Curtis McGriff

Curtis McGriff
Curtis McGriff
Date of birth: May 17, 1958 (1958-05-17) (age 53)
Place of birth: Donalsonville, Georgia
Career information
Position(s): Defensive tackle
College: Alabama
Organizations
 As player:
1980-1987
1987
New York Giants
Washington Redskins
Playing stats at NFL.com

Curtis McGriff (born May 17, 1958 in Donalsonville, Georgia) is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins.

Early life

McGriff grew up in rural Houston County, Alabama in the southeastern corner of the state. He attended and played football at Cottonwood High School in Cottonwood, Alabama graduating in 1976. He played college football at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1976 to 1980. McGriff was an interior defensive lineman for the 1978 squad that defeated Penn State in the famous “goal line stand” Sugar Bowl.

Professional career

McGriff entered the NFL and signed with the New York Giants in 1980 as a defensive lineman. He made the NFL's all-rookie team that year and was a member of the Giants' 1986-1987 Super Bowl Championship team. McGriff was primarily used as a defensive tackle and rotated into the game on downs when a running play was anticipated (McGriff would be rotated out of the game and a pass-rush specialist would be brought into the game on passing downs.) He played his final season (1987) with the Washington Redskins.

After football

Today, McGriff lives in the New York metropolitan area. He is often seen at charity event such as Kidney Benefits with close friend and fellow Alabama player, Don McNeal, who played cornerback for the Miami Dolphins from 1980–1989. On May 15, 2005 Curtis married his longtime girlfriend Maurie Morris and her daughter Sydel Carie. He is currently teaching at a correctional school in Lodi, New Jersey.