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Ex-Eagle, Steelers coach Craft dies

PHILADELPHIA — William Russell "Russ" Craft, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles' 1948 and 1949 championship teams who shares the NFL record of four interceptions in a game, died Tuesday. He was 89.

Craft, a 10-year NFL veteran who was also a player and defensive coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, died in Wellsburg, W.Va., the Eagles said in a statement Thursday. No cause of death was immediately given.

Craft was a defensive back and halfback who played with the Eagles from 1946-53 and with the Steelers from 1953-55. The two-time Pro Bowl selection had 22 career interceptions, including four in a game against the Chicago Cardinals in September 1950. He shares that NFL record with 17 players.

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