Fred McCrary went from starring on the prep fields in Naples, Florida, to becoming a two-year starter as a running back at Mississippi State. At Mississippi State McCrary caught 32 balls for 248 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 144 yards and one touchdown.

McCrary went on to a successful 11-year NFL career from 1995-2007 as a fullback with the San Diego Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks.

During his time in the NFL, he share the backfield with several All-Pros and future Hall of Famers in Rickey Watters, LaDanian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady. All of them benefited from McCrary’s abilities and skills, while helping him learn the games finer details.