Ex-Clemson standout gets final shot at NFL dream

By Bob Wilson  |   Monday, February 26, 2007  |  Comments( 4 )

Clemson Tigers
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Former Clemson Tiger Roscoe Crosby is getting one last chance at a professional football career. The wide receiver has signed a contract to play with defending NFL Europe champion Frankfurt in the hopes that the NFL will take notice.

Crosby arrived at Clemson as the top receiving prospect in the country. It was a bit of a surprise that the talented youngster chose college football at all, given that he was also a top baseball pick with the Kansas City Royals. In fact, the Royals gave him a $1.75 million signing bonus.

The South Carolina native looked like a couldn't-miss pro prospect after his freshman year in 2001. Despite battling some minor injuries, including a broken nose in a victory celebration after an overtime win over Georgia Tech, Crosby put up big numbers. He finished the year with 27 grabs for 465 yards and four touchdowns. The catches and yards were team records for a true freshman.

However, Crosby played minor league baseball after the '01 football season and injured his elbow. He was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery, which cost him the 2002 Clemson campaign.

Personal tragedy again struck when some of Crosby's friends were involved in a fatal car crash. The talented receiver left school, returned and departed left again. It turned out that 2001 was the only full season of college football Crosby would play.

After a failed baseball comeback, Crosby turned his attention to the NFL. In 2005 he held private workouts for several pro scouts. Although he was not drafted, the Colts signed him to their practice squad. Crosby was cut, signed again and finally released by Indianapolis.

Now the former Tiger appears to be down to his last opportunity. After a life riddled with tragedy and unfulfilled promise, here's hoping Crosby makes the most of this last-ditch effort.

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