Longtime NFL executive Bobby Grier died this weekend at age 82.
Grier spent nearly 20 years as a coach and executive with the New England Patriots, and also worked with the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins.
“Bobby Grier was a man of tremendous integrity,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement released Monday. “He broke barriers and built bridges, and his legacy will forever be part of our franchise’s history.
“We are grateful for his years of service and the impact he had on so many people within our organization and across the NFL. My thoughts are with his family and all who are mourning his loss.”
The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bobby Grier, who served the organization with distinction for nearly two decades in coaching and executive roles: https://t.co/S1HBMcLR4V pic.twitter.com/rHb9SnthbF
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 22, 2025
Grier joined New England in 1981 as an offensive coaching assistant before transitioning to the Patriots’ scouting department. He served as a scout for a year and returned to coaching for a few seasons before settling into roles in the franchise’s front office.
Grier served as director of pro scouting, director of player personnel and vice president of player personnel until 2000, the year the Patriots drafted franchise legend Tom Brady.
Following his tenure with the Patriots, Grier joined the Houston Texans. He remained with the franchise until his retirement in 2016.
He has worked as a consultant for the Miami Dolphins, the franchise where his son Chris serves as general manager, since 2017.
Bobby Grier is also survived by another son, Mike, who played 1,060 games over 14 seasons in the NHL and is currently the general manager of the San Jose Sharks.
(Photo: David Kamerman / Associated Press)
Sep 22, 2025
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