Grant Irons...

[Angry Pope]

An article on Grant Irons...

Irons is 'Game Ready'

July 7, 2006


Grant Irons is looking forward to his third full season with The Oakland Raiders. The son of former Raider Gerald Irons, Grant is the youngest of three in a very athletic family. In addition to being a celebrated male scholar-athlete in the country, Grant excelled as a three-time first team All-District baseball player and football player in high school. Grant had a big decision to make when it came to what sport to pursue in college. He describes it as "something I could feel, I had to just follow my heart...football just came more natural to me."
This paid off for Notre Dame as Irons took a major leadership position and was one of four Notre Dame captains for the second consecutive season (2000-01). He played in 43 career games, making 26 starts at numerous positions on defense and totaled 142 tackles (79 solo).

Despite breaking his leg his junior year and separating his shoulder three times in one game during his senior season, Irons received an injury redshirt which permitted him to stay at Notre Dame for a fifth year and begin his Masters degree. Throughout college it wasn't in Grant's nature to focus on playing football professionally. Instead he preferred to never get too far ahead of himself and take it one day at a time. Grant worked very hard to earn a contract with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in 2002 and has been a member of the Silver and Black since December of 2003.

In 2004, Irons appeared in eight games contributing 12 tackles (10 solo) and in 2005 he played in 15 games making four tackles (three solo) for the Raiders. With his hard work and dedication he plans to continue to be a great asset to the Raiders defense. His consistency and ability to turn it "on" when the game begins, and just as quickly turn it "off" when the game ends has earned him the nickname "Game Ready" among his coaches and teammates. "Game Ready" is the mindset he always brings to the field when it's time to play.


This season Irons hopes to bring an infectious, positive and aggressive attitude that will spread to his fellow teammates. He describes his approach as a "confidence" that he can use to inspire others. He has a great respect for all of his teammates, "Everybody brings a little something different to the table. I'm really looking forward to it, it's great coming back and seeing the players who have been around for years as well as new faces," Irons explained. According to Grant, camaraderie is a very important aspect to the 2006 Raiders roster and once generated, it is a valuable tool that can make the Silver and Black a force to be reckoned with.

Outside of football Grant has taken opportunities this off-season to give back to his community. He has been involved with speaking engagements in the area as well as visiting children at hospitals through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Back in his hometown of The Woodlands, Texas, Grant serves as a mentor to youth as well. In his leisure time, Grant has used his time off to spend at home with family.

Grant is focused on making this year his best ever. To best prepare himself Grant is utilizing the off-season as much as a player can. He takes on every early morning workout with determination, constantly challenging himself to improve his mental game. This 6'6", 285 pound defensive end has found parallels between his days with the Fighting Irish and the pride and reputation of the Silver and Black. Grant feels the best part about being a Raider is the attitude that comes with it. Being a Raider is more than a way of playing - it's a way of life.