Russ Grimm

Lore & Background

Grimm attended Southmoreland High School, playing both quarterback and linebacker there, while also serving as the team's punter. After high school, Grimm accepted a scholarship to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh as a linebacker. However, he found the team already had several linebackers on their roster. Despite never playing on the offensive line before, Grimm decided to convert to center because the team was lacking sufficient players at that position. Over the span of his four years in college, Grimm would go from 205 to 270 pounds. Grimm was the center for Pitt from 1977 to 1980. He was part of an elite team that included future Hall of Fame linebacker Rickey Jackson, future Pro Bowl guard Mark May, and future Pro Bowl linebacker Hugh Green, who all joined the team in the same year, as well as future Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who joined the Panthers in Grimm's final two seasons. In 1980, the team added future five-time pro bowl defensive lineman Bill Maas, future NFL receiver Dwight Collins, and future NFL defensive back Tim Lewis. Those two years of 1979 and 1980 were among the best in school history, as the team posted a 22–2 record over that span and barely missed out on playing for the national championship both times. In 1980, future Pro Bowl tackle Jimbo Covert joined Grimm on the offensive line, giving Pitt a total of three future Pro Bowl stars out of their five offensive line starters. Grimm was drafted 69th overall in the third round by the Redskins in the 1981 NFL draft. Along with Jeff Bostic, Mark May, George Starke and Joe Jacoby, Grimm was a founding member of the Redskins' renowned 'Hogs' offensive line of the 1980s and early 1990s. During his 11 seasons as the Redskins' starting guard, Grimm helped lead the team to four Super Bowl appearances and three Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl XVII in 1983, Super Bowl XXII in 1988, and Super Bowl XXVI in 1992). Along the way, he was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1983–1986). Grimm was named an All-Pro in each of those years as well. Grimm was a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, and a finalist in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2010. The bust of Grimm, sculpted by Scott Myers, was unveiled at the Enshrinement Ceremony on August 8, 2010. After retiring as a player, Grimm returned to the Reds

In Their Own Story

Within the broader narrative of the Washington franchise's evolution, Russ Grimm represents one of many former athletes who found a second career with the organization. Unlike some predecessors such as Turk Edwards or Jack Pardee who became head coaches, Grimm's documented role was on the assistant staff. The text does not recount specific game moments, turning points, or quotes from his playing days, nor does it mention a Super Bowl victory or Hall of Fame induction for him specifically in this context. His story here is defined strictly by his transition from player to assistant coach within the Commanders' history.

Reader's Guide

Grimm played guard for the Washington Redskins from 1981 through 11 seasons. He was a key member of the 'Hogs' offensive line and helped the team win three Super Bowls. After playing, he coached for the Redskins, Steelers, Cardinals, and Titans, winning a fourth Super Bowl ring with the Steelers as an offensive line coach. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Did You Know?

• Grimm was a center at the University of Pittsburgh, converting from linebacker because the team needed depth at that position.
• He was a founding member of the Washington Redskins' renowned 'Hogs' offensive line.
• Grimm was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls (1983–1986) and named All-Pro each of those years.
• He won three Super Bowls as a player with the Redskins and one as a coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Grimm was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 before being elected in 2010.