Former Texans pro personnel assistant director and senior personnel advisor passes away at age 82
Former executive and coach Bobby Grier, son of Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, has passed away at the age of 82
Former executive and coach Bobby Grier, a man who dedicated a big chunk of his life to football and played a significant role in drafting the greatest quarterback of all-time, has passed away at 82 years of age. Beyond what he accomplished in this sport, Grier had a profound influence on those closest to him.
His son Chris Grier is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins, and the two spent many years working closely together. Bobby had served as a consultant for the organization since 2017, so the news obviously affected many within the franchise. The Dolphins announced his passing and offered their condolences to the Grier family on Monday morning.
Grier spent about two decades with the New England Patriots, operating as a scout, offensive backfield coach and running game coordinator before transitioning to an executive role in 1993. He was vice president of player personnel when the team selected future seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Grier extensively scouted the Michigan graduate before his departure from the Pats.
He then committed the next 16 years of his career to the Houston Texans, working as associate director of pro scouting and senior personnel advisor. The expansion franchise gradually found its way during this time, clinching three AFC South crowns and winning two playoff games. Bobby Grier then reunited with Chris Grier, who started as an intern with the Patriots in 1994.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Grier’s journey came full circle when he reunited with his son, Chris Grier. Chris had begun his own NFL career as an intern with the New England Patriots in 1994, following in his father’s footsteps. Their reunion symbolized not only a personal milestone but also the generational legacy of football leadership and dedication. Bobby Grier’s influence extended beyond the field, shaping the careers of those around him and leaving a lasting imprint on the organizations he served. His story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the deep familial ties that often run through the heart of professional sports.
He got to watch his son helm a front office, as the Dolphins advanced to the postseason in consecutive campaigns (2022-23) for the first time in more than 20 years. Miami's GM is not the only one to follow a similar path as his father. His younger brother Mike Grier, a longtime NHL forward, is currently the GM of the San Jose Sharks.
They will do their best to honor Bobby Grier's legacy moving forward. And the NFL will surely have their own tribute in mind.
Browns Make Joe Flacco Decision After Beating Packers
The Cleveland Browns made their stance on Joe Flacco clear following a gritty 13-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Cleveland’s offense sputtered for much of the afternoon, failing to score until late in the fourth quarter. Andre Szmyt broke the drought with a 35-yard field goal at the 3:38 mark, and a Grant Delpit interception set up rookie Quinshon Judkins for a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
Green Bay nearly had the final say, lining up for a potential game-winning kick with under a minute left. But the Browns blocked it, giving Szmyt one more chance. The rookie kicker delivered, drilling a 55-yarder as time expired to secure the dramatic victory.
Despite the win, Flacco’s play remained a central storyline. The 40-year-old struggled to move the offense, finishing 21 of 36 for 142 yards with an interception — his fifth turnover in three games.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the offensive inconsistency but said he never considered benching Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel to provide a spark.
“I’m just focusing on doing what I think is best for the team,” Stefanski said of his reasoning to stick with Flacco.
Stefanski emphasized that injuries along the offensive line, particularly at tackle, only magnified the challenges of going up against a stout Packers defensive front.
“That’s a great defense. I’m confident saying that’s a great defense. We had injuries early to our tackles,” Stefanski said. “They made life really hard.”
Browns QB Joe Flacco: ‘It Wasn’t Pretty’
The game was not an offensive showcase. Neither side cracked 230 total yards. Flacco admitted playing in that type of game isn’t easy, but he’s focused on playing his role.
“It’s hard. It’s hard to go out there and play in games like today,” Flacco said. “But that’s what football is sometimes. With the type of defense we have, it’s about going out there and capitalizing on turnovers and not making mistakes. It wasn’t pretty today. It was tough and there were times down the field where guys were open but I just didn’t make it happen. You feel for the group as a whole. Everyone wants to go out there and perform and put up numbers, points, yards, all that stuff. Part of your job as a quarterback is to get that done. But also, your job is to win a football game and play your role.”
The Browns’ offense was showered with boos in the second half as the scoreboard stayed stuck at zero. Even in his 18th season, Flacco acknowledged the noise still gets to him.
“You’re a person. You’re human. It hurts you a little bit and you want to react to it. But you can’t,” Flacco said. “Being a pro and being in this sport, you can’t be that guy. You will not survive. We’re all human and it affects people. But you have to be able to rally, at least fake it, and bring it to life.”
Browns Considered Starting Dillon Gabriel Against Packers
Through three games, Flacco has passed for 631 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He also had a fumble returned for a touchdown against the Ravens during a 41-17 blowout.
The Browns at least considered making a chance to Gabriel in the week leading up to the Packers game, per Brad Stainbrook.
“Earlier this week, Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees spent much of Monday in meetings weighing whether to hand the job to rookie Dillon Gabriel, per league sources close to the situation,” Stainbrook said. “The staff ultimately decided to stick with Flacco for another week, but the leash is short.”
The Browns head to Detroit next week with a chance to move to .500. Coming off the win, Cleveland will likely continue rolling with Flacco.
