Bobby Grier Dies at 82, NFL Legend Is Father of Dolphins GM Chris, Sharks GM Mike

Former NFL executive Bobby Grier died at the age of 82, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Grier spent the bulk of his career with the New England Patriots, starting as an assistant coach in 1981 and climbing the ranks to become the director of pro scouting in 1993 and eventually the vice president of player personnel.

"Bobby Grier was a man of tremendous integrity," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. "He broke barriers and built bridges, and his legacy will forever be part of our franchise's history. We are grateful for his years of service and the impact he had on so many people within our organization and across the NFL. My thoughts are with his family and all who are mourning his loss."

Grier's sons have carried on his legacy. Chris is general manager of the Miami Dolphins, while Mike has the same title with the NHL's San Jose Sharks.

Grier was a top executive in New England's front office when the Patriots won an AFC title in 1996, which was only the second in franchise history at the time.

His tenure ended shortly after the 2000 NFL draft, when New England hired Scott Pioli to work with first-year head coach Bill Belichick. Grier left quite the parting gift on the way out.

The 2000 draft is when the Pats famously landed Tom Brady in the sixth round.

Tim Graham reported for ESPN in 2011 that Grier was the only NFL exec to personally reach out to Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr about Brady.

"Bobby Grier, who was with the Patriots at the time, talked about they were going to draft a quarterback late," Carr recounted. "I just said, 'Bobby, I guarantee you you'll never regret drafting Tom Brady.'"

Graham noted that New England was initially a little reluctant about Brady as a draft prospect when Michigan seemed to want to shove him aside for Drew Henson. In talking with Carr, Grier and the Patriots learned the Wolverines coaching staff wanted to keep Henson, a two-sport athlete, from gravitating toward baseball full time.

That eased the concerns about Brady and paved the way for him to become the greatest quarterback in franchise history.

It wasn't the last time Grier played a role in a team landing a cornerstone talent.

Former Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has said Grier, a senior personnel adviser for the team, advocated strongly for J.J. Watt in the 2011 draft. Watt became one of the best pass-rushers of his generation with the Texans.