Antonio Grier Jr. Bio
Antonio Grier Jr. is an American professional football linebacker born on January 18, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia. He played college football for the South Florida Bulls and the Arkansas Razorbacks before entering the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Grier has continued his professional career in the United Football League, where he competes as a linebacker for the Louisville Kings.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and listed at 230 pounds, Grier is recognized for his defensive instincts, tackling ability, and football intelligence. He earned consecutive second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors during his time at South Florida, establishing himself as one of the conference’s most consistent linebackers before transferring to Arkansas for his senior season.
Early Life and Background
Antonio Grier Jr. was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where he developed a strong passion for football at a young age. He attended Benjamin Elijah Mays High School in Atlanta, where he played three seasons of varsity football and built a reputation as a hard-hitting defender.
During his high school career, Grier recorded 214 tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss, six sacks, eight forced fumbles, and three interceptions. As a junior, he earned honorable mention All-Class 6A recognition, and during his senior year, he was named the regional defensive player of the year. Following his senior season, he signed to play college football for the South Florida Bulls in 2018.
Path to American Football
Grier’s path to professional football began in Atlanta, where his physical playing style and instincts quickly set him apart from his peers. His high school production, including multiple forced fumbles and interceptions, drew the attention of college recruiters looking for an aggressive linebacker.
He committed to South Florida, where he would develop into one of the top linebackers in the American Athletic Conference. His consistent tackling production and leadership at South Florida prepared him for the next stage of his career, leading to a transfer to Arkansas for his final collegiate season and eventually to a professional opportunity in the National Football League.
Antonio Grier Jr. Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
As a freshman at South Florida in 2018, Antonio Grier Jr. appeared in 12 games, recording eight tackles and a fumble recovery while adjusting to the speed of college football. In 2019, he appeared in all 12 games, starting six, and produced 58 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks, showing steady growth as a defender.
The 2020 season marked a breakout year for Grier, as he earned second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors after posting 59 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks in eight games. In 2021, he started 12 games and recorded a team-leading 92 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions, earning second-team All-AAC recognition for the second consecutive year. Grier played in the first three games of 2022 before suffering a season-ending hand injury and electing to redshirt, then opted to transfer.
South Florida Bulls Breakthrough (2018–2022)
Antonio Grier Jr. spent most of his college career with the South Florida Bulls, gradually developing into one of the conference’s most reliable linebackers. His combination of size, speed, and football awareness allowed him to contribute immediately as a freshman while also building the foundation for future success.
Grier’s most productive stretch came in 2020 and 2021, when he earned back-to-back second-team All-American Athletic Conference selections. His 92-tackle performance in 2021 stood as the high point of his time with the Bulls, demonstrating his ability to anchor a defense and produce consistent results against top competition.
Arkansas Razorbacks Era (2023)
Following the 2022 season, Antonio Grier Jr. transferred to the Arkansas Razorbacks for his final year of college eligibility. He joined the Razorbacks as a veteran presence in the linebacker group and made an immediate impact in his first appearance.
On his very first play as a Razorback, Grier intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, signaling his readiness to compete at a high level. He played as the third linebacker for Arkansas and finished seventh on the team with 36 tackles during his lone season in the program, before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Louisville Kings Era (2026–Present)
After spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization, Antonio Grier Jr. signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League on February 19, 2026. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills as a professional linebacker in a new league.
Wearing jersey number 54, Grier plays an active role for the Louisville Kings and is part of a roster that captured the UFL championship in 2026. His arrival in the UFL represents a continuation of his professional career following his release from Tampa Bay.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Antonio Grier Jr.’s career came on his very first play as a Razorback, when he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. His back-to-back second-team All-AAC selections in 2020 and 2021 also stand as significant milestones, highlighting his consistency at the college level. In 2026, he added a UFL championship to his résumé as a member of the Louisville Kings.
Antonio Grier Jr. Career Wins
Antonio Grier Jr.’s professional career includes a United Football League championship in 2026 with the Louisville Kings. While his National Football League statistics show a limited regular-season sample, his championship with the Louisville Kings represents his first verified team title as a professional.
UFL Highlights
Grier joined the Louisville Kings in February 2026 and quickly became part of a winning roster. The Kings captured the UFL championship that same year, giving Grier a major professional accomplishment early in his post-college career.
Other Wins & Performances
During his college career, Grier earned two second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2020 and 2021, serving as his most notable individual recognition. His 92-tackle season in 2021 and his pick-six on his first play at Arkansas are additional standout performances that shaped his reputation as a productive defender.
Antonio Grier Jr. Family
Personal Life
Antonio Grier Jr. was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Benjamin Elijah Mays High School. He has continued his professional football career after going undrafted in 2024, and he remains active in the sport with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League.
2025 Season Performance
Antonio Grier Jr. spent the 2025 offseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization after signing a reserve and future contract in January 2025. He remained with the team through the preseason as he looked to secure a roster spot for the upcoming campaign.
On August 26, 2025, Grier was waived by the Buccaneers with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts, ending his time in Tampa Bay. The release opened the door for a new professional opportunity, which arrived in February 2026 when he signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League.
