Rosey Grier

Rosey Grier
refer to caption
Grier in 2008 at the Movieguide Faith
and Value Awards Gala
No. 76
Position:Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1932-07-14) July 14, 1932 (age 92)
Cuthbert, Georgia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:284 lb (129 kg)
Career information
High school:Abraham Clark
(Roselle, New Jersey)
College:Penn State
NFL draft:1955 / Round: 3 / Pick: 31
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games:141
Safeties:2
Player stats at PFR

Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier (born July 14, 1932) is an American actor, singer, Protestant minister, and former football player. He was a notable college football player for Penn State who earned a place in the NCAA 100th anniversary list of 100 most influential student athletes. A professional player for twelve seasons, Grier was a member of the New York Giants and the original Fearsome Foursome of the Los Angeles Rams. He played in the Pro Bowl twice and won the 1956 NFL Championship with the Giants.

After Grier's professional sports career, he worked as a bodyguard for Senator Robert Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign. Grier was guarding Ethel Kennedy when Senator Kennedy was shot. Although unable to prevent the assassination, Grier took control of the gun and subdued the shooter, Sirhan Sirhan.

Grier hosted his own Los Angeles television show and made approximately 70 guest appearances on various shows during the 1960s and 1970s.

Grier is known for his serious pursuit of hobbies not traditionally associated with men.[1] Grier became an ordained Protestant minister in 1983 and travels as an inspirational speaker. He founded American Neighborhood Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that serves inner city youth.

  1. ^ Furness, Zack (2010). "It's Alright to Cry (and Needlepoint): Rosey Grier, Football Hero and Unlikely Craft God" (PDF). Bitch Magazine (49): 17–18, 21.