Ryan Brett Grant (born December 9, 1982) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). Grant played college football at Notre Dame where he rushed for over 1,000 yards in his only year as the starting running back. He originally signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005, but never played a game for them. Shortly before the 2007 season, Grant was traded to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick. He would go on to play for the Packers for six seasons.
Grant had a successful first season with the Packers, rushing for almost 1,000 yards, including five 100+ yard games. He set franchise records with 201 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Packers' divisional playoff game win against the Seattle Seahawks, as the Packers went on to reach the NFC Championship Game. Grant was also a member of the Packers Super Bowl XLV championship team that beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010. He played for the Washington Redskins for one month during the 2012 season before returning to the Packers to finish out the year and his NFL career.
Early years
Ryan Grant was born in Suffern, New York, but grew up in Nyack, New York, and attended Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey. He transferred to Clarkstown South High School near his hometown for one year before returning to Don Bosco. In 2000, his senior year, USA Today named him New Jersey Player of the Year. He rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in Don Bosco Prep's run to an 11–1 record and the state championship game, which they lost to Holy Cross High School. That season Grant played cornerback as well, recording 61 tackles and 7 interceptions. In high school, Grant also played basketball and competed in track and field, where he was timed at 10.7 seconds in the 100 meter dash.
College career
In 2001, Grant went to the University of Notre Dame to play football for the Fighting Irish while majoring in sociology and computer applications. He made just a few appearances during his freshman year, playing in five games as the back-up to Julius Jones under coach Bob Davie during a 5–6 season. Tyrone Willingham was named head coach for Grant's sophomore season and praised Grant for his attitude and desire to excel.
With Jones suspended for the 2002 season due to academic violations, Grant started all twelve games in 2002. He rushed for over 1,000 yards with nine touchdowns, including four games with over 100 yards. Grant's best game during his time at Notre Dame came against #15 ranked Air Force, as he gained 190 yards rushing and a touchdown in a 21–14 win. Notre Dame lost to North Carolina State 28–6 in the Gator Bowl. After peaking at #4 in late October, the team finished the season at 10–3 and ranked #17 on both the AP Poll and Coaches' Poll.
The 2003 season saw Grant split time with Julius Jones. After starting the first five games, Grant only managed 242 rushing yards before being benched. Jones took over in the fifth game and ran for 262 yards and two touchdowns against Pitt, a school record, in a 20–14 victory. After Jones' performance, Grant lost the starting job. He played as the backup in the final seven games, rushing for 268 yards; he finished his junior year with 510 yards and three touchdowns. Notre Dame finished the season 5–7.
During his senior year, Grant was named a team captain, but he split time with running back, Darius Walker. Playing in nine games, Grant only gained over 100 yards once, with 112 yards and two touchdowns in a 27–9 win over Navy. After injuring his hamstring, Grant's playing time was limited and Walker took over the starting job.Grant finished the year with 515 yards and 5 touchdowns, and Notre Dame finished with a record of 6–6. For his collegiate career, Grant ran for a total of 2,220 yards and 18 touchdowns.
