Matt Grothe
A dynamic college quarterback who became the heart of the South Florida Bulls, rewriting their record books with his gritty dual-threat play.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American gridiron football player·Birthday: September 8·Millennials
Biography
Matt Grothe emerged from the Florida high school scene to become the defining player of the University of South Florida's early Big East era. Stepping in as a freshman, his combination of fearless running and improvisational passing made him an instant fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses. Grothe's tenure transformed the Bulls from an upstart program into a nationally ranked contender, peaking with a No. 2 national ranking in 2007. His career was a story of relentless production, as he seemed to be involved in every crucial play, often willing his team to victory. A devastating knee injury in his senior year cut his collegiate journey short, but his name remains etched across the USF record books, symbolizing the program's explosive arrival on the national stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matt was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the University of South Florida's all-time leader in total offense with over 10,000 yards.
- Led the USF Bulls to their first-ever top-10 national ranking during the 2007 season.
- Named the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2006 after a standout freshman campaign.
Did You Know?
He was known for playing without a mouthguard, a rare sight for a quarterback.
Grothe still holds the USF record for career rushing yards by a quarterback.
He played his high school football at Lake Gibson High in Lakeland, Florida.
“I'll lower my shoulder and get the yard we need.”
