Where Is Michael Crabtree Now? Life After the NFL and Texas Tech Legacy

Former NFL wide receiver and two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree is retired from professional football and resides in his home state of Texas. He primarily focuses on real estate investments, private business ventures, family life, and his charitable work through the Crab5 Foundation, while remaining a prominent figure in Texas Tech athletics.

Current Life and Post-NFL Activities

Since stepping away from professional football following the 2019 NFL season, Michael Crabtree has transitioned into a private life centered around business, philanthropy, and family in Texas. Unlike many high-profile former professional athletes who pursue broadcast commentary, coaching, or executive media roles, Crabtree has chosen a relatively low-profile post-football path.

He spends much of his time managing personal investments, primarily in commercial and residential real estate across Texas. Having earned substantial salary compensation over his 11-season NFL career, Crabtree focused early on long-term wealth preservation and commercial development projects.

In addition to business enterprise, Crabtree remains deeply invested in community outreach through the Crab5 Foundation. Established during his playing days, the non-profit organization targets youth empowerment, education, and sports programs in underserved neighborhoods across Dallas and West Texas. He frequently hosts youth football camps, holiday toy drives, and educational initiatives aimed at giving back to the communities that supported his rise to athletic prominence.

While he is no longer running routes on Sunday afternoons, Crabtree maintains strong ties to football through mentorship. He occasionally advises young wide receivers navigating the transition from college to the pros, sharing insights on route running, contract negotiations, professional etiquette, and long-term financial management.

Hall of Fame Recognition and Texas Tech Ties

Michael Crabtree’s legacy in collegiate sports remains preserved at the highest level. One of his most significant post-retirement milestones arrived when he was named to the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022. He was officially inducted during the National Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas in December 2022.

Prior to his national Hall of Fame induction, Texas Tech University honored Crabtree by inducting him into the Texas Tech Athletics Hall of Fame and placing his name inside the Texas Tech Ring of Honor at Jones AT&T Stadium in 2021. His name is permanently displayed alongside Red Raider legends such as Donny Anderson, E.J. Holub, Dave Aranda, and Zach Thomas.

Crabtree remains a frequent visitor to Lubbock, Texas. He often attends Texas Tech Red Raiders home games, participating in pre-game coin tosses, alumni weekends, and fundraising events for the university’s athletic department. His presence in Lubbock serves as a constant link between the program's historically dominant "Air Raid" era under late head coach Mike Leach and the modern era of Texas Tech football.

The Collegiate Era: Dominance in Mike Leach's Air Raid

To understand Michael Crabtree's lasting impact on the sport, one must look back at his legendary two-year playing career at Texas Tech University from 2007 to 2008. After redshirting his first year in Lubbock in 2006, Crabtree delivered what is widely considered one of the most statistically dominant two-season spans by any wide receiver in college football history.

Playing under offensive mastermind Mike Leach and alongside quarterback Graham Harrell, Crabtree burst onto the scene in 2007 as a redshirt freshman. He set NCAA freshman records that still stand today, catching 134 passes for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns. His physical style of play, exceptional hands, and uncanny ability to break tackles after the catch made him an instant national star. He became the first freshman ever to win the Fred Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the nation’s top college receiver.

In 2008, Crabtree followed up his remarkable debut season with another consensus All-American campaign, recording 97 receptions for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns. He became the first two-time recipient of the Biletnikoff Award in NCAA history.

"The Catch" Against Texas (2008)

The defining moment of Crabtree’s collegiate career—and one of the most iconic plays in college football history—occurred on November 1, 2008. Undefeated Texas Tech faced the top-ranked Texas Longhorns at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock.

With Texas Tech trailing 33-32 with only 8 seconds remaining on the clock, quarterback Graham Harrell threw a sideline pass to Crabtree near the 6-yard line. Crabtree caught the ball, broke a tackle along the sideline from Texas defensive back Curtis Brown, stepped inside the field of play to avoid stepping out of bounds, and squeezed past another defender into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown with 1 second remaining.

The play propelled Texas Tech to a historic 39-33 victory, sent the crowd rushing onto the field, and elevated Crabtree to legendary status in Texas sports history.

The NFL Years: Draft Holdout to Star Veteran

Following his redshirt sophomore season, Crabtree declared for the 2009 NFL Draft. Considered one of the premier offensive talents in the class, his draft process encountered an early hurdle when doctors discovered a stress fracture in his foot during the NFL Scouting Combine, requiring surgery.

Despite the injury, the San Francisco 49ers selected Crabtree with the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

• Michael Crabtree's NFL Draft & Pro Teams
  
  
  • 2009 NFL Draft: 1st Round, 10th Overall Selection by San Francisco 49ers
    
    
    • San Francisco 49ers (2009–2014)
    • Oakland Raiders (2015–2017)
    • Baltimore Ravens (2018)
    • Arizona Cardinals (2019)

The 2009 Rookie Contract Holdout

Crabtree’s entry into the NFL was marked by one of the longest rookie contract holdouts in modern league history. Disagreeing with the financial slotting of the 10th pick and seeking compensation closer to higher picks in the draft, Crabtree and his representative held out through training camp and the first month of the regular season.

He eventually signed a six-year deal with the 49ers on October 7, 2009, making his NFL debut in Week 7 against the Houston Texans.

San Francisco 49ers (2009–2014)

Once on the field, Crabtree established himself as a reliable target. His best season with the 49ers came in 2012 under head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Crabtree caught 85 passes for 1,105 yards and 9 touchdowns, helping lead San Francisco to an NFC Championship and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens.

Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles tendon during off-season workouts in May 2013. He made a remarkably fast recovery, returning to action in November 2013 to aid the 49ers in another playoff run that ended in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Oakland Raiders (2015–2017)

In April 2015, Crabtree signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, reinventing his career alongside young quarterback Derek Carr and rookie wideout Amari Cooper. Crabtree quickly became Carr's primary red-zone target and a veteran locker room leader.

Over three seasons in Oakland, Crabtree recorded 232 receptions, 2,543 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns. His strong performance earned him a four-year contract extension with Oakland in December 2015, though he was eventually released in March 2018 following roster restructuring.

Baltimore Ravens & Arizona Cardinals (2018–2019)

Crabtree signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens in March 2018. During his single season in Baltimore, he caught 54 passes for 607 yards and 3 touchdowns, serving as a key veteran target during quarterback Lamar Jackson’s rookie season transition.

In August 2019, Crabtree signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals under head coach Kliff Kingsbury—a fitting pairing given Kingsbury’s deep Texas Tech ties. However, after playing in two games and recording 6 receptions for 22 yards, Crabtree was released by the Cardinals in September 2019. He did not sign with another team, effectively concluding his 11-year NFL career.

Career Statistics Overview

Michael Crabtree built a career defined by strong hands, precise route running, physical blocking, and exceptional contested-catch ability. Below is a comprehensive statistical breakdown of his career across college and the NFL.

College vs. NFL Statistics Breakdown

Notable On-Field Rivalries and Cultural Moments

Throughout his career, Crabtree was involved in several high-profile rivalries and moments that captured national headlines.

The Richard Sherman Feud (2013)

The rivalry between Crabtree and All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman peaked during the 2013 NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and Seahawks. On the final offensive play for San Francisco, Kaepernick threw a pass toward Crabtree in the endzone, which Sherman tipped into the hands of teammate Malcolm Smith for a game-ending interception.

Immediately following the play, Sherman gave a live post-game interview to reporter Erin Andrews on FOX, declaring himself "the best corner in the game" and calling Crabtree a "mediocre receiver." The moment went viral and remains one of the most famous post-game interviews in NFL broadcast history.

In later years, both players softened their stances, expressing mutual respect for each other's competitive drive during those fierce 49ers-Seahawks division clashes.

The Aqib Talib Chain Incidents (2016–2017)

During his tenure with the Oakland Raiders, Crabtree engaged in a series of heated altercations with Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib.

• January 2017: During a regular-season game, Talib snatched and broke a gold chain off Crabtree's neck on the sideline following a play.
• November 2017: In a subsequent matchup, Talib ripped Crabtree's chain off a second time, triggering a bench-clearing brawl that led to the ejection of both players and subsequent NFL suspensions.

The incident remains one of the most unique on-field rivalries in modern NFL history, reflecting the intense division battles between Oakland and Denver during that era.

Key Takeaways: Where Is He Now?

For fans tracking Michael Crabtree's post-football journey, his current status can be summarized through these core pillars:

1. Residence & Primary Focus: Lives in Texas, dedicating time to family, corporate real estate investments, and private business ventures.
2. Hall of Fame Status: Enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2022) and the Texas Tech Ring of Honor.
3. Texas Tech Involvement: Remains deeply involved with the Texas Tech athletics community, attending games and supporting program initiatives in Lubbock.
4. Community & Philanthropy: Operates the Crab5 Foundation, delivering youth development and educational opportunities in Texas communities.
5. Mentorship: Serves as an informal mentor to young wide receivers preparing for high-level college and professional football.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Michael Crabtree officially retired from the NFL?

Yes. Michael Crabtree last played in the NFL during the 2019 season with the Arizona Cardinals. While he never held a formal retirement press conference, he stepped away from football to focus on business investments and family life.

What is Michael Crabtree doing today?

Crabtree is based in Texas, managing real estate investments and private business ventures. He also oversees the Crab5 Foundation, mentors young athletes, and makes regular public appearances supporting Texas Tech Athletics.

Did Michael Crabtree make the College Football Hall of Fame?

Yes. Crabtree was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022. He was formally inducted in December 2022 in recognition of his historic two-year career at Texas Tech.

How many Biletnikoff Awards did Michael Crabtree win?

Michael Crabtree won two Biletnikoff Awards (in 2007 and 2008). He was the first player in NCAA history to win the award twice and the first freshman ever to receive the honor.

What team did Michael Crabtree play for the longest in the NFL?

Crabtree played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers (2009–2014), the team that drafted him 10th overall in 2009. He later played for the Oakland Raiders (2015–2017), Baltimore Ravens (2018), and Arizona Cardinals (2019).

What happened between Michael Crabtree and Richard Sherman?

In the 2013 NFC Championship Game, Richard Sherman tipped a pass intended for Crabtree, resulting in a game-ending interception. Sherman’s subsequent post-game interview called Crabtree a "mediocre receiver," creating a media moment and rivalry between the two players.

Summary Recommendation for Fans and Researchers

If you are looking to keep up with Michael Crabtree’s latest public appearances or philanthropic endeavors, the best avenues are official Texas Tech Athletics media channels and coverage of College Football Hall of Fame events. For updates on his community work, youth outreach initiatives, and charity events, follow announcements through the Crab5 Foundation and Texas Tech alumni associations.