Rosey Grier
Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier, born on July 14, 1932, in Cuthbert, Georgia, is a multifaceted American figure celebrated for his work as an actor, singer, Christian minister, and former professional football player. Grier made a name for himself as a standout athlete at Pennsylvania State University, earning recognition on the NCAA's list of the 100 most influential student-athletes during its centennial celebration. In the professional arena, he played for the New York Giants and was part of the legendary "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line for the Los Angeles Rams, earning Pro Bowl honors twice.
Following his sports career, Grier served as a bodyguard for Robert Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign. He was present at the tragic assassination, where he managed to subdue the assailant, Sirhan Sirhan, although he could not prevent the tragedy.
Grier's diverse interests extend beyond sports; he hosted a television show in Los Angeles and made around 70 guest appearances on various programs throughout the 1960s and 1970s. As a recording artist, he released singles beginning in 1960, with his tribute to Robert Kennedy, "People Make The World," reaching #128 on the charts in 1968.
Grier is also known for his unconventional hobbies, such as macrame and needlepoint, and authored several books, including "Rosey Grier's Needlepoint for Men" in 1973. In 1983, he became an ordained minister and has since been an inspirational speaker, founding American Neighborhood Enterprises to support inner-city youth.