 Cromartie with theIndianapolis Colts in 2016 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 25, 31 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Cornerback | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born | (1984-04-15)April 15, 1984 (age 41) Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school | Lincoln (Tallahassee) | ||||||||||||||
| College | Florida State (2003–2005) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2006: 1st round, 19th overall pick | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
Playing | |||||||||||||||
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Coaching | |||||||||||||||
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| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||
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Antonio Cromartie Sr. (born April 15, 1984) is an American former professionalfootball player who was acornerback in theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theFlorida State Seminoles and was selected in the first round by theSan Diego Chargers in the2006 NFL draft.[1] He was selected to fourPro Bowls and was a first-teamAll-Pro in 2007 after leading the league in interceptions. He also played for theArizona Cardinals,New York Jets andIndianapolis Colts. Cromartie holds the record for the longest scoring play in NFL history after returning a missedfield goal 109 yards for a touchdown in 2007.[2] After his playing career, he was a graduate assistant for theTexas A&M Aggies.
Cromartie was born inTallahassee, Florida,[3][4] He was a versatile player at Tallahassee'sLincoln High School. Throughout his senior season, Cromartie recorded 122 tackles and 2 interceptions, returned 3 punts and 2 kicks for TDs, had 450 yards and 1 touchdown on 30 catches and ran the ball 13 times for 242 yards and 3 touchdowns. This was enough to earn Cromartie 2002USA Today defensive player of the year.[5] Considered a four-star recruit byRivals.com, Cromartie ranked sixth among cornerback prospects in the nation.[6] Cromartie also participated in the 2003U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Cromartie also rantrack in high school and placed 3rd in the 110-metres hurdles and as a member of the 4 x 100-metres relay team at the Class 5A County track meet. He also cleared 14.3 meters intriple jump.[7]
Cromartie decided to stay close to home for college and accepted an athletic scholarship offer fromFlorida State University, where he played for coachBobby Bowden'sFlorida State Seminoles football team from 2003 to 2004. After flashing playmaking potential as anickelback andkick returner his first two years, Cromartie tore theanterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in July 2005 during voluntary workouts before his junior year and was forced to miss the entire 2005 season. He was potentially going to play atwide receiver during his junior year.[8]
In addition to football, Cromartie also joined theFlorida State Seminoles track team in 2004. He was a member of the FSU track team that won the ACC Championship in 2004, where he placed 10th in the 200 meters with a time of 21.35 seconds.[9] He ran a career-best time of 46.39 seconds in the400 meters at the NCAA Division I Championships, placing 6th in the prelims.[10] He was timed at 21.27 seconds in the200 meters.
On March 16, 2006, Cromartie attended theNFL Scouting Combine, but performed limited drills as he was only 8 months removed from his torn ACL that required him undergoing surgery. His 4.47s in the 40–yard dash was slower then normally expected with his background in track and field who was known especially for his speed. He decided against performing the short-shuttle and three-cone drill, but performed well in the broad jump, tying Ohio State'sDonte Whitner for the second best broad jump among defensive backs with 11'0" with his FSU teammatePat Watkins finishing first with 11'1".[11]Cromartie performed at hispro day in 2006 for scouts.[12][13]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft2+1⁄8 in (1.88 m) | 208 lb (94 kg) | 33+3⁄4 in (0.86 m) | 10+1⁄2 in (0.27 m) | 4.52 s | 1.58 s | 2.63 s | 3.89 s | 7.02 s | 38 in (0.97 m) | 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m) | 18 reps | |
| All values fromNFL Combine/Pro Day[14][15] | ||||||||||||
TheSan Diego Chargers selected Cromartie in the first round (19th overall) in the2006 NFL draft, despite being removed from competitive football for an entire year. He was the second cornerback drafted in 2006, following theDenver Broncos selectingTye Hill (15th overall). The Chargers entered the 2006 NFL Draft without any glaring needs that needed immediate attention and were able to have the ability to make what was described as a "luxury pick" in Cromartie after he fell to them at 19th overall only due to his injury causing him to not play for 15 months and a delayed transition to the professional game due to his recovery.[16]
On July 25, 2006, the Chargers signed Cromartie to a five—year, $12.50 million rookie contract that included $7.35 million guaranteed.[17]
He was expected to compete againstDrayton Florence for the role as the No. 2 starting cornerback, but was unable to fully participate physically for the majority of training camp as he continued to recover from his torn ACL. Head coachMarty Schottenheimer named him the starting nickelback and the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind starting cornerbacks Drayton Florence andQuentin Jammer.[18]
On September 11, 2006, Cromartie made his professional regular season debut in theSan Diego Chargers' season-opener at theOakland Raiders as they won 27–0. On November 26, 2006, Cromartie had a 91–yard kick return for his best of the season and had three kick returns for a total of 130–yards as the Chargers defeated the Oakland Raiders 14–21.[19] In Week 16, he set a season-high with four solo tackles as the Chargers won 20–17 at theSeattle Seahawks.[20] He finished his rookie season with only 24 combined tackles (20 solo) and made five pass deflections while appearing in all 16 games without a start under defensive coordinatorWade Phillips. He also played special teams as a kick returner for six games and finished with ten kick returns for 297–yards.[21]
On February 12, 2007, the San Diego Chargers unexpectedly fired head coachMarty Schottenheimer although they finished in first place in theAFC West with a 14–2 record. Before the start of OTAs and spring camp, Cromartie elected to change his jersey number, switching from the No. 25 he wore throughout his entire rookie season to No. 31. Although No. 31 was available in 2006, he opted to wear No. 25 instead. Throughout training camp, he competed against Drayton Florence for the role as the No. 2 starting cornerback under new defensive coordinatorTed Cottrell. Head coachNorv Turner named him the starting nickelback and the third outside cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind Drayton Florence and Quentin Jammer.[22]
"I didn't know a lot about him, but as I started watching him I became aware that he was a real good athlete with good range, good hands and great speed. I thought, 'Man, we have the possibility of having a heck of a player, here.'"[23]
In Week 6, Cromartie made three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and made the first interception of his career on a passDaunte Culpepper threw to wide receiverJerry Porter as the Chargers defeated theOakland Raiders 14–28.[24] On October 28, 2007, Cromartie made two solo tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, and two touchdowns during a 35–10 victory at theHouston Texans. During the first quarter, Cromartie appeared on special teams acting as a blocker on the punt return team and scored his first career touchdown when punterMatt Turk botched his punt attempt by mishandling the set up, leading to a loose ball in the endzone that was recovered for a touchdown by Cromartie. He then had the first pick-six of his career when he picked off a passMatt Schaub threw to wide receiverKevin Walter and returned it 70–yards to score his second touchdown of the game.[25]
On November 4, 2007, Cromartie recorded two solo tackles and made NFL history during a 57–yard field goal attempt byMinnesota Vikings kickerRyan Longwell with four seconds remaining at the end on the second quarter before halftime. Special teams coordinatorSteve Crosby strategically positioned Cromartie under the goal post in order to field the kick in the opportunity of the field goal attempt falling short. As expected, the 57–yard field goal attempt by Longwell did fall short, but required Cromartie to leap fully extended in order to keep the ball from exiting the endzone. Cromartie successfully made an acrobatic catch while landing with both his feet in bounds.[26] Starting nine yards deep at the back of the endzone, Cromartie took it up the right sideline and raced down the field, going untouched behind a few blocks as he returned the kick 100 yards for a touchdown to set theNFL record for the longest play in history with his entire kick return from the back of the endzone to the goal line being 109 yards in total, the maximum possible.[27] The Chargers would lose 17–35 to theMinnesota Vikings at theMetrodome. Barring any rule changes, Cromartie's 109–yard kick return for a touchdown can not be broken, only equaled as 109 yards is theoretically the maximum possible due to regulation lengths set for the field and endzone. His performance earned him Special Teams Player of the Week.
Entering Week 10, head coach Norv Turner announced that Cromartie would make his first start in place ofQuentin Jammer, who remained inactive for two games (Weeks 10–11) due to a hamstring injury.[28] On November 11, 2007, Cromartie earned his first career start and recorded six solo tackles, set a season-high with four pass deflections, and set a career-high with three interceptions on passes thrown byPeyton Manning during a 21–23 win against theIndianapolis Colts.[29] At the beginning of the second quarter, Cromartie made a highlight-reel one-handed interception, leaping in front of wide receiverReggie Wayne to pick off Peyton Manning for the third time.[30] Cromartie called the interception the best play of his short career.[31] He is the first player to intercept Peyton Manning three times in one game during the regular season, and earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in the game.[32] Entering Week 12, head coach Norv Turner demotedDrayton Florence and named Cromartie the No. 2 starting cornerback alongside Quentin Jammer for the last six games (Weeks 12–17) of the season.[33] In Week 13, he made five solo tackles, two pass break-ups, and had two interceptions off passes byTyler Thigpen during a 24–10 victory at theKansas City Chiefs. On December 16, 2007, Cromartie made six solo tackles, one pass deflection, and set a career-high with his tenth interception of the season on a pass byJon Kitna to wide receiverShaun McDonald during a 51–14 win against theDetroit Lions. His tenth interception set afranchise record for most interceptions in a season, previously held byCharlie McNeil with nine interceptions in1961. He finished the season with a total of 44 combined tackles (39 solo) in 16 games and eight starts. He set a career-highs in interceptions (10), pass deflections (18), fumble recoveries (2), and in total touchdowns (3).[21] His breakout season in 2007 earned him an invitation to the2008 Pro Bowl, marking the firstPro Bowl of his career and he was also selected as first-team All-Pro.[23]
""He's a special player and a great athlete. He has the ability to be one of the top cover cornerbacks in this league for a long time."[23]
TheSan Diego Chargers finished in first place in the AFC West with an 11–5 record, earning a playoff berth. The Chargers defeated theTennessee Titans 17–6 in the AFC Wild-Card Game. On January 13, 2008, Cromartie started in the AFC Divisional Round and made six solo tackles, one pass break-up, a forced fumble, and intercepted a pass by Peyton Manning to wide receiver Reggie Wayne during a 28–24 victory at theIndianapolis Colts. During the second quarter, wide receiverMarvin Harrison had a 17–yard reception before Cromartie forced a fumble by Harrison that was recovered by Chargers' safetyMarlon McCree.[34] On January 20, 2008, Cromartie started in theAFC Championship Game and led the team with nine combined tackles (seven solo), had one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass byTom Brady to tight endBen Watson as the Chargers lost 12–21 at theNew England Patriots.[35]
He entered training camp as a starting cornerback following the departure ofDrayton Florence. TheSan Diego Chargers selectedAntoine Cason in the first round (27th overall) of the2008 NFL draft to replace Drayton Florence. Head coach Norv Turner named Cromartie and Quentin Jammer the starting cornerbacks to begin the season with Antoine Cason at nickelback.[36] On September 22, 2008, Cromartie had his best performance of the season, recording nine combined tackles (seven solo), set a season-high with four pass deflections, set a season-high with two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during a 48–29 victory against theNew York Jets. He intercepted a pass byBrett Favre to wide receiverLaveranues Coles and returned it for a 52–yard touchdown in the second quarter.[37] In Week 10, Cromartie set a season-high with 11 combined tackles (10 solo) and had one pass deflection during a 20–19 victory against theKansas City Chiefs.[38] On October 28, 2008, Chargers' head coach Norv Turner firedTed Cottrell and subsequently promoted inside linebackers coachRon Rivera.[39] He finished with a career-high of 64 combined tackles (60 solo), nine pass deflections, two interceptions, and a touchdown in 16 games and 15 starts.[21] At the conclusion of the season, Cromartie stated that he had fractured his hip during the Chargers' 24–21 loss against theCarolina Panthers and continued to play through the injury over the span of the entire season. Following his trade to theNew York Jets in 2010, Cromartie claimed that his fractured hip in 2008 was initially hidden from him by team doctors that told Cromartie it was ahip flexor.[40]
He returned to training camp and was slated to be a starting cornerback, but had minor competition fromAntoine Cason. Head coachNorv Turner retained Cromartie andQuentin Jammer as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season with Antoine Cason as the starting nickelback and primary backup cornerback.[41] In Week 8, he made one solo tackle, a pass deflection, and had his first interception of the season during a pass attempt byJaMarcus Russell to tight endZach Miller on the opening drive im their 16–24.[42] On November 15, 2009, Cromartie made one solo tackle, had one pass break-up, and sealed the Chargers 31–23 win against thePhiladelphia Eagles by intercepting a pass thrown byDonovan McNabb to wide receiverJason Avant with two seconds remaining.[43] He started in all 16 games throughout the2009 NFL season and finished with a total of 33 combined tackles (31 solo), made ten pass deflections, and had three interceptions.[44]
On March 4, 2010, theNew York Jets traded theSan Diego Chargers for Cromartie in exchange for a third-round pick in the2011 NFL draft that was upgraded into a 2011 second-round pick (61st overall) due to performance options based on Cromartie's performance in 2010.[45] He was signed to be their No. 2 starting cornerback following the departure ofLito Sheppard.
He entered training camp slated as thede facto No. 2 starting cornerback even with the Jets selectingKyle Wilson in the first round (29th overall) of the2010 NFL draft. No. 1 starting cornerbackDarrelle Revis did not attend training camp and did not appear in any of the preseason games as he held out for a contract extension with one—year remaining. Head coachRex Ryan named Cromartie and Darrelle Revis the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[46]
On September 13, 2010, Cromartie started in theNew York Jets' home-opener against theBaltimore Ravens and made two solo tackles, one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass byJoe Flacco to wide receiverAnquan Boldin for 66–yards as they lost 10–9.[47] In Week 3, he set a season-high with six combined tackles (five solo) and made one pass deflection during a 31–23 victory at theMiami Dolphins. In Week 5, Cromartie recorded one solo tackle and set a season-high with four pass deflections as the Jets defeated theMinnesota Vikings 29–20. Head coach Rex Ryan elected to rest starters, including Cromartie and Darrelle Revis in preparation for the playoffs and had them listed as healthy scratches as they routed theBuffalo Bills 38–7 in Week 17. He finished the2010 NFL season with 42 combined tackles (41 solo), 18 pass deflections, and had three interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.[48] His kickoff return in the wild card round against theIndianapolis Colts helped to set upNick Folk's game-winning field goal.[49]
On August 1, 2011, theNew York Jets signed Cromartie to a four—year, $32.00 million contract extension that included $12.80 million guaranteed and an initialsigning bonus of $5.00 million.[48][17] He returned as the No. 2 starting cornerback to begin the season, alongside Darrelle Revis and nickelback Kyle Wilson.
On September 18, 2011, Cromartie made three combined tackles (two solo), two pass deflections, and set a season-high with two interceptions on passes thrown byLuke McCown as the Jets defeated theJacksonville Jaguars 32–3.[50] His performance earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Jaguars in Week 2.[51] In Week 3, Cromartie set a season-high with nine combined tackles (six solo), but also committed four errant penalties for 46–yards and also fumbled a kickoff return which resulted in a turnover that led to a Raiders go-ahead touchdown during their 24–34 loss at theOakland Raiders. He left the game in the second half and was transported to Eden Medical Center where he was diagnosed with bruised ribs and apulmonary contusion.[52] He started in all 16 games throughout the2011 NFL season and finished with 45 combined tackles (36 solo), 12 pass deflections, and made four interceptions.[21]
He returned as the No. 2 starting cornerback to begin the season, alongside Darrell Revis. On September 9, 2012, Cromartie started in theNew York Jets' home-opener against theBuffalo Bills and made four combined tackles (two solo), one pass deflection, and had a pick-six when he intercepted a pass byRyan Fitzpatrick to wide receiverDavid Nelson and returned it 40–yards for a touchdown during their 48–28 victory. On October 12, 2012, the Jets placed Darrell Revis on injured reserve after he tore his ACL in Week 3 during a 23–20 overtime victory at theMiami Dolphins. Head coachRex Ryan subsequently named Cromartie the No. 1 starting cornerback for the rest of the season, alongsideKyle Wilson. On October 14, 2012, Cromartie made four combined tackles (three solo), set a season-high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass byAndrew Luck to wide receiverReggie Wayne during a 35–9 victory against theIndianapolis Colts. He started in all 16 games throughout the2012 NFL season and finished with a total of 35 combined tackles (30 solo), made 13 pass deflections, and had three interceptions.[21] He was named to the2013 Pro Bowl, marking the second of his career.
TheNew York Jets made multiple changes following the2012 NFL season, including the departure ofDarrelle Revis and defensive coordinatorMike Pettine after he accepted the head coach position with theCleveland Browns. Defensive backs coachDennis Thurman received a promotion to defensive coordinator and the Jets went on to selectDee Millner with the ninth overall pick in the2013 NFL draft. Head coach Rex Ryan named Cromartie the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him with Dee Millner.[53]
On November 3, 2013, Cromartie made one solo tackle, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass byDrew Brees to wide receiverNick Toon as the Jets defeated theNew Orleans Saints 26–20.[54] In Week 11, he set a season-high with five solo tackles and made two pass deflections during a 14–37 loss at theBuffalo Bills. The following week, he recorded two solo tackles, set a season-high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass byJoe Flacco to wide receiverMarlon Brown during a 3–19 loss at theBaltimore Ravens in Week 12. He finished the2013 NFL season with 38 combined tackles (35 solo), made nine pass deflections, and three interceptions.[21] He was selected as an alternate to the2014 Pro Bowl, for the third selection of his career.
On March 9, 2014, theNew York Jets released Cromartie.[55]
On March 19, 2014, theArizona Cardinals signed Cromartie to a one—year, $3.50 million contract that included $3.25 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1 million.[56] He entered training camp slated as the No. 2 starting cornerback under defensive coordinatorTodd Bowles. Head coachBruce Arians named him a starting cornerback to begin the season, alongsidePatrick Peterson and nickelbackJerraud Powers.[57]
On October 26, 2014, Cromartie recorded five solo tackles, set a season-high with three pass deflections, and also set a season-high with two interceptions off passes byNick Foles during a 24–20 victory against thePhiladelphia Eagles.[58] The following game, Cromartie made three solo tackles, one pass deflection, and helped secure a 28–17 victory at theDallas Cowboys in Week 9 by intercepting a pass thrown byBrandon Weeden to wide receiverTerrance Williams with 5:34 remaining in the fourth quarter.[59] On November 9, 2014, Cromartie recorded one solo tackle and returned a fumble recovery caused during a strip/sack by defensive tackleKareem Martin on quarterbackAustin Davis as the Cardinals defeated theSt. Louis Rams 14–31.[60] He started in all 16 games throughout the2014 NFL season and made 49 combined tackles (43 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions, and scored one touchdown.[21] He was selected for the2015 Pro Bowl.[61]
On March 12, 2015, theNew York Jets signed Cromartie to a four—year, $32 million contract that included $7 million guaranteed.[62] He was reunited with Jets' head coachTodd Bowles who was his defensive coordinator the previous season with the Arizona Cardinals. He began the season as a starting cornerback alongsideDarrelle Revis. On October 25, 2015, Cromartie set a season-high with five solo tackles and made one pass deflection during a 23–30 loss at theNew England Patriots. In Week 14, he recorded one solo tackle and set a season-high with three pass deflections as the Jets routed theTennessee Titans 30–8. He finished the2015 NFL season with 29 combined tackles (26 solo) and made 12 pass deflections in 15 games and 15 starts.[63]
On February 22, 2016, the Jets released Cromartie after just one season.[64]
On August 22, 2016, theIndianapolis Colts signed Cromartie to a one—year, $3 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $250,000.[65]
On October 4, 2016, after just four games with the team, Cromartie was released.[66]
On March 5, 2018, after spending the entire2017 season out of football, he announced his retirement from football.[67]
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Comb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | ||
| 2006 | SD | 16 | 0 | 24 | 20 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2007 | SD | 16 | 8 | 44 | 39 | 5 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 144 | 14 | 70 | 1 | 18 |
| 2008 | SD | 16 | 15 | 64 | 60 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 66 | 33 | 52 | 1 | 9 |
| 2009 | SD | 16 | 16 | 33 | 31 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 17 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 10 |
| 2010 | NYJ | 15 | 15 | 42 | 41 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 75 | 25 | 66 | 0 | 17 |
| 2011 | NYJ | 16 | 16 | 45 | 36 | 9 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 105 | 26 | 42 | 0 | 12 |
| 2012 | NYJ | 16 | 16 | 35 | 30 | 5 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 53 | 18 | 40 | 1 | 13 |
| 2013 | NYJ | 16 | 16 | 38 | 35 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 20 | 0 | 9 |
| 2014 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 48 | 43 | 5 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 3 | 65 | 22 | 40 | 0 | 10 |
| 2015 | NYJ | 15 | 15 | 29 | 26 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 2016 | IND | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Career | 162 | 137 | 417 | 376 | 41 | 0.0 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 31 | 545 | 18 | 70 | 3 | 116 | |
In2018, Cromartie worked as an intern for the New York Jets underTodd Bowles.[68] In2021, he announced that he would be agraduate assistant atTexas A&M underJimbo Fisher.[69] In October 2023, Antonio Cromartie was hired as a defensive analyst for the Saint Augustine University's football team.
He is a cousin of former NFL cornerbackDominique Rodgers-Cromartie andMarcus Cromartie, a former cornerback for theMontreal Alouettes of theCanadian Football League.[70][71]
Cromartie married Terricka Cason, who starred onE!'sCandy Girls, on July 2, 2008.[72] Cason gave birth to six children, daughter Jordynn Trinity, daughter Jurzie Blu, son Jagger Beau-Antonio, twins, son Jynx Revell-Antonio and daughter J’adore Nayvi and daughter Jhett Paxton.[73][74][75] Cromartie has 14 known children.[76]
In 2016, he knelt in protest ofpolice brutality, racial oppression and social injustice during the playing of the national anthem. Cromartie has stated his belief that this was why he was released by the Colts.[77]
