Roosevelt ‘Rosey’ Grier, has had an illustrious and remarkable career spanning nearly six decades. A former professional African-American football lineman with the New York Giants and later the Los Angeles Rams, went on to make an impact on the world in an entirely unique way.
In 1973, his book Rosey Grier and Needlepoint for Men opened up a whole new dialogue for men on crafts and hobbies that were previously thought traditional women’s passions. Men were introduced to a new way of de-stressing and enjoy a hobby regardless of what traditional barriers needed to be crossed or that had been tightly held onto by the sexes. His passion and enjoyment of crochet, needlepoint and knitting became a trademark signature in the early days of breaking traditional barriers between the sexes.
Rosey’s American football career brought him fame and fortune as one of the Fearsome Foursome as he became known, and was one of the best defensive linemen for both the New York Giants as well as the Los Angeles Rams. His football career ended when he sustained an injury to his Achilles tendon, retiring in 1967.
Crochet, needlepoint and knitting became a new pursuit and passion for him in the 1970s, and simultaneously he promoted this work and his new passion through writing a best-selling book, Television commercials and television guest appearances. He transitioned into acting, a gospel music career, ministry work and became a motivational speaker. But his love and passion for crochet and needlepoint carved an indelible impression of respect and fondness on the minds and hearts of many men and women around the world.
Born in Georgia, United States, in 1932, Rosey is still going strong at 78 years old. He is remembered best for his years as a professional football player, an actor and singer, but also as the man who brought crochet and needlepoint to a new audience.
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