Michael Crabtree was a standout talent at Texas Tech, especially during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. His performance was so strong that he was selected 10th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2009 NFL Draft.
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With just 12 touchdowns, Crabtree’s first three seasons in the league were solid but unspectacular. But everything clicked for the wideout in 2012, when he notched his first 1,000-yard season and nine receiving touchdowns.
That same year, the 49ers made it to the Super Bowl, which presented a chance for a storybook ending for the wide receiver. But San Fran came up short in the big game. Looking back, Crabtree admits there’s one play he would redo, though he quickly stressed that he doesn’t mean to throw his quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, under the bus.
“Super Bowl. Colin Kaepernick throwing the ball out of bounds. I don’t mean to throw you under the bus, love you, bro. I had nightmares for about seven years, so I’m just now getting over it,” Crabtree said.
Michael Crabtree was asked if he could redo one play in his career, what would it be:
“Super Bowl. Colin Kaepernick throwing the ball out of bounds. I don’t mean to throw you under the bus, love you bro. I had nightmares for about 7 years, so I’m just now getting over it.” pic.twitter.com/YDYsvvdkO2
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) September 24, 2025
In that game, the 49ers faced the Baltimore Ravens. Things were not looking great for them in the fourth quarter, trailing by five points, 34-29. However, Kaepernick and the guys did get their chance.
With just under two minutes on the clock, San Francisco had first-and-goal from the 7-yard line and four shots to score the go-ahead touchdown. On third down, Kaepernick threw a fade route to Crabtree in the right corner of the end zone.
However, Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith made contact, while the ball sailed high and out of bounds. The 49ers expected a defensive holding or pass interference call for that, but no flag was thrown. Another incomplete pass on fourth down followed, sealing the win for Baltimore.
Crabtree was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Texas Tech Ring of Honor in 2021. What a career it would have been with a Super Bowl ring, right? To begin with, it would have meant seven fewer years of nightmares.
Crabtree retired from the NFL in 2019. Six years on, he is now fully focused on his initiative, the Crab5 Foundation. It aims to support inner-city kids through cultural, academic, and athletic programs. Crabtree also runs annual football camps.
