Grossman, Randy

Curtis Randy Grossman

Grossman, a formidable tight end for the Steelers was nicknamed "The Rabbi" by his Pittsburgh teammates. Grossman played on the Steelers' four Super Bowl teams in the 1970s. One of his teammates was Steve Furness, who converted to Judaism.

Steelers President Dan Rooney said of Grossman: "Randy Grossman was one of those guys who was never viewed as one of the superstars, but he did everything you asked him. He caught the big touchdown pass in the Super Bowl (a 7-yarder in the 21-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl X). He was one of those guys who got you the first down when he would go in and play. He was just a real good competitor who really proved his value. He was just a good team man."

Birth and Death Dates:
b. September 20, 1952

Career Highlights:
Grossman was an outstanding tight end (and three-year starter) for the Temple Owls in the early 1970s. In 1972, he caught 23 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns and Temple had a record of 5-4-0. The following year, Randy was named AP All-America third team and Temple notched a record of 9-1-0. That year, Randy led the team in receptions with 39 for 683 yards and 4 touchdowns; Temple outscored its opponents 353-167. Grossman finished his career at Temple with 89 receptions for 1505 yards and 10 touchdowns.

An overachiever, Randy went undrafted in 1974 and then signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his rookie season, the Steelers won the first of their four Super Bowls by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 16-6. In 1975, Grossman caught four passes in the AFC Championship game against the Oakland Raiders and then scored Pittsburgh's first touchdown in their 21-17 Super Bowl victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Considered one of the NFL's most sure-handed receivers, Grossman had his best season in 1978 when he caught 37 passes (more than any Steeler tight end since 1966) for 448 yards and one touchdown. In the Super Bowl that year, he had three receptions in the Steelers' 35-31 win over the Cowboys. Grossman played on one more Super Bowl team (1979) and then retired following the 1981 season, having played in 118 career NFL games. In 1999, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Origin:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Career Dates:
Grossman played tight end for Temple University from 1971-1974. He then played tight end in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1974-1981.

Physical description:
6'1", 218 pounds

Career Statistics:
In the NFL:
Games: 118
Receptions: 118
Receiving yards: 1514
Receiving average: 12.7
Touchdowns: 5
Fumbles: 1

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