INDIANAPOLIS – Ryan Grigson is a native of Highland, Indiana. His new home is Indianapolis.
Grigson, 39, has been named the general manager of the Colts. Indianapolis Owner and CEO Jim Irsay named Grigson to the post on Wednesday.
"I am very excited to announce the hiring of Ryan Grigson as general manager," said Irsay. "In addition to his personal heritage in Indiana, Ryan brings to the Colts an outstanding NFL personnel history and a record of achievement.
"Ryan is a bright and gifted administrator who is the right fit for our organization. He is the right person for the challenges of his new role, and I am confident he can help us continue the winning tradition we have enjoyed, and that our fans have appreciated through the years."
"I am honored to be joining the Indianapolis Colts," said Grigson. "I grew up following the team and never stopped observing and appreciating how it impacted my home state in so many ways. As I grew up and my career continued, I saw a winning tradition form under Jim Irsay. What Mr. Irsay and the organization have been able to accomplish for an extended period of time is exceptional in the NFL's competitive atmosphere. His passion to succeed is tangible, and we have a shared desire to win and to do it the right way.
"I am pleased to be joining such a model franchise. The Colts, the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana have a special relationship, and there is a vibrant reputation associated with the franchise. It is an honor to be part of the Colts."
Grigson joins Indianapolis after completing two seasons as director of player personnel with Philadelphia. Grigson was promoted to the role after serving the four previous seasons as the team's director of college scouting. His first position with the Eagles came as a western regional scout, a tenure served from 2004-2005. Philadelphia earned a 75-52-1 regular season record during Grigson's tenure, making the playoffs five times in eight seasons. Four times the Eagles won 10 or more games, while winning three NFC East titles, making two conference championship game appearances and reaching Super Bowl XXXIX.
Grigson began his NFL front office career in 1999 as a national scout with the St. Louis Rams. The Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV in his first season, then appeared in Super Bowl XXXVI two seasons later. St. Louis earned a 56-24 regular season record during Grigson's tenure, making the playoffs four times in five seasons. Four times the Rams won 10 or more games, while winning three NFC West titles and capturing two conference championship games.
Grigson played at Highland (Indiana) High School, earning all-state and all-conference honors as a senior offensive lineman. His sophomore team was a state runner-up. Grigson attended Purdue from 1991-94. He was a freshman short-yardage tight end, catching touchdown passes against Michigan State and Indiana. Grigson was moved to tackle as a sophomore, a season where he played only five games before an injury against Minnesota ended his season. A blow to the abdomen resulted in pancreatitis, kidney failure and pneumonia. Over a five-week hospital stay, Grigson lost 30 pounds. He returned to start 10 of 11 appearances as a junior. Grigson was a team captain his senior season, and he capped his career by opening 11 games. He played "quick tackle" on a potent offense that averaged 404.1 yards per game. Purdue ranked second in the Big Ten with a 30.5 scoring average and 12th in the NCAA with a 234.8 rushing average.
Grigson was a sixth-round choice in 1995 by Cincinnati, the 175th selection overall. Detroit obtained Grigson off waivers in August of 1995. He stayed with Detroit through 1996 before appearing with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1997. A back injury there ended Grigson's playing career.
Grigson served as a pro scout with Saskatchewan of the CFL in 1998, supplementing that time as an assistant coach at McPherson College. In 1999, Grigson joined the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena League as a player personnel coordinator/assistant coach. He left Buffalo to join the Rams.
GRIGSON FILE
High School: Highland High School
College: Purdue, 1991-94 (tight end/offensive tackle)
Drafted: Sixth-round by Cincinnati, 1995 (175th overall)
NFL Career: 1995, Cincinnati (training camp); 1995-96, Detroit
CFL Career: 1997, Toronto Argonauts
Career Experience: 1998, Pro Scout, Saskatchewan Roughriders
1998, Assistant Coach, McPherson College
1999, Player Personnel Coordinator/Assistant Coach, Buffalo Destroyers
1999-2000, National Scout, St. Louis Rams
2001-2003, Area Scout, St. Louis Rams
2004-2005, Western Regional Scout, Philadelphia Eagles
2006-2009, Director of College Scouting, Philadelphia Eagles
2010-2011, Director of Player Personnel, Philadelphia Eagles
