before focusing on football after weight training.
  
  ## Professional career
  
  ### St Louis Cardinals
  
  Crenshaw was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 9th round in 1963. In 1968 he led the team in rushing with 813 yds and touchdowns (7).
  
  ### Denver Broncos
  
  In 1970 he was traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 3rd-round draft pick; he played one season, although he was listed for the 1971 season.
  
  ## Later career
  
  Crenshaw later worked selling life insurance, for Monsanto, and as a financial planner.
  
  