Fred Grant (gridiron football) explained

Fred Grant
Position:Fullback
Birth Date:1925 1, mf=yes
Birth Place:Christiansburg, Virginia, U.S.
Death Place:Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
High School:Christiansburg (VA)
College:Wake Forest (1943)
Alabama (1944–1946)
Draftyear:1945
Draftround:22
Draftpick:220
Pastteams:
Pastcoaching:
  • Regina/Saskatchewan Roughriders (–)
    Head coach
Highlights:

Frederick W. Grant Jr. (January 20, 1925 – August 3, 1993) was an American football player and coach who played fullback for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team and was the head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Early life

Grant was born on January 20, 1925, in Christiansburg, Virginia.[1] His parents, Fred and Zenith Grant, owned Grant's Tavern in Christiansburg.

Playing

Grant was a standout athlete at Christiansburg High School and played for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in 1943. In his only season at Wake Forest, Grant led the Southern Conference in scoring. Grant transferred to the University of Alabama in 1944. On November 18, 1944, he ran back an interception for an 87-yard touchdown to help the Tide defeat the undefeated Mississippi State Maroons 19–0.[2] The following season he led the Southeastern Conference in scoring with 11 touchdowns and was a member of the team that won the 1946 Rose Bowl.

Coaching

Grant joined the Regina Roughriders in 1947 and was made the team's head coach towards the end of the season. He was retained for the 1948, 1949, and 1950 seasons and complied an overall record of 21–22.[3]

Later life

While coaching in Saskatchewan, Grant continued his studies at the University of Alabama during the offseason. After leaving football he resided in Norcross, Georgia and worked as a design engineer and food facilities consultant. He died on August 3, 1993, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta after a brief illness.[4]

Head coaching record

Team Year Regular Season Post Season
WonLostTiesWin %FinishWon Lost Ties Result
REG1947210.6673rd in WIFU0 0 0 Missed playoffs
REG1948390.2502nd in WIFU0 1 1 Lost in WIFU Finals
REG1949950.6432nd in WIFU1 1 0 Lost in WIFU Finals
SSK1950770.5002nd in WIFU0 1 0 Lost in WIFU Semifinals
Total21220.488131

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fred Grant . Pro Football Archives . Pro Football Archives . 24 July 2023.
  2. News: Alabama Defeats Mississippi State . The New York Times . November 19, 1944.
  3. News: Fred Grant Returns to Riders . 24 July 2023 . The Calgary Herald . November 22, 1949.
  4. News: Fred Grant . 24 July 2023 . The Tuscaloosa News . August 5, 1993.