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Published on 08/24/1998 All articles from this issue

Walz, Croel survive final round of NFL cuts

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By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

Sunday was doomsday for several pro football players, as National Football League teams made their final cuts.

But it was also a day of joy for the approximately 1,600 players who did earn NFL jobs. Among those players were two with Los Altos roots: Zack Walz and Mike Croel.

Walz, a St. Francis High graduate who grew up in Los Altos, made the Arizona Cardinals as a back-up linebacker. Croel, a former Los Altos resident, made the Seattle Seahawks as a reserve defensive end.

After capping a stellar career at Dartmouth College, Walz came to the Cardinals as a sixth-round pick in last April's NFL Draft.

Arizona linebackers coach Glenn Pires said Walz made the team for his potential as a linebacker and his keen ability to play special teams.

"He's really made a name for himself on special teams," Pires said. "We also like the qualities he has as a linebacker. He has good instincts, plays hard and is very physical."

Walz had four tackles Saturday in the Cardinals preseason finale against the Raiders.

This is Croel's second go- around in the NFL. After playing six years in the league (1991-96), Croel did not make an NFL roster in 1997.

He resurrected his career this past spring by playing in the developmental league, NFL Europe. Moving from linebacker to defensive end, Croel's pass-rushing skills piqued the interest of the Seahawks, who signed him in July.

Croel attended Oak School and Egan Intermediate, then spent a year at Los Altos High before moving to Massachusetts with his family. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska and was later drafted by the Denver Broncos.