Ohio State Football: Interview with 2014 Captain Curtis Grant

The Ohio State football team enters the Fiesta Bowl as underdogs against No. 3 Clemson on Saturday, perhaps the most evenly matched game in College Football Playoff history. The Buckeyes also entered the playoff in 2014 as underdogs.

I had the opportunity to catch up with 2014 Ohio State captain Curtis Grant to get his thoughts about the Fiesta Bowl as well as hear about his life after football. He wasn’t selected in the 2015 NFL Draft but spent time on the practice squads of the Chargers, Falcons, Titans, Raiders and 49ers before playing in 10 games for the New York Giants in 2017.

Here’s what the former captain had to say about the Fiesta Bowl, playing for Coach Meyer and his life after football:

Steven Koesterman: Similar to 2014, the Buckeyes enter into the College Football Playoff as underdogs. What’s your mentality like going into this game?

Curtis Grant: “For me, as a player, I know back in 2014, we became closer as a team to be honest. We made it more about us then the opponent. We focused on what we were going to do instead of worrying about what the other team was going to do. It didn’t matter what the other team was going to do if we didn’t know what we needed to accomplish. As a team, the captains and everybody we became closer. We started making more big time decisions as far as curfew times and just making sure we were practicing the way we needed to practice. Also, we had fun when we needed to have fun and understood when it was time to get to work.”

Steven Koesterman: As a team captain in 2014, how would you describe playing for coach Meyer?

Curtis Grant: “Very intense. Fun. Once you understand what coach Meyer is trying to get through to you, its hard work but it becomes fun because you know that you always have a chance to win. I knew that I had a great leader that was not scared to compete. Coach Meyer wants to win as bad as you do. So it was always good having a leader that you can look up to and a great role model to play for when its time to play a ball game.”

Steven Koesterman: How would you describe your time in the NFL?

Curtis Grant: “It was ok. I mean the money was good. But, I would have much rather played at Ohio State then play in the NFL. If they could pay you in college and you would never have to leave, I would definitely do that.”

Steven Koesterman: What was your favorite moment of your Ohio State Football career?

Curtis Grant: “Man I would say my whole senior season at Ohio State. I went from wanting to transfer to coming back and staying with my class and getting the opportunity to lead great underclassmen. We formed a brotherhood, man. Stuff like that you can never take away from me. Great people having a great time together. That was my whole senior season. From off-season workouts until we won the National Championship, that ride and journey was such a blast. I try to re-live that every football season. I make sure I stay connected with all the guys. But you know, I’ll never have an experience like that again in my life.”

Steven Koesterman: What are you up to now?

Curtis Grant: “I own my own trucking company in Virginia called CG & Boys Trucking. That’s how I make my living man. I’m in Richmond, Virginia. I’ve owned and operated my company for about a year now. It’ll be a year on December 27th. I’m enjoying it. It’s always been a big dream of mine. I accomplished one big dream. Now I’m ready to accomplish another. I’ve always wanted to have a big truck company. I’m just taking my time and ready to go to work every single day.”

Steven Koesterman: What’s your prediction for the Fiesta Bowl against Clemson?

Curtis Grant: “I believe we are going to win. We just need to play together. We can’t get outside ourselves and try to do too much. As long as we play together, we will win.”

I want to thank Curtis for spending time to share his thoughts and experiences. Who better to hear from at this time than a captain on the last Ohio State football team to win a National Championship?