Professional Football Player. For thirteen seasons (1960 to 1972), he played at the linebacker position in the American and National Football Leagues with the New York Titans/Jets. Born James Larry Grantham, he attended Crystal Springs High School in Mississippi and played collegiate football at the University of Mississippi. While with Ole Miss, he achieved All-SEC status twice (1958 and 1959). Selected by the Baltimore Colts during the 15th round of the 1960 NFL Draft, he ended up with the New York Titans of the newly-formed American Football League and had the distinction of being on the roster during the inaugural season of the New York Titans. During the course of his career, he established himself as one of the top defensive players of his era, in addition to becoming one of the greatest New York Jets in franchise history, as he earned all star honors five-times and all pro recognition five-times. Highly-durable, he put together a consecutive game streak which spanned six-seasons (1962 to 1967). Grantham was a key contributor to the New York Jets' upset over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969. In 1971, he received team MVP honors from the Jets. After leaving the NFL, he played one additional season with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League in 1974. He went on to a brief career as a announcer with New York Jets' radio broadcasts and later worked in the banking industry. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and in 2011, he was added to the New York Jets Ring of Honor. Grantham is widely regarded as worthy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Grantham battled alcoholism and in later years, he endured throat cancer.
Professional Football Player. For thirteen seasons (1960 to 1972), he played at the linebacker position in the American and National Football Leagues with the New York Titans/Jets. Born James Larry Grantham, he attended Crystal Springs High School in Mississippi and played collegiate football at the University of Mississippi. While with Ole Miss, he achieved All-SEC status twice (1958 and 1959). Selected by the Baltimore Colts during the 15th round of the 1960 NFL Draft, he ended up with the New York Titans of the newly-formed American Football League and had the distinction of being on the roster during the inaugural season of the New York Titans. During the course of his career, he established himself as one of the top defensive players of his era, in addition to becoming one of the greatest New York Jets in franchise history, as he earned all star honors five-times and all pro recognition five-times. Highly-durable, he put together a consecutive game streak which spanned six-seasons (1962 to 1967). Grantham was a key contributor to the New York Jets' upset over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969. In 1971, he received team MVP honors from the Jets. After leaving the NFL, he played one additional season with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League in 1974. He went on to a brief career as a announcer with New York Jets' radio broadcasts and later worked in the banking industry. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and in 2011, he was added to the New York Jets Ring of Honor. Grantham is widely regarded as worthy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Grantham battled alcoholism and in later years, he endured throat cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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