Rosey Grier, a former defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL), served as a bodyguard for Robert F. Kennedy. He was guarding Robert’s wife, Ethel Kennedy, when the presidential candidate was assassinated.
He heard the shots fired ahead and wrestled the gun from Sirhan Sirhan, who was pointing to shoot at sports-writer George Plimpton.
Rosey began playing football at Abraham Clark High School and graduated in 1951. He played football for Penn State University and was named an All-American.
Similarly, he was the captain of the track team and won the IC4A and Penn Relays titles in the shot put and discus. He was a Track & Field All-American in 1954 and 1955.
The New York Giants selected him in the third round with the 31st overall pick of the 1955 NFL draft. He played with the Giants from 1955 through 1962 and won the NFL Championship in 1956.
Rosey was selected for the Pro Bowl in 1956 and 1960 and was named All-Pro at defensive tackle in 1956.
After eight seasons, the Giants traded him to the Los Angeles Rams in 1963, and he became part of the Fearsome Foursome, alongside Lamar Lundy, Merlin Olsen, and Deacon Jones.
Sadly, he ended his professional career in 1967 due to a torn Achilles tendon. He is the last surviving member of the Fearsome Foursome.
If anyone would have told me that I would go from football to needlepoint, I would have laughed in their face. In fact, the whole thing started as a joke, but it’s turned into one of the most enjoyable and satisfying things I’ve ever done. I try to turn other guys on to needlepoint wherever I go – from the dude sitting next to me on a plane to the guy working behind the scenes on a movie set.
Rosey Grier
Rosey Grier Saved Lives During The RFK Assassination
Rosey Grier was not only a football star but also a hero in one of America’s darkest moments.
In June 1968, he played a crucial role in disarming the gunman who shot Senator Robert F. Kennedy, likely preventing further tragedy.
After midnight June 5, 1968, fifty years ago, Robert Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, Photos are of author George Plimpton ("Paper Lion") and LA Rams "Fearsome Foursome" member Rosey Grier wrestling the gun from Sirhan and keeping him from being ripped apart by the crowd. #rfk pic.twitter.com/QyuZjO6Xfr
— Steve Badger (@stevebadger100) June 5, 2018
At the time, Rosey was working as a bodyguard for his close friend, RFK, who was then running for president.
He was escorting Kennedy’s wife, Ethel, who was pregnant, when a gunshots incident occurred at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.
Kennedy had just delivered his victory speech after winning the California Democratic primary when hotel busboy Juan Romero, aka Sirhan Sirhan, opened fire with a .22-caliber revolver, mortally wounding the senator.
Sirahan, a 24-year-old Palestinian at that moment, shot Kennedy thrice, and five other people were also wounded.
Furthermore, Rosey and Olympic champion Rafer Johnson instantly reacted and rushed toward the chaos. They found Sirhan still armed and struggling with others, including writer George Plimpton.
So I see George Plimpton has the gun pointed at his face, and I’m concerned that it is going to go off, so I put my hand under the trigger housing and I pulled back the hammer so it couldn’t strike. I wrench the gun from Sirhan. I find the pin and I ripped it out and held it. Now I have the gun in my hand, so I shove it in my pocket. I grabbed the man’s legs and dragged him onto a table. There was a guy angrily twisting the killer’s legs and other angry faces coming towards him, as though they were going to tear him to pieces. I fought them off. I would not allow more violence.
Rosey Grier
The former NFL star used his strength to help wrestle Sirhan to the ground, pinning his arm and prying the gun from his hand.
His quick actions helped subdue the assassin and saved additional lives.
Sadly, Kennedy succumbed to his injuries the next day, but Rosey’s bravery in that moment was undeniable. Later in life, he became an actor, singer, and advocate for mental health and youth programs.
Rosey Grier, A Democrats Turned Republican
Rosey Grier is renowned for his political evolution from a vocal Democrat to a committed Republican. His journey reflects a shift in ideology that mirrored the changing political landscape of the late 20th century.
He was a prominent supporter of the Democratic Party in the 1960s and 1970s.
Rosey actively campaigned for Democratic causes, appearing in the 1973 fundraiser “America Goes Public” and attending multiple Democratic National Conventions, including those in Chicago and New York.
His early political involvement aligned with the party’s civil rights and social justice initiatives, which he passionately supported.
However, Rosey’s political allegiance began to change in the early 1980s.
He took the stage at the Republican National Convention in 1984 to endorse President Ronald Reagan’s re-election, marking a decisive turn in his political identity.
His endorsement reflected a growing alignment with conservative values, including economic self-reliance and community-based empowerment.
Decades later, the NFL star considered a run for public office himself and announced a bid for California governor as a Republican in 2017. However, he withdrew from the race months later.
I decided not to run for governor in January, after much prayer, research and counsel.
Rosey Grier
Outside of politics, he has remained dedicated to uplifting underserved communities.
He co-founded American Neighborhood Enterprises, an organization that helps low-income families achieve homeownership and access vocational training. Additionally, he serves on the board of the Milken Family Foundation.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Roosevelt “Rosey” Grier, one of twelve children of Joseph and Ruth Grier, was born on July 14, 1932, in Cuthbert, Georgia.
- After divorcing his two wives, Beatrice Lewis and Margie Grier, he married Cydnee Seyler, a Wichita school teacher, on April 30, 2013.
- As of 2025, he is the longest living former NFL player and became the league’s first black general manager with the San Jose Sharks.
- His net worth is estimated to be $5 million.
