1964 Profile: Larry Grantham

Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"The solid man of the Jets, linebacker Larry Grantham represents their only All-AFL selection for the past two seasons. With the addition of linebacker Wahoo McDaniel, he should be even more valuable to the defensive unit. Although small (6-0, 200) as linebackers go, he is a devastating tackler who seldom can be ridden out of the play.
At Ole Miss, he was an All-Conference end but he quickly converted to defense in the AFL. A veteran of three AFL All-Star Games, he scored a touchdown on an interception in 1962."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"The only one of last year's Jet defensive regulars certain of retaining his status is a perennial all-league linebacker, Larry Grantham, who does everything so swiftly and well. He uses his speed so intelligently that he rarely runs by a pass receiver or gets too far away from blockers or from the runner. He also excels due to his knowledge of his duties and is never surprised at what the offense may throw his way.
Born in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, he's 26 and still agile and quick enough to remain at the peak of his game."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"Followers of the New York Jets didn't have too much to cheer about last year as the team, although considerably improved, once again finished last in the Eastern Division. But as usual, one standout performer was linebacker Larry Grantham, a 26-year-old southern gentleman from Crystal Springs, Mississippi. At six feet and 200 pounds, Larry is one of the smallest linebackers in play-for-pay ranks. But in the words of New York defensive line coach Walt Michaels: 'Grantham may weigh 200 pounds but he's 225 pounds strong.'
Grantham played his college ball for Ole Miss, where he won All-Southeastern Conference honors in 1959 as an end. Larry joined New York in 1960, the year the AFL was organized, and has won All-League recognition during the last three seasons. Against the Boston Patriots in the first game of the 1963 campaign, Grantham blocked a punt, picked up the ball and ran 20 yards for a touchdown. In the 1962 AFL Pro Bowl he intercepted a pass and scampered to a score.
Says New York Jets' able head coach Weeb Ewbank: 'Larry's strong points are his quick reflexes and his ability to readily diagnose a play. He has an excellent pair of hands which accounts for his outstanding interception record.'
One of Larry's greatest thrills took place early last year when the Jets beat the Houston Oilers, 24-17. The curly-haired linebacker set up New York's first touchdown when he returned an intercepted pass 25 yards.
'Ten times they beat us, including exhibition games,' Grantham said after the game, 'and they beat us bad. The eleventh time we got them. It's the sweetest victory I've ever had.'
Does Larry feel his lack of size is a handicap?
'It just depends how much you want to play football. If you happen to lack a certain asset, determination can offset it.'"

-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac

"It's hard to find a man in pro football who works harder than Larry Grantham.
The Jets' powerful linebacker came to New York after three great seasons as an all-conference end with Mississippi. Under the guidance of New York coaches, Larry switched to his linebacker role almost overnight. For the past two years he has been one of the top linebackers in the AFL."

-1964 Topps No. 113