Rosey Grier (b. 1932)

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Biography

Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier is an American former football player, bodyguard, actor, singer, Protestant minister, fiber artist, and motivational speaker. He played professionally as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams where he was a member of the original "Fearsome Foursome".

Timeline

The story of Rosey Grier, told in moments.

1932 Birth

Born Roosevelt Grier in Cuthbert, Georgia. One of twelve children. Named after presidential candidate Franklin Roosevelt. Worked his father's sugar cane and peanut fields as a boy.

What did working sugar cane fields teach you about toughness? How did being one of twelve children shape your spirit? Was being named after a presidential candidate a burden or a blessing?

1955 Event

Drafted by the New York Giants as a defensive tackle after starring at Penn State. Won the 1956 NFL Championship. Made the Pro Bowl twice. At 6'5" and 284 pounds, he was a terrifying presence.

What was it like being a terrifying presence on the NFL field? Did the 1956 Championship feel like a peak or a beginning? How did Penn State prepare you for the pros?

1962 Event

Traded to the Los Angeles Rams. Became part of the original "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line, one of the most dominant units in NFL history.

What made the Fearsome Foursome so dominant? Was the camaraderie in that defensive line unique? Did Los Angeles change you?

1968 Life

Worked as a bodyguard for Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. Was guarding Ethel Kennedy when Sirhan Sirhan opened fire. Grier wrestled the gun away from the assassin and subdued him. He couldn't save Bobby.

What happened in the seconds after Sirhan fired? Do you replay wrestling that gun away? How do you live with not being able to save Bobby?

1973 Legacy

Published Rosey Grier's Needlepoint for Men, a how-to book on needlework. The 284-pound former NFL lineman crocheted, knitted, and did macrame. He also became an ordained minister and founded a nonprofit for inner-city youth.

What made a 284-pound NFL lineman pick up needlepoint? Was the book about defying expectations or just sharing a hobby? Is ministry where you found your truest purpose?

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