Richie Grant Bio
Richie Grant is an American professional football safety for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCF Knights and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. A versatile defensive back known for his tackling and instincts in coverage, Grant has built a steady professional resume across multiple franchises.
Early Life and Background
Richie Grant was born on November 9, 1997, in Lumberton, Mississippi, and lived there until he was nine years old. He later moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he attended Choctawhatchee High School. At Choctawhatchee, he played both defensive back and wide receiver for the football team and also competed on the track and field squad.
Coming out of high school, Grant was rated as a two-star recruit by 247Sports. Despite the modest ranking, he received several college offers, including from Georgia State, Tennessee-Chattanooga, the Citadel, and Kennesaw State. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Central Florida, where he would develop into one of the top safeties in the American Athletic Conference.
Path to American Football
Grant’s journey toward a professional career in American football began with his commitment to the UCF Knights, where the defensive coaching staff placed him in the defensive backfield from an early stage. After redshirting his first year, he quickly moved into the regular rotation and earned a starting role by his redshirt sophomore season. His combination of range, tackling, and ball skills became the foundation of his game.
By the end of his college career, Grant had been recognized as a first-team All-AAC selection three consecutive years and was a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and Bednarik Award semifinalist. His senior performance placed him among the most decorated defensive backs in school history, helping him earn an invitation to the NFL and a second-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft.
Richie Grant Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
During his early years at UCF, Grant adjusted to the college game while earning classroom honors, including a spot on the American All-Academic Team in 2016–17. On the field, his production rose quickly, and he helped the Knights capture the Colley Matrix national championship in 2017.
By his redshirt sophomore year, Grant had become a leader on the UCF defense, recording 109 tackles, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, and nine passes defended on his way to first-team All-AAC honors. He added another first-team All-AAC selection as a redshirt junior, and then capped his college career with a third consecutive All-AAC nod as a redshirt senior, highlighted by 72 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2021–2024)
Richie Grant entered the NFL when the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the second round with the 40th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract on June 18 worth $8.3 million, including a $3.4 million signing bonus. After spending his rookie season in a backup role, Grant was promoted to starting strong safety in 2022.
As a starter in 2022, Grant started all 17 games and finished second on the team with 123 tackles, along with seven passes defensed, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He kept his starting spot in 2023, appearing in 15 games and finishing fourth on the Falcons with 103 tackles, three sacks, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and an interception. In 2024, Grant lost the starting job to veteran Justin Simmons and saw most of his action on special teams.
San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Richie Grant signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. His time in San Francisco was short, as he was released on August 28. Shortly after, on October 15, 2025, Grant was signed to the New England Patriots’ practice squad, where he continues his NFL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Grant’s professional career came in 2022, when he was named the Atlanta Falcons’ starting strong safety and responded with a 123-tackle season that placed him second on the team in total stops. His selection in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, along with his three consecutive first-team All-AAC honors at UCF, also stand out as signature milestones in his football journey.
Richie Grant Career Stats
Atlanta Falcons Highlights
Across his time with the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 through 2024, Richie Grant appeared in regular-season games as both a reserve and a starter. His most productive seasons came in 2022 and 2023, when he combined for 226 tackles, 13 passes defensed, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and three sacks.
Richie Grant Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Richie Grant’s family includes a notable football connection through his uncle, Terry Grant, who played running back at the University of Alabama. Terry Grant also spent time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, giving Richie an early link to the sport at the highest levels of college and professional play.
Personal Life
Grant is a resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and has strong ties to the community where he attended high school. At the University of Central Florida, he studied sports and exercise science, reflecting his long-term interest in athletics and physical performance beyond the playing field.
2025 Season Performance
Richie Grant’s 2025 season has been defined by movement between rosters. After signing with the San Francisco 49ers in March, he was released in late August, leaving him to search for a new opportunity early in the year. By mid-October, he had found a landing spot on the New England Patriots’ practice squad.
Grant’s role with the Patriots is expected to focus on contributing on special teams while competing for additional defensive snaps as the season progresses. Given his track record of tackles and coverage snaps from his Falcons years, he remains a candidate to be elevated to the active roster if New England faces injuries in its secondary.
Looking ahead, Grant’s 2025 outlook centers on stability and another opportunity to prove himself as a starting-caliber safety. With his contract history and experience across multiple defensive schemes, he enters the rest of the season looking to extend his NFL career into another year.