He played college football for the University of Notre Dame, and twice earned consensus All-American honors.
His Moeller high school teams won three consecutive football state championships and compiled a three-season record of 36–0.
After graduating from Notre Dame, Crable was selected in the first round (23rd pick) of the 1982 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
After sustaining two knee injuries that ended his professional football career, he returned to Cincinnati.
Crable now owns and operates Hilltop Management Company serving the greater Cincinnati area.