Bob McCreary


Bobby Joe McCreary is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He also played professionally for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League.

Early years

McCreary attended Hudson High School in Hudson, North Carolina. Although he never played football before his freshman season, he developed into an honorable-mention All-state football player as a senior. He also played basketball.
McCreary accepted a football scholarship from Wake Forest University. After sustaining a career-threatening knee injury as a freshman in 1958, he recovered to become a two-way offensive and defensive tackle.

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers

McCreary was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 1961 NFL draft. He was waived on September 4.

Dallas Cowboys

On September 6, 1961, McCreary was signed by the Dallas Cowboys. He began the season on the taxi squad, before being promoted to the active roster on October 20. McCreary appeared in nine games, with four starts at right tackle. He was released on September 3, 1962.

Calgary Stampeders (CFL)

In 1963, McCreary was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.

Personal life

After retiring from professional football, McCreary worked for twenty years in sales in the furniture industry, before starting his own home-furnishing business, McCreary Modern in 1986.
In 2008, he received the Gene Hooks Achievement Award from the Wake Forest Varsity Club. In 2013, McCreary was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame. McCreary has also been inducted into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2014, McCreary committed $7.5 million to Wake Forest University football's indoor practice facility project. The facility was declared to be named in honor of McCreary. The plaza outside gate 1 at Truist Field and video board inside the stadium are also named for McCreary, as is the strength and conditioning center.