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Ryan Grant (running back)

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Ryan Grant
refer to caption
Grant during the 2007 NFL season.
Green Bay Packers
Career information
College:Notre Dame
Undrafted:2005
Career history
*Inactive and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2009
Rushing yards:3,412
Rushing average:4.4
Rushing TD's:23

Ryan Brett Grant (born December 9, 1982 in Suffern, New York)[1] is an American football running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005 but was traded to the Packers shortly before the 2007 season in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick. He played college football at Notre Dame, under head coaches Bob Davie and Tyrone Willingham, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns.[2]

Grant had a successful first season with the Packers, rushing for almost 1,000 yards, including five 100+ yard games, in 10 starts. He set franchise records with 201 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns in the Packers' divisional playoff game win against the Seattle Seahawks, a performance for which he was heavily praised, as they went on to reach the NFC Championship Game.

High school career

Grant grew up in Nyack, New York and attended Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey.[3] He then transferred to Clarkstown South High School in West Nyack, New York.[4] One year later, he transferred back to Don Bosco Prep. In 2000, his senior year, USA Today named him New Jersey Player of the Year. He rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in Don Bosco Prep's run to an 11–1 record and the state championship game.[1] In the championship game, Don Bosco Prep lost to Holy Cross High School.[5] In high school, Grant also played basketball and competed in track and field, where he was timed at 10.7 seconds in the 100 meter dash.[1]

College career

In 2001, Grant went to the University of Notre Dame to play football for the Fighting Irish while majoring in sociology and computer applications.[1] He made few appearances during his freshman year, playing in just five games under coach Bob Davie as the Fighting Irish finished 5–6 for the season. Davie was not retained, and Tyrone Willingham was named head coach for Grant's sophomore season.[6][7] Early on, Willingham praised Grant for his attitude:

In reference to Ryan Grant, he has been most pleasing in not only his performance but his attitude. I am a big person on attitude, how a young man works at doing anything that he attempts to do. Ryan really wants to be a great player, and he works every day toward that goal. So it's exciting when you have a young man that has that kind of attitude. He's not limited by attitude. He has some ability, too. It's exciting to work with him and kind of incorporate him into our total offense.

— Tyrone Willingham[8]

In fellow running back Julius Jones' absence, Willingham gave Grant starts for all twelve games in 2002, and Grant rushed for over 1,000 yards with 9 touchdowns, including four games with 100+ yards.[9] Grant's best game during his time at Notre Dame came against Air Force, as he gained 190 yards rushing and a touchdown in a 21–14 Fighting Irish win.[10] The following week, the Fighting Irish defeated Florida State and were ranked a season-high #4 on the AP Poll.[11] Notre Dame finished the season at 10–3 and ranked #17 on both the AP Poll and Coaches' Poll.[12]

The 2003 season saw Grant split time with a returning Julius Jones. After starting the first five games, Grant only managed 242 rushing yards before being dropped. Indeed, Jones took over in the fifth game and ran for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns against Pitt, a school record, in a 20–14 victory.[13] Grant did not start any of the final seven games, and he rushed for 268 yards in that time, leaving him with 510 yards for his junior year.[14]

For his senior year, Grant was named a team captain for the Fighting Irish,[15] but he split time with a new running back, Darius Walker. Playing in nine games, Grant only managed to pass 100 yards once, with 112 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 27–9 win over Navy.[16] After injuring his hamstring, Grant's playing time was limited and Walker took over the starting job at running back.[4] Grant finished the year with 515 yards and 5 touchdowns.[17] In Grant's final year, Notre Dame finished 6–6 and were never ranked higher than 24th by the AP or Coaches' polls.[18] For his collegiate career, Grant ran for a total of 2,220 yards and 18 touchdowns.[19]

Professional career

Grant applied for the 2005 NFL Draft after his senior year and was invited to the 2005 NFL Scouting Combine, a week-long showcase for NFL hopefuls. Scouts did not credit Grant with exceptional speed, but he was clocked at 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.[20]

Pre-draft measureables
Wt 40y 20ss 3-cone Vert BP Wonderlic
222 lb 4.54s 4.14s 7.10s 33.5" 17 26*

(All results are from the 2005 NFL Combine)[21]

New York Giants

Signing as an undrafted free agent,[22] Grant spent 2005 on the New York Giants practice squad. He missed the entire 2006 season, however, after a non-football related injury threatened his career. Grant was at a nightclub when someone bumped into him; when he went to brace himself, his left arm went through several champagne glasses, severing an artery, a tendon and the ulnar nerve in his left arm. Grant almost bled to death and doctors at the time told him he might not regain the use of his left hand, although he did recover with time.[23] He also coached at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, New Jersey while he was a New York Giant.

Green Bay Packers

Grant was traded to the Packers on September 1, 2007 in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick,[20][24] and he played as the third-string running back behind Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn for the first six games of the season.[25] During the Packers' eighth week match against the Denver Broncos, Wynn suffered a shoulder injury that ruled him out for the game; Grant took over in the second quarter and ran for 104 yards in a 19–13 overtime win.[26] He scored his first rushing touchdown on November 11 in a 34–0 win against the Minnesota Vikings.[27] Grant started each of the last ten games for the Packers, and by the end of the season, he was averaging 5.1 yards per carry and had five 100+ yard games and 8 rushing touchdowns. His mark of 929 yards in the final ten games of the season was second in the National Football League for that time period to LaDanian Tomlinson, who had 944 yards.[22] Grant was voted the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week for the games played on November 11–12. He ran for 119 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, making him the first running back to pick up 100 yards against the Vikings' second-ranked rush defense all season.[28] Grant won the award for a second time that season for games played between December 6–10, rushing for 156 yards, a career high, and a touchdown in a 38–17 win over the Oakland Raiders.[29]

In the Packers' divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, Grant fumbled twice in the first four minutes; both of the resulting drives led to touchdowns for the Seahawks. Grant made up for these early mistakes by going on to rush for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns, both of which set franchise records for Packers' post-season games, as the Packers were 42–20 winners.[30] Several people in the Packers organization praised Grant for his performance in the Seattle game, including Packers' coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Brett Favre, who was quoted as saying of Grant, "[w]hen he got the opportunity, he made the most of it. It sure turned us from one-dimensional into something totally different."[31]

The following week, Grant rushed for only 29 yards in a 23–20 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game.[32] He finished second overall for rushing yards in the 2007–08 playoffs with 230, behind Laurence Maroney.[33] At the end of the 2007 season, Grant became an exclusive rights free agent, meaning the Packers have exclusive rights to sign him, but if they choose not to, he will be eligible to sign with any team.[34]

June 1, in the Green Bay Press Gazette, it was announced that Grant is scheduled to get offered a contract to stay with the Packers.[35] On August 4, 2008, it was announced that Grant signed a 4-year deal that could be worth up to $30 million.[36]

After a somewhat disappointing season in 2008, where Grant rushed for only four touchdowns and 3.9 yards per carry, Grant had a bounce-back year in 2009, where he rushed for 1,253 yards, third in the NFC, and 11 touchdowns, second in the NFC. He also added 4.4 yards per carry.

For the 2010 Pro Bowl, Grant was named a back-up alternate, along with teammates Chad Clifton, A.J. Hawk, and Clay Matthews.

College statistics

Rushing Receiving
Year Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
2001 29 110 3.8 1 2 7 3.5 0
2002 261 1085 4.2 9 9 22 2.4 0
2003 143 510 3.6 3 9 64 7.1 0
2004 127 515 4.1 5 6 51 8.5 0
Totals 560 2220 4.0 18 26 144 5.5 0
Source: SI.com [37][38][39][40]

Professional statistics

Rushing Receiving
Year G Att Yds Avg TD Lg Rec Yds Avg TD Lg
2007 15 188 956 5.1 8 66 30 145 4.8 0 21
2008 16 312 1,203 3.9 4 57 18 116 6.4 1 17
2009 16 282 1,253 4.4 11 62 25 197 7.9 0 27
Total 47 782 3,412 4.4 23 66 73 458 6.3 1 27
Source: ESPN [41]

Note: Preseason and Postseason not added to figures. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9475

Achievements and awards

  • Longest touchdown run (career): 66 yards (vs. Chicago Bears, December 23, 2007)
  • Most rushing yards (game): 201 yards (vs. Seattle Seahawks, January 12, 2008, Divisional playoff round)[42]
  • Packers franchise record for most rushing touchdowns (3) in a playoff game (vs. Seattle Seahawks, January 12, 2008)[30]
  • Packers franchise record for most rushing yards (201) in a playoff game (vs. Seattle Seahawks, January 12, 2008)[30]
  • Seventh player in NFL history to rush for 200 yards or more in a post-season game. (vs. Seattle Seahawks, January 12, 2008)[42]
  • Voted the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week for games played on November 11–12 2007[28] and games played between December 6–10 2007[29]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Ryan Grant Biography". UND.cstv.com. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "Ryan Grant". Retrieved 2009-10-22.
  3. ^ Silverstein, Tom. "Prep school holds Grant in high regard for starting strong tradition on gridiron", Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, January 15, 2008. Accessed June 15, 2008. "Running back Ryan Grant (above, below) starred at Don Bosco High School in Ramsey, N.J., in 1999-'00."
  4. ^ a b Paul Schwartz (2008-01-16). "Who's Ryan Now?". New York Post. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ "Brian Bennett Biography". pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com. Retrieved 2008-03-20. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "Davie's tenure at ND ends after five seasons". ESPN. 2001-12-02. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ "Tyrone Willingham Named Notre Dame Football Coach". UND.cstv.com. 2001-12-31. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ "Notre Dame vs. Maryland Q&A :: Coach Tyrone Willingham and players answer questions about Kickoff Classic XX". UND.cstv.com. 2002-08-30. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ "Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Football - 2002 Individual Game-by-Game stats". UND.cstv.com. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "# 7 Notre Dame 21, #15 Air Force 14". UND.cstv.com. 2002-10-19. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ "2002 NCAA Football Rankings - Week 10 (Oct. 27)". ESPN. 2002-10-27. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ "2002 NCAA Football Rankings - Postseason Week 3 (Jan. 5)". ESPN. 2003-01-05. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ "Fighting Irish Run To Victory, 20–14". UND.cstv.com. 2003-10-11. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ "Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Football - 2003 Individual Game-by-Game stats". UND.cstv.com. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ "Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Statistical Trends". UND.cstv.com. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ "Notre Dame Hands Navy First Loss, 27–9". UND.cstv.com. 2004-10-16. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ "Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Football - 2004 Individual Game-by-Game stats". UND.cstv.com. Retrieved 2008-01-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ "2004 NCAA Football Rankings - Week 8 (Oct. 17)". ESPN. 2004-10-07. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "Ryan Grant". TSN. Retrieved 2008-03-21. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ a b Bob McGinn (2007-09-01). "Packers trade for back". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Retrieved 2007-12-20. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ "Ryan Grant, RB, Notre Dame - 2005 NFL Draft Scout Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ a b Todd D. Burlage (2007-01-07). "Granted His Dream". BlueandGold.com. Retrieved 2008-01-18. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Greg Bishop (2007-01-17). "From Hard Knocks To Crunch Time: Packers' Grant Began Career as Giant". NYtimes.com. Retrieved 2008-01-18. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ John Clayton (2008-01-12). "Once again, Grant learns from adversity and thrives". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ Tom Silverstein (2008-11-08). "Wynn disputes IR move". JS Online. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ Associated Press (2007-10-03). "Besides Favre's heroics, Packers may have found missing run game". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-01-18. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ "Adrian Peterson injures knee in loss to Green Bay". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-11-11. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ a b "Favre, Grant Named FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players Of The Week". Packers.com. 2007-11-15. Retrieved 2007-11-16. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ a b "Hasselbeck, Grant voted Week 14 FedEx Air and Ground winners". NFL.com. 2007-12-13. Retrieved 2008-01-21. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ a b c "Quick Take: Packers' miracle season lives on". NFL.com. 2008-01-12. Retrieved 2008-01-18. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ Associated Press (2008-01-12). "Grant shakes off 2 early fumbles to power Packers offense". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "NY Giants vs. Green Bay Box Score". ESPN. 2008-01-20. Retrieved 2008-02-07. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ "NFL Rushing Stats: 2007 postseason". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-02-07. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  34. ^ "Green Bay Packers 2008 Transactions & Free Agents". Packers.com. 2008-03-01. Retrieved 2008-03-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  35. ^ http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080528/PKR01/805280708/1057/PKR&located=RSS
  36. ^ FOX Sports on MSN - Fantasy Football - News analysis: Grant gets extension from Packers
  37. ^ "2001 University Of Notre Dame Team Stats". SI.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  38. ^ "2002 Ryan Grant Game-by-Game Stats". SI.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  39. ^ "2003 University Of Notre Dame Team Stats". SI.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  40. ^ "2004 Ryan Grant Game-by Game Stats". SI.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  41. ^ "Ryan Grant player profile". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  42. ^ a b Santosh Venkataraman (2008-01-17). "Giants-Packers Preview". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
Sporting positions
Preceded by Green Bay Packers Starting Running back
November 4th, 2007–Present 		Succeeded by


Template:Persondata

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