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37m ago

Bobby Grier, Influential NFL Personnel Executive With Patriots and Texans, Dies at 82

His seven-decade rise from coach to top evaluator influenced multiple NFL rosters.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: A detail view of a New England Patriots helmet during the third quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Overview

  • His family confirmed his death at 82, and the Miami Dolphins issued a public statement.
  • He joined the New England Patriots in 1981, moved into scouting in 1993, rose to vice president of player personnel, and remained through the 2000 draft.
  • In his final Patriots draft, the team selected Tom Brady in the sixth round.
  • He worked in Houston’s personnel department from 2000 to 2016, with Wade Phillips crediting him in the decision to draft J. J. Watt at No. 11 in 2011.
  • He served as a Miami Dolphins consultant from 2017 to 2025, and his sons Chris and Mike are current GMs of the Dolphins and NHL’s San Jose Sharks, respectively, with Mike the league’s first Black GM.