San Francisco acquired John David Crow from St. Louis for Abe…
San Francisco acquired John David Crow from St. Louis for Abe Woodson before the 1965 season. Crow immediately delivered a Pro Bowl year with 514 rushing yards and 493 receiving yards, then remained a productive 49er through 1968. Woodson was an accomplished veteran and gave the Cardinals legitimate value, but Crow’s multi-year offensive production and immediate 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage make San Francisco the clear winner.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Abe Woodson
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player John David Crow
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Francisco’s own trade history records the 1965 exchange plainly: the 49ers acquired halfback John David Crow from St. Louis for defensive back Abe Woodson. It was a veteran-for-veteran swap between accomplished players. The hindsight question is therefore not whether either side received a legitimate NFL contributor, but which club captured more useful production after the transaction.
Arizona Cardinals Return
San Francisco acquired John David Crow from St. Louis for Abe Woodson before the 1965 season. Crow immediately delivered a Pro Bowl year with 514 rushing yards and 493 receiving yards, then remained a productive 49er through 1968. Woodson was an accomplished veteran and gave the Cardinals legitimate value, but Crow’s multi-year offensive production and immediate 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage make San Francisco the clear winner.
San Francisco 49ers Return
St. Louis received veteran defensive back and return specialist Abe Woodson in exchange for John David Crow. Woodson brought a strong established résumé and provided real roster value, so the Cardinals did not make an empty trade. Crow, however, revived his career in San Francisco, earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1965 and remained productive for four seasons. That larger post-trade impact leaves the Cardinals behind in hindsight.
Value in Hindsight
The scale of Crow’s immediate revival decides the evaluation. A veteran acquired in a straight swap produced a Pro Bowl season, surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage and remained useful for multiple years. Woodson’s reputation and veteran contribution prevent a harsh Cardinals grade, but San Francisco received the player whose post-trade peak and cumulative production were clearly greater.
Final Verdict
San Francisco wins. The 49ers receive an A- for landing a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive contributor without surrendering draft capital. St. Louis receives a C+ because Woodson was an accomplished, useful veteran rather than a nonfactor. The difference is Crow’s sustained San Francisco production, which substantially exceeded the value the Cardinals realized from the other side.