Crawford grew up in East Garfield Park on the West Side of Chicago. He attended Ryerson Elementary School and was a basketball star at the now defunct Cregier High School. In 1976, Crawford graduated from Northeastern Illinois University.
Crawford grew up in East Garfield Park on the West Side of Chicago. He attended Ryerson Elementary School and was a standout athlete at Cregier High School, which is now closed. In 1976, Crawford graduated from Northeastern Illinois University.