Ryan Grigson

Last updated

Ryan Grigson
Minnesota Vikings
Position:Senior vice president of player personnel
Personal information
Born: (1972-02-23) February 23, 1972 (age 51)
East Chicago, Indiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:290 lb (132 kg)
Career information
High school: Highland (IN)
College: Purdue
NFL Draft: 1995  / Round: 6 / Pick: 175
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
As an executive:
Career highlights and awards
Executive profile at PFR

Ryan Richard Grigson (born February 23, 1972) is an American football executive who is the senior vice president of player personnel for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). From 2012 to 2016, he served as the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.

Contents

Grigson played college football as a tight end and offensive tackle for the Purdue Boilermakers and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft. He was a member of the Detroit Lions from 1995 to 1996, and played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1997 before he retired due to a back injury. Grigson was a pro scout for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and an assistant coach for McPherson College in 1998. In 1999, he was a player personnel coordinator and assistant coach for the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League.

From 1999 to 2003, Grigson was a national and regional scout for the St. Louis Rams. He was hired by the Eagles as a western regional scout in 2004, and was promoted to director of college scouting in 2006. He was promoted to director of player personnel in 2010. He also has worked with the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns.

Playing career

College

Grigson signed his letter of intent to play college football for the Purdue Boilermakers in 1990, [1] where he would play from 1990 to 1994. [2] On October 10, 1992, in a game against Minnesota, Grigson was hit in the abdomen by a defender and sustained a life-threatening injury. He was hospitalized immediately after and the blow resulted in pancreatitis, kidney failure and pneumonia. [3] He missed the rest of the season, likely to never play again, [4] after becoming a starter during his sophomore year. [5] [6] Grigson returned for the 1993 season, started ten games and was named one of three captains, along with Mike Alstott and Matt Kingsbury, for the 1994 season (Purdue's first winning season in a decade). [7]

Professional

Grigson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round (175th overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft. [8] He was signed to a contract by the Bengals on June 10, 1995, but was waived during final cuts on August 28. He was signed by the Detroit Lions shortly thereafter and spent the 1995 season with the team. He was released by the Lions on August 14, 1996. [9] He played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1997 before he suffered a career-ending back injury and was forced to retire. [2]

Executive and coaching career

Early career

Following his retirement from playing, Grigson became a pro scout for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1998. In the same year, he was an assistant coach for McPherson College's football team. In 1999, he was a player personnel coordinator and assistant coach for the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League. [2]

National Football League

Grigson was hired by the St. Louis Rams as a national scout in 1999. He was part of the Rams' Super Bowl XXXIV championship team in 1999 and the Rams' NFC Championship/Super Bowl XXXVI team in 2001 as an area scout.

On May 15, 2004, Grigson was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as a western regional scout. He was a part of the Eagles' NFC Championship/Super Bowl XXXIX team in 2004. On June 8, 2006, he was promoted to director of college scouting, [2] and on February 3, 2010, he was promoted to director of player personnel. [10]

Indianapolis Colts

Grigson was hired by the Indianapolis Colts as their general manager on January 11, 2012. Team owner Jim Irsay said at the time, "I picked Ryan because I felt that he had a vision, that he had an intelligence, that he had a depth of perception and awareness and that he was capable of taking it up to the next level." [11] Grigson inherited a 2-14 team under head coach Jim Caldwell. [12] Shortly after assuming his new role, Grigson fired Caldwell and, two weeks later, hired Chuck Pagano as the team's new head coach.

2012 Season: 11-5 Record, AFC South Second Place

In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Colts made 10 selections, including Number One. Grigson selected Andrew Luck (1), followed by Coby Fleener (34), Dwayne Allen (64), T.Y. Hilton (92), Josh Chapman (136), Vick Ballard (170), LaVon Brazill (206), Justin Anderson (208), Tim Fugger (214), and Chandler Harnish (253, "Mr. Irrelevant"). [13] After the 2012 season, which put the Colts back in the NFL Playoffs with an 11–5 record, the nine-win improvement from the previous year tied the third largest improvement in league history. [3] Thanks to this turnaround, which included changing 70% of the roster, [3] Grigson earned Executive of the Year honors from the Sporting News [14] and Pro Football Weekly. [15] He also won the 2013 Drew Brees Mental Toughness Award from the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the National Football Foundation. [16]

2013 Season: 11-5 Record, AFC South Champions

In the 2013 NFL Draft, the Colts made 7 selections. Grigson selected Bjoern Werner (24), followed by Hugh Thornton (86), Khaled Holmes (121), Montori Hughes (139), John Boyett (192), Kerwynn Wiliams (230), and Justice Cunningham (254). [17] On September 18, 2013, Ryan Grigson traded a 2014 first-round draft pick for Trent Richardson. [18] The Colts were looking for a running back after a season-ending injury to Vick Ballard. Richardson was released following the 2014 NFL season. The Colts were 6-0 in the AFC South, earning First Place in the Division.

2014 Season: 11-5 Record, AFC South Champions

In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Colts made 5 selections. Grigson selected Jack Mewhort (59), Donte Moncrief (90), Jonathan Newsome (166), Andrew Jackson (203), and Ulrick John (232). On January 11, 2015—Grigson's third anniversary with the team—the Indianapolis Colts beat the Denver Broncos to qualify for the AFC Championship game, only the fifth time since the Colts arrived in Indianapolis in 1984. [19] During the AFC championship, against the New England Patriots, Grigson asked NFL officials to check the Patriots' balls, which set in motion the "Deflategate" scandal. [20] The Colts lost the game 45–7. The Colts were 6-0 in the AFC South, earning First Place in the Division.

2015 Season: 8-8 Record, AFC South Second Place

In the 2015 NFL Draft, the Colts made 8 selections. Grigson selected Phillip Dorsett (29), followed by D'Joun Smith (65), Henry Anderson (93), Clayton Geathers (109), David Parry (151), Josh Robinson (205), Amarlo Herrera (207), and Denzell Goode (255). [21] The Colts, who struggled with injuries including one to quarterback Andrew Luck, stumbled in the 2015 season and finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs. The 2015 Colts set the NFL record for the longest winning streak against any division in the league with their 16th consecutive victory over an AFC South opponent when they beat the Houston Texans during Week 5. The record surpassed the previous mark of 15, recorded by the Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins against the AFC East during the perfect season of 1972 and into the following season. [3]

2016 Season: 8-8 Record, AFC South Third Place

On January 4, 2016, the Colts announced that Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano had both received contract extensions through the 2019 season. [22]

In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Colts made 8 selections. Grigson selected Ryan Kelly (18), followed by T.J. Green (57), Le'Raven Clark (82), Hassan Ridgeway (116), Antonio Morrison (125), Joe Haeg (155), Trevor Bates (239), and Austin Blythe (248). [23]

On January 21, 2017, Grigson was relieved of his duties as general manager. The Colts failed to make the playoffs in the two consecutive seasons leading up to his firing, the first time the team had missed the playoffs in consecutive years since the 1997–98 seasons. One move that made many question Grigson was the infamous Trent Richardson deal that lost the Colts a first round draft pick. While at the time the move was applauded by many football pundits and fans, [24] the trade ultimately didn't work out. Trent Richardson ended up averaging only 3.1 yards per carry and scoring only 6 touchdowns in 2 seasons with the team and was a healthy scratch during the AFC Championship game in 2015. Another questionable move that confused many was the drafting of Phillip Dorsett in the 1st round of the 2015 NFL draft, while the Colts offensive line was struggling to protect their franchise quarterback, and their defense coming off a less than mediocre season. However a trade that worked out exceptionally well for Grigson and the Colts was the acquisition of former first round draft pick Vontae Davis in 2012 [25] who was a big part of the 2012 turnaround and was later named to the Pro Bowl in both 2014 and 2015. [26] Another move by Grigson was the trade and subsequent selection of T.Y. Hilton in the 2012 NFL draft. Grigson essentially gave up a fifth round pick for the right to move up from the early fourth to the late third round and select a three time Pro Bowl Selection and the NFL's leading receiver in 2016. [27]

Overall, the Colts had a regular season record of 49-31 (.613 winning percentage) while Grigson was general manager.

Cleveland Browns (first stint)

On May 24, 2017, Grigson was hired as the senior personnel executive for the Cleveland Browns. [28] In January 2018, the Browns announced that he was no longer part of the team's front office personnel. [29]

Seattle Seahawks

On June 13, 2018, Grigson was hired as a senior football consultant for the Seattle Seahawks, [30] and stayed with the team through the 2019 NFL season. [31] [32]

Cleveland Browns (second stint)

Grigson was hired by the Cleveland Browns in an advisory and consulting role in February 2020. [33] The deal was made official on May 29, 2020. [34]

Minnesota Vikings

On June 12, 2022, the Minnesota Vikings named Grigson as their senior vice president of player personnel. [35]

Personal life

Ryan Richard Grigson was born to Jeff and Juanita (Rokita) Grigson in 1972. Jeff (d.1980) played football at Northwest Missouri State University.

Grigson attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic School from 1978 to 1986. He played high school football at Highland Senior High from 1986 to 1990. As a sophomore, he was a member of the Trojan team that played in the 1987 5A State Championship game at the Colts' original stadium, the Hoosier Dome (RCA Dome).

Grigson met his wife, Cynthia, while the two were students at Purdue University. The couple married in 2001 and have six children. [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Texans</span> National Football League franchise in Houston, Texas

The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division, and play their home games at NRG Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indianapolis Colts</span> National Football League franchise in Indiana

The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Since the 2008 season, the Colts have played their games in Lucas Oil Stadium. Previously, the team had played for over two decades (1984–2007) at the RCA Dome. Since 1987, the Colts have served as the host team for the NFL Scouting Combine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trent Dilfer</span> American football player, analyst and coach (born 1972)

Trent Farris Dilfer is an American football coach and former player who is the head football coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dilfer played as a quarterback for 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He achieved his greatest professional success as the starting quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2000.

Phillip Savage Jr. is an American football executive, author and media personality, who currently serves as the Senior Football Advisor for the New York Jets. In 2019 he was the general manager for the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). He was the senior vice president and general manager of the Browns from 2005 to 2008. He served as director of player personnel for the Baltimore Ravens under general manager Ozzie Newsome, a former Browns' player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, from 2003 to 2004. He was a scout for the Browns from 1993 to 1995. He was also the former general manager of the Cleveland Browns and the executive director for the Senior Bowl.Phil Savage also served as the color announcer for The Alabama Crimson Tide alongside Eli Gold for several years, and worked as a guest host, for Sirius XM Sports Radio for several years, before joining the NY Jets. Phil Savage was also on ESPN for several years as a guest host.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Dorsey</span> American football player and coach (born 1981)

Kenneth Simon Dorsey is an American football coach and former quarterback of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, where he was a national champion and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft, later playing for the Cleveland Browns and the CFL's Toronto Argonauts before retiring in 2010. Dorsey became a coach in 2013, serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Carolina Panthers, after serving as a pro scout for the team from 2011 to 2012. He later became a coach with the Buffalo Bills, serving as their quarterbacks coach and eventually offensive coordinator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Caldwell (American football)</span> American football player and coach (born 1955)

James Caldwell is an American football coach who is a special advisor for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He served as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2009 to 2011 and Detroit Lions from 2014 to 2017. Caldwell has been a part of two Super Bowl-winning teams in his career; as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach of the Colts team that won Super Bowl XLI and as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ted Thompson</span> American football player and executive (1953–2021)

Ted Thompson was an American professional football player and executive in the National Football League (NFL). He was the general manager of the Green Bay Packers from 2005 to 2017. Thompson had a 10-year playing career in the NFL as a linebacker and special teams player with the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984.

Ernest William Accorsi Jr. is an American former professional football executive. He served as the general manager of three teams in the National Football League (NFL): the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

The history of the Houston Texans began in 2002, bringing the National Football League back to Houston, Texas after the city's previous franchise, the Houston Oilers, relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to eventually become the Tennessee Titans. The Texans are the newest franchise in the NFL. Despite some growing pains in the first nine years of their existence, the Texans became a more dominant team in the NFL's AFC South division in the 2010s, though they have yet to appear in a Super Bowl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Dorsey (American football)</span> American football player and executive (born 1960)

John Michael Dorsey is an American football executive and former player who is a senior personnel executive for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as general manager of the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs. He is a former National Football League player for the Green Bay Packers, and later served in the Packers' scouting department for more than two decades, including director of college scouting from 2000 to 2011. He served as the Seattle Seahawks' director of player personnel in 1999, between two stints in Green Bay's front office.

The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They play in the South Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The organization began play in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts with the team located in Baltimore, Maryland; it relocated to Indianapolis following the 1983 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 NFL Draft</span> 77th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible players

The 2012 NFL draft was the 77th annual meeting of National Football League (NFL) franchises to select newly eligible American football players for their rosters. The draft, which is officially called the "NFL Player Selection Meeting", was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City from April 26 to April 28, 2012. There were 253 draft selections: 221 regular selections and 32 compensatory selections. The Indianapolis Colts, who compiled the league's worst season in 2011 with a 2–14 record, had the right to the first selection. A record 26 prospects attended the draft in person.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barkevious Mingo</span> American football player (born 1990)

Barkevious Levon Mingo is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Louisiana State (LSU) and was selected by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. He won Super Bowl LI with the New England Patriots.

David Caldwell is an American football executive who is a personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2013 to 2020. Prior to that, he worked for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons.

The 2017 NFL season was the 98th season in the history of the National Football League (NFL) and the 52nd of the Super Bowl era. The season began on September 7, 2017, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the defending Super Bowl LI champion New England Patriots in the NFL Kickoff Game. The season concluded with Super Bowl LII, in which the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Philadelphia Eagles defeated the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to win their first Super Bowl title, and fourth NFL championship, in franchise history, and making the NFC East the first and currently only division where every team has won a Super Bowl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Conklin</span> American football player (born 1994)

Jonathan Jackson Conklin is an American football offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Browns–Ravens rivalry</span> National Football League rivalry

The Browns–Ravens rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. The rivalry began in 1999, with the resumption of the Browns' franchise, which was created as a result of the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy. The rivalry between the Browns and Ravens was more directed at former Browns owner Art Modell than the team itself, and has, by most Ravens fans, been simply considered a divisional game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. J. Watt</span> American football player (born 1994)

Trent Jordan Watt is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers before being selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Ballard (American football)</span> NFL American football Executive.

Christopher R. Ballard is an American football executive who is the general manager for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the Colts, Ballard was an executive for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he most recently served as the director of football operations, was a scout for the Chicago Bears, and served in various coaching roles at Texas A&M University–Kingsville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronnie Harrison</span> American football player (born 1997)

Ronnie Harrison Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama and was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

References

  1. ↑ "College Football Letters Of Intent". www.chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. February 15, 1990. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Scott, Adam (June 26, 2006). "Front-Office Boilers". Purdue Boilermakers. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "2017 Indianapolis Media Guide" (PDF). Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  4. ↑ Hamnik, Al. "Ryan Grigson brings his 'mental toughness' to revitalized Colts" . Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Badgers: Letdown doubtful". The Telegraph-Herald. October 17, 1992. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Purdue's Grigson out for the season". Post-Tribune . October 21, 1992. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
  7. ↑ SRCFB Purdue Boilermakers School History , retrieved March 27, 2022
  8. ↑ "1995 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Oilers coach pleased with team's preseason progress". The Free Lance-Star . August 15, 1996. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
  10. ↑ Promotions in Player Personnel Staff, archived from the original on March 3, 2016, retrieved January 4, 2012
  11. ↑ "Indianapolis Colts Media Guide" (PDF). Indianapolis Colts. 2012. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  12. ↑ de la Rosa, Poch. "Indianapolis Colts GM Ryan Grigson Making a Statement for Executive of the Year". Bleacher Report . Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  13. ↑ Dunlevy, Nate (April 26, 2012). "Indianapolis Colts 2012 NFL Draft Picks: Grades, Results and Analysis". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  14. ↑ Colts' Ryan Grigson Voted Sporting News' Executive of the Year , retrieved March 21, 2013
  15. ↑ Grigson Voted PFW/PFWA Executive of the Year, archived from the original on January 21, 2013, retrieved March 21, 2013
  16. ↑ Toughness Pays Off for Grigson , retrieved March 26, 2022
  17. ↑ Rodriguez, Kyle (April 26, 2013). "Colts 2013 Draft Picks: Results, Analysis and Grades". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  18. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg (September 18, 2013). "Trent Richardson traded to Colts from Browns for pick". National Football League . Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Indianapolis Colts Franchise Encyclopedia". Pro Football Reference. October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  20. ↑ Kirstie Chiappelli (February 3, 2015). "Troy Vincent confirms Colts' tip started Deflate-gate". The Sporting News .
  21. ↑ Brooke, Tyler (April 30, 2015). "Indianapolis Colts Draft Picks: Results, Analysis and Grades". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Colts shocker: Coach Chuck Pagano, GM Ryan Grigson will return to Indy". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
  23. ↑ Rodriguez, Kyle (April 28, 2016). "Indianapolis Colts Draft Picks: Results, Analysis and Grades". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  24. ↑ Trapasso, Chris. "Trent Richardson Trade: Who Won, and What Are Experts Saying?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Colts trade for CB Vontae Davis". August 26, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Trade review: Dolphins probably regret trading Vontae Davis to Colts". December 23, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  27. ↑ Burke, Chris (May 17, 2017). "Team-by-team look at best NFL draft trades of the last decade". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Browns add Ryan Grigson to personnel department". Cleveland Browns. May 24, 2017. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  29. ↑ Horner, Scott (January 10, 2018). "Ryan Grigson is out as Cleveland Browns shuffle front office". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  30. ↑ Patra, Kevin (June 13, 2018). "Former Colts GM Ryan Grigson lands with Seahawks". NFL.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  31. ↑ Patra, Kevin (June 13, 2018). "Former Colts GM Ryan Grigson lands with Seahawks". NFL.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  32. ↑ Beattie, Trent (December 27, 2019). "Former Indianapolis Colts' GM Enjoying Ride to Playoffs With the Seattle Seahawks". National Catholic Register. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  33. ↑ Cabot, Mary Kay (February 13, 2020). "Former Browns exec Ryan Grigson an advisor to GM Andrew Berry; likely to be hired full-time after NFL draft". Cleveland.com. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  34. ↑ "Ex-Indianapolis Colts GM Ryan Grigson joins Cleveland Browns' staff as top adviser". ESPN. May 29, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Vikings Finalize 2022 Football Personnel Staff". Minnesota Vikings. June 10, 2022. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  36. ↑ Beattie, Trent (January 7, 2015). "Indianapolis Colts' GM Speaks of Playoffs, Parenting and Padre Pio". National Catholic Register. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.