Phil Croyle, a decorated defensive lineman at Cal, and who played linebacker in the NFL before embarking on a career with the San Jose Fire Department, died Saturday from cancer, according to CalSportsReport. He was 70.
Born in San Lorenzo, Croyle starred at Cal as a defensive tackle from 1968-70, and was voted first team All Pac-8. He was selected in the seventh round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, picked immediately before two receivers of note — Bob Chandler, who won a Super Bowl with the Raiders, and Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael. Croyle played linebacker for the Oilers and the Buffalo Bills.
Croyle was a resident of San Jose according to CalSportsReport, and rose to the rank of battalion chief in the SJFD
A Facebook post by longtime friend Dino Vournas, described Croyle as “sweet, kind, caring, interesting and (a) learned man.”
Croyle is survived by his wife Cheryl, children Alicia, Zac and four grandchildren.
