River Cracraft

River Cracraft's Biography

Born Tanner Cracraft on November 1, 1994, the man now known as River Cracraft has led an impressive football career. His journey in the sports world began in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, where he was born. Growing up in the rolling landscapes of nearby Trabuco Canyon, Cracraft found his calling for American football at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

At school, despite his diverse interests in baseball and track, he found immense success in football. Winning the accolades of All-State and All-Trinity League in his sophomore year, he went on to achieve remarkable stats of 46 receptions for 654 yards, and six touchdowns as a junior. His senior year performance was equally dazzling, and he secured first-team All-County by the Orange County Register and was named Trinity League Offensive Player of the Year.

Despite his stellar high school career, he did not rush his decision to get his professional career started. Cracraft committed to Washington State, turning down offers from Nevada and UNLV, and spent four seasons there building his stamina and honing his skills. His achievements at university, including being honored as an All-Pac-12 Conference nominee, reinforced his decision to pursue sporting excellence at a collegiate level.

However, his career faced a significant setback when he tore his ACL, limiting his inclusion in the pre-draft for the 2017 NFL. Despite not being initially selected, Cracraft didn’t lose hope and participated in a workout with the New England Patriots. Ultimately, he signed with the Denver Broncos to their practice squad in October 2017.

His debut on the Broncos’ active roster came on November 2, 2018, but his career with the team was punctuated by many setbacks, including being waived and re-signed several times. In 2019, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles but was let go the following year. 2020 marked the beginning of his stint with the 49ers, where his performance oscillated between the active roster and practice squad. His hard work culminated in six crucial receptions and several notable games.

In early 2021, the 49ers offered a one-year extension, but he was eventually waived in August. However, the Miami Dolphins recognized Cracraft’s potential and offered him a contract in February 2022. He was released later in the year but made a comeback onto their practice squad.

Cracraft’s fortunes turned around during the 2022 season opener against the Patriots when he was promoted to the active roster. His touchdown successfully sparked the Dolphins’ remarkable 21-point turnaround. Further showcasing his prowess in week 3, he caught an 11-yard touchdown, sealing the Dolphins’ first 3-0 start since the 2018 season.

His journey with the Dolphins continued, with a new contract inked in 2023. However, career injuries caused him to be placed under, and later extracted from, the injured reserve list. He re-signed with the Dolphins in March 2024, despite subsequent injuries limiting his play.

Cracraft’s journey has been more than just a fulfilling career. His personal life has been equally eventful. Growing up in an athletic family, his older brother, Skyler, also played football, having walked onto the Cougars team as a safety. Cracraft married his sweetheart, Taylor, and they are expecting their first child; the baby girl is due in June 2024.