Charlie Krueger, a 1983 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred at Texas A&M as a tackle from 1955-57, passed away Feb. 5 in Clayton, California. Born Jan. 28, 1937, he was 84.
 
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Krueger," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "A true Aggie legend, he built a reputation as one of the strongest and toughest players in the Southwest Conference. His accomplishments will forever be enshrined in the Hall in Atlanta, and our thoughts are prayers are with his many family and friends during this time of loss."

Krueger was called a "quiet, strong player." He came to Texas A&M from high school in Caldwell, Texas, and he credited his success to Hall of Fame coach Bear Bryant, who coached him all three of his varsity years at Texas A&M.
 
Krueger had three great years as a 6-4, 215-pound tackle for Texas A&M. In 1955, he was Sophomore Lineman of the Year in the Southwest Conference. In 1956 and 1957, he earned back-to-back honors as an All-American as well as All-Southwest Conference selection while helping the Aggies claim the 1956 SWC Championship. In 1957, he joined College Football Hall of Famer John David Crow, who would win the Heisman Trophy that season, as the co-captains of the team. After his senior campaign, he was captain of the 1958 College All-Star team, which beat the Detroit Lions 35-19.

Many years after graduating, he said, "I owe Texas A&M a lot. I received a great education and a military commission." He served 10 years in the Army Reserve, retiring as a captain.
 
A first-round NFL Draft pick, he played professionally 16 years with the San Francisco 49ers. He was an All-Pro selection at defensive tackle in 1960, 1965 and 1966.

He settled in Clayton, California, where he was known for his work with Easter Seals, March of Dimes, and Max Baer Heart Fund. He developed an interest in opera and symphony music and worked with committees for the arts. His wife, the former Kris Adler, was the daughter of the director of the San Francisco Opera.

Krueger was named to the Southwest Conference 50-year team, covering 1919-1968. In addition to the College Football Hall of Fame, Krueger was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame in 1972, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and as an inaugural member of the 49ers' Hall of Fame in 2009. The 49ers also retired his number 70 in 1974.