TV EXCLUSIVE: Frank Crum and family open up on him signing as a Denver Bronco

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – Frank Crum has become one of the biggest names in the Wyoming sports world, especially after he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos.

Frank and his family welcomed us into their house for an exclusive TV interview where they discussed the signing and the journey to get there.

“I got a call right at the end of the seventh round there from Coach Strief (the Broncos offensive line coach) and Coach Sean Payton,” Frank stated. They said that I was the first candidate they wanted and that they desperately needed a tackle. We ultimately worked out a really good agreement. I’m quite thrilled to be visiting Denver.

“All things happen for a purpose, going to Denver and the situation with Coach Payton taking over and kind of retooling the team, I just think it’s a fabulous opportunity for Frank to go down there,” Frank’s dad, Gary Crum, said. “Then of course, selfishly, it’s a place that Lois and I and his brother Evan can drive to.”

“For this part of the country, to be able to have a chance to be a Bronco is a big, big deal,” Frank’s mom, Lois Crum, said. “I mean, of all the NFL teams that you would want to play for if you grew up in this part of the country, it’s Broncos country. That is a blessing.”

Many, including this sports department, did not see a scenario where Frank did not get drafted, but, his name was not called after teams had 257 chances to do so.

“I really hoped to get drafted, but that wasn’t the case scenario, and thankfully, Denver still saw a lot of value in me. Just like any guy who was drafted in the late rounds, I’m in the same boat. I’ve got to go earn my role. It is an opportunity presented to me and now I got to go out there and take it.”

As soon as he agreed to become a Bronco, Frank continued a legacy. Not only did his grandfather and father play for the University of Wyoming, they also had shots in the NFL. Making Frank a third generation Poke and Pro.

“I was carrying on a three generation legacy here at Wyoming and that meant a great deal. But to also continue on to pro sports and, you know, my father and grandfather both had their stint in this league. I’m excited to go out there and and give it my shot,” Frank said.

Frank’s Grandfather, Earl Crum, played for the Packers in the 1940s. He was a Cowboy from 1939-1940. Gary Crum played for the Pokes 1977-1981. Gary was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1982 and played for one season. He then went on to coach football on the collegiate level.

“My father and then of course myself, we had the opportunity to go in the NFL. I was there for, as they say, a cup of coffee. I wasn’t around very long, but my dad was a little bit longer, but I certainly hope Frank gets in there and and has a really, really good long career and and comes out healthy on the other end,” Gary Crum said.

Frank has spent all 23 years of his life in Wyoming and he wears that with pride. The State of Wyoming, the University, and the people along the way will stay with him as he heads down to Denver.

“I recognize that I am a kid from Wyoming. I’ve always said I take pride in representing the state. Now to go to Denver, the nearest NFL club, continues to play for Wyoming. I will always have a special place in my heart for this location, and I will eventually call it home. Frank expressed his excitement in representing Wyoming at the next level.

You get to know someone differently when you enter their house. It has come to my attention that Frank is an Eagle Scout, and his brother is expected to follow suit. Evan, his brother, is a Laramie High School football player as well.

Although Frank is well-known to Wyoming fans, his parents wanted to share this with his new fan base.

“I’ve never seen Frank turn away a child. He’ll be in the middle of talking to people after a UW game and a child to walk up wanting an autograph and he stops the adult conversation and goes hands on with that with that child. That means the world to that child, but it also meant the world to my son,” Lois Crum said.

“What you see with Frank is what you get and you’re going to find a guy that works really, really hard, is a really nice guy off the field, but sometimes isn’t so nice on the field,” Gary Crum said.

“I’m thrilled to have the chance, and it’s up to me to seize it and make it mine. Being from Wyoming, it’s ingrained in us; it’s blue collar, hardworking, sharp-witted, and intelligent. I’m proud of every one of those things. I’m not going to abandon those. In a few weeks, I’ll be attending rookie mini camp down here, and I can’t wait to meet all the guys and begin learning everything there. That excites me, but being in Broncos country excites me even more,” Frank remarked.

Frank will attempt to make the Broncos regular season squad over the offseason. You can follow his trip with Wyoming News Now Sports.