Grantham House
On July 11th, 2008 Freedom House will open a new ten bed facility for men. We are naming “GRANTHAM HOUSE” for Larry Grantham. This is our way of thanking Larry for all he has done for us the past ten years.
Larry Grantham The Athlete
A member of the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, linebacker Larry Grantham of the University of Mississippi came to the New York Titans in the 1960 college draft and helped form the backbone of a Jets defense that reached the playoffs in 1968 and 1969, and captured the 1968 American Football League and World Championships.
From his right outside linebacker spot, Grantham wrought havoc on opposing offenses. One of the Jets leading tacklers, he was named to the American Football League All-Star team five times and played in eight league All-Star games. He was selected to the All-Time All- AFL second team.
Larry is one of only twenty players who were in the American Football League for its entire ten-year existence, and only seven AFL players who played their entire careers in one city.
Larry Grantham The Man
Larry Grantham, Super Bowl Champion – that’s how we immediately think of him. But few people know the obstacles and challenges that he has overcome, the struggles of a great man to achieve his personal recovery.
Alcohol almost killed Larry Grantham. His drinking was out of control and he lost most of the important things in life. He took a real hard shot, like the ones he talks about receiving from Larry Czonka. He was defeated, alone, and growing more desperate as each day passed.
One night while sitting alone drinking and watching television, he saw a commercial for a treatment program. He made the call the next morning and has never looked back. That was twenty one years ago.
Like the champion that he is, he could not stop there. Larry has worked tirelessly to help those fighting for recovery. He volunteers his time every week to teach at a treatment program near his home. He shares his experience, strength and hope with all who ask.
For the past ten years, Larry has arranged for twenty or more of his Super Bowl Jet teammates to attend our annual golf outing. These legendary athletes have helped raise 1.5 million dollars to support our programs.
While this is an astounding accomplishment, it pales in light of what he has done personally for our men. Like a good linebacker, Larry does some of his best work "one-on-one." When he is at Freedom House, he just sits out back and hangs out with the guys. He may be a Super Bowl Champion, but he is just Larry to our men and that’s the way he likes it.
If you would like to make a contribution in Larry’s name, please forward your check to Freedom House Foundation and note that it is for the Grantham House or just call Dave Harry at 908-537-7500.
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