Carlester Crumpler Sr. talks about School Integration, his ECU Football Career and who's the best Crumpler Athlete

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

Carlester Crumpler Sr. grew up in eastern North Carolina where, as a student and an athlete, he helped integrate the schools he attended. The only black player on his high school team in Wilson, NC, Crumpler was an outstanding running back who rushed for more than 4000 yards. His play earned him a scholarship to nearby East Carolina University - a scholarship signing that was attended by ECU coaches, board of trustees and the chancellor. Playing in Greenville from 1971-73 (NCAA rules prohibited freshmen to play sports), he garnered nearly 3000 yards and was twice the Southern Conference Athlete of the Year (1972 and 1973). He was later inducted into the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and in 2022 was named to the SoCon 100th Anniversary Football Team. The Buffalo Bills drafted Crumpler in 1974, but injuries shortened his pro career. After several ventures following retirement, Crumpler returned to his alma mater working in athletics while also spending 19 years as analyst on the Pirate Radio Network broadcasts. Carlester shares his story with us including the pressures on him as a black man in a white school and the joy he received from fans who referred to him as "Crump". He also tells us about the advice he received from Bills running back O.J. Simpson, what it was like to work with the late "Voice of the Pirates" Jeff Charles and why he's the best athlete in the family which includes former NFL tight ends Carlester Jr. and Alge Crumpler.