Ray Krouse
Raymond Francis Krouse was an American professional football player who was a defensive lineman in the National Football League for the New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Colts and Washington Redskins. He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins.
Early life
Krouse attended Western High School. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Maryland, College Park.During the World War II era, he served in the United States Navy reserves and was discharged as a Seaman 2nd Class.
In 1992, he was posthumously inducted into the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame. The Ray Krouse Award is given to the team's most valuable player.
Professional career
New York Giants
Krouse was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1951 NFL draft. The 1951 Giants defense he was part of, allowed the fewest total yards and rushing yards in the NFL for that season.In 1952, he had his best professional season. On April 26, 1956, he was traded to the Detroit Lions in exchange for defensive tackle Dick Modzelewski.
Detroit Lions
In 1957, he contributed to the Detroit Lions winning the NFL Championship. On July 17, 1958, he was traded to the Baltimore Colts in exchange for a third round draft choice.Baltimore Colts
Krouse was a part of the 1958 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants, famously known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played". The 1958 Colts defense he was part of, allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL for that season.He contributed to the Colts winning back to back NFL titles in 1958 and 1959 against his old team, the Giants.