Once-promising Giants standout embarks on surprising new football journey

Tae Crowder’s rise from “Mr. Irrelevant” to a key defensive player for the New York Giants was a story that captivated fans. Drafted with the final pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Crowder quickly defied the odds associated with his draft position.

Initially a running back at Georgia, Crowder transitioned to linebacker, where his versatility and football IQ shone. His senior year saw him rack up accolades, including a Butkus Award semifinalist nod, and his 62 tackles helped Georgia field one of the nation’s top defenses. When the Giants took a chance on him, they likely didn’t anticipate how quickly he’d carve out a role.

By his second season in New York, Crowder was a defensive anchor, leading the team with 130 tackles in 2021 (and one memorable one on Derrick Henry). His knack for being around the ball, evidenced by key plays like a 43-yard fumble return touchdown against Washington, made him a fan favorite.

But for all his effort and grit, cracks began to show in his game. Struggles with coverage and consistency led to him falling out of favor, and his frustrations spilled into a now-infamous “free me” tweet in 2022.

Tae Crowder seeks redemption with Birmingham Stallions

After his release from the Giants, Crowder’s NFL career became a series of short-lived stops. Stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tennessee Titans yielded no lasting opportunities, and by 2024, Crowder found himself on the outside looking in.

His production had declined sharply since his breakout season, leaving many to wonder if the promising linebacker would ever regain his form.

Now, Crowder is embracing a second chance in the UFL with the Birmingham Stallions.

The league has become a haven for players looking to prove they still belong in professional football, and Crowder seems tailor-made for the opportunity. His experience as a former NFL starter and his chip-on-the-shoulder mentality should make him a valuable asset for the Stallions. For Crowder, this move represents a fresh start and a chance to remind everyone why he earned a starting spot in the NFL in the first place.

Whether Crowder uses this platform to springboard back to the NFL or carves out a long-term role in the UFL, one thing is clear: the once-promising Giant isn’t ready to let his football journey end. Fans in New York may look back on his tenure with mixed emotions, but they’ll likely root for the underdog who once defied expectations to do it all over again.