Ryan Grant (running back)
An undrafted afterthought who exploded onto the scene to become the workhorse engine of the Packers' offense during their 2010 Super Bowl run.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American football player·Birthday: December 9·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Grant's path to NFL prominence was anything but straightforward. After a solid career at Notre Dame, he went undrafted and languished on the New York Giants' practice squad. His fortunes changed with a low-profile trade to the Green Bay Packers in 2007, a move that would redefine his career. Seizing an opportunity due to injury, Grant erupted for over 200 yards in his first playoff start that season, announcing his arrival. He became the Packers' primary ball carrier, a decisive, one-cut runner who posted back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons. His steady production was instrumental in the Packers' offensive balance during their 2010 championship season, culminating in a Super Bowl XLV victory. Grant's story is a testament to resilience and seizing the moment when it finally arrives.
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.
Ryan was born in 1982, 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 Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns in his first career playoff start against the Seattle Seahawks in January 2008.
- Recorded back-to-back seasons with over 1,200 rushing yards for the Green Bay Packers in 2008 and 2009.
- Won Super Bowl XLV as a member of the Green Bay Packers following the 2010 NFL season.
Did You Know?
He was traded from the New York Giants to the Green Bay Packers for a conditional sixth-round draft pick.
Grant rushed for over 1,000 yards in his only season as the full-time starter at the University of Notre Dame.
He scored a touchdown in the Packers' victory in Super Bowl XLV.
“I just kept my head down and worked, and when my number was called, I was ready.”
