How This Nevada QB Turned Effort into Opportunity
Anthony Grigsby Jr.’s journey of hard work, humility, and building a future beyond football.
On February 7, 2024, Anthony Grigsby Jr. signed his letter of intent to play football at the University of Nevada. For a kid who had been chasing the game since he was three years old, it was the culmination of years of early mornings, long workouts, and sacrifices most people never see.
But for Anthony, it wasn’t about a headline or a post on social media. It was the result of relentless work, guidance from mentors who believed in him, and lessons learned from setbacks just as much as successes.
The Work Starts Early
Anthony’s football journey began in Stockton, California, on the fields of his dad’s flag football league. Those early years were filled with fun, competition, and the simple joy of playing the game he loved. But his dad, Anthony Grigsby Sr., made sure the lessons went deeper. He didn’t always place his son on the winning teams — instead, he taught him how to lead through adversity, how to fight for every yard, and how to make the most of every rep, no matter the circumstance.
By high school, that foundation had turned into an unshakable work ethic:
4:30 a.m. wake-ups for field workouts with NFL players and college athletes
Zoom classes in between training sessions
Up to four workouts a day between fieldwork, lifting, conditioning, and film study
He now admits that pushing that hard, every single day, wasn’t always smart. The overtraining led to injuries and setbacks. But what it taught him — discipline, persistence, and how to outwork anyone — became the foundation of who he is.
The Right Coaches Make All the Difference
Anthony credits his 7-on-7 team, DB Select, led by Brandyn Thompson and Thomas Downs, for elevating his game. They didn’t just give him reps; they gave him a mindset. They taught him that quarterbacking — and life — are about solving problems under pressure.
At College of San Mateo, under Coach Tulloch “Coach T” and Coach Dovenberg, that growth continued. He spent hours after practice alone on the field, nights in the film room, and countless conversations with coaches about both football and life. They pushed him to be great but also helped him see beyond the game. Those conversations — including ones with professionals in fields like accounting — sparked ideas that now shape his future beyond football.
Injuries, Setbacks, and Joy
His path wasn’t easy.
Shoulder surgery in January 2022
Months of rehab with limited throwing capacity
A concussion
A serious back injury that left him unable to walk for two months
Finally, in 2023, he returned for his first full season since 2019 — and calls it the most joyful season of his life. Not because it was perfect. But because, after everything, he was still playing the game he loved.
Stepping into the Next Chapter
Now at the University of Nevada, Anthony faces new challenges — more distractions, individualism fueled by NIL culture, and less of the team-first mentality he knew at JUCO. But he’s stayed grounded by focusing on what he can control: discipline, humility, and surrounding himself with like-minded teammates.
Off the field, he’s majoring in accounting, drawn to the logic and problem-solving that feels so much like reading defenses and making decisions under pressure. He’s already attending job fairs, meeting with advisors, and building a future that balances ambition and stability.
Anthony’s Advice for Young Football Players
If you’re chasing the dream of playing D1 football, Anthony knows exactly what that feels like. And if he could sit down with his 15-year-old self — or with any young player chasing the same dream — here’s what he’d say:
“Enjoy your childhood while you have it. Learn to balance — keep school, football, and your social life in their own boxes, and give each 110% when you’re in it. But don’t let one spill over into the others.”
And beyond that, his advice is simple but hard-earned:
Train hard, but train smart. Overtraining can set you back. Focus on quality reps, proper recovery, and taking care of your body.
Find coaches who challenge how you think, not just how you move. Surround yourself with people who push you to see the game and life differently.
Stay humble and kind. The dream is big, but your character matters more.
Prepare for life after football now. Build skills and relationships that will carry you forward long after the final whistle.
Control what you can. Injuries, setbacks, and distractions will happen. Show up every day with focus and discipline.
What About You?
💬 Have advice you’d share with the next generation of athletes? Did you have coaches who helped you see beyond the field? I’d love to hear your story — drop a comment, send us a message, or find time to lend your voice
📩 Know someone chasing the dream? Share this with them.
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