Dan Crowley (Canadian football)

Dan Crowley (born March 14, 1973) is a former Canadian Football League (CFL) and Italian Football League import quarterback from the United States. He played college football for the Towson Tigers, setting several school records. After college, Crowley professionally debuted in 1995 for the CFL USA team, the Baltimore Stallions. Crowley also played for the Montreal Alouettes in 1996. The Italian Football League (IFL) for the Bergamo Lions in 1998-1999. The Edmonton Eskimos from 1999 until 2001. Known as a career backup, Crowley received his first major starting opportunity with the expansion Ottawa Renegades in 2002, becoming the team's first starting quarterback.

High school and college career
A Bowie, Maryland native, Crowley attended DeMatha Catholic High School. He graduated from DeMatha in 1991.

Crowley then played college football for the Towson Tigers, who represent Towson University, from 1991 to 1994. During his time at Towson, the school was named Towson State University. During his junior season in 1993, Crowley set the school record for career passing touchdowns at 51.

Crowley ended his Towson career with school records in passing attempts (1,169), completions (617), yards (8,900), and touchdowns (81). He started 35 of 40 games, achieving a 22–13 record as a starter.

Baltimore Stallions
Crowley was signed as a free agent by the Baltimore Stallions in 1995. As a member of the team, Crowley was part of the 83rd Grey Cup Championship winning team.

Montreal Alouettes
After a season with the Stallions, Crowley signed with Montreal Alouettes in 1996. During his tenure with Montreal, he served as a backup to Tracy Ham. The Alouettes cut him after the team's first game in 1997.

Bergamo Lions
Crowley signed with the Bergamo Lions of the Italian Football League (IFL) and European Football League (EFL). Crowley led the Lions to two Italian league championships in 1998,1999. In the 1998 season, he was named the league offensive player of the year and MVP of the Italian Bowl championship game. In 1999 he passed for 1,339 yards and 18 touchdowns, winning the IFL championship again. The Lions also played in the European Football League losing in the quarterfinals of the 1999 tournament playoffs.

Edmonton Eskimos
After playing professionally in Italy, Crowley signed with the Edmonton Eskimos in 1999, and would play on the team for three seasons. Crowley started 4 games for the Eskimos.

Ottawa Renegades
After being a career backup in the CFL, Crowley received an opportunity to start at quarterback for the expansion Ottawa Renegades in 2002. Additionally, he would be the franchise's first starting quarterback. Crowley, however, played average football in his 13 starts throughout Ottawa's inaugural season. After inconsistent play to start the following season, he was released by the team. Renegades owner Eric Tillman stated, "This was a very difficult decision because of the tremendous respect we have for Dan as a person," but added, "Unfortunately, we're not getting the production we hoped for." Crowley was replaced by Kerry Joseph, who went on to pass Crowley in terms of franchise records.

After football
After his professional football career ended, Crowley became a staff member of Towson University's athletic department. In 2010, he was inducted into the university's athletic Hall of Fame.