Jerry “Knight” Grissom dies

[unafied]

From the TimesDaily: Former UNA, high school sports announcer Jerry “Knight” Grissom dies.

Another blow to the Lion family. Being a kid in the late 80s and early 90s, Jerry made a big impression on me. I would imitate Bill Hunt back then (I guess I felt that he has a distinct accent). As y’all know, we didn’t have many games on TV during those years. My family listened to a lot of games on Shoals 97, I believe it was? I even distinctly remember being out of town one weekend during a playoff game and hearing Jerry and Bill on some station near Birmingham due to the “UNA Radio Network”. Those were good times. 

The @unaathletics Twitter posted this yesterday. I watched the game on ESPN so had probably never heard Jerry’s call. What some emotion. I told a UGA fan buddy of mine that it reminded me of their Larry Munson. Sure would love the chance to hear someone call another national championship for the Lions. 

I never met him personally, but I still feel like this is a loss. RIP, Jerry. 

[roaringsince96]

Yes, he was Lions football icon. He did a wonderful job and his passion for his job really came through every time he announced. Bless his family and friends during this time. I am sure my friend JD is hurting for his friend.

[catscratchfever4]

Jul 12, 2020 7:50:46 GMT -6 roaringsince96 said:

Yes, he was Lions football icon. He did a wonderful job and his passion for his job really came through every time he announced. Bless his family and friends during this time. I am sure my friend JD is hurting for his friend.

Jerry was a heckuva high school basketball and football broadcaster as well. Jerry helped me and my little brother get into the Boston Celtics-Atlanta Hawks game back in '72(also the name of a Bob Seger album) The Doctors' visit was cancelled but we still had Pistol Pete, John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, JoJo White, Don Nelson, Sweet Lou Hudson, Walt Bellamy, Paul Silas and Coach Tommy Heinson. I also got to stand next to a7-2 player named Tom Payne. He never panned out but everyone else did.
Yes, even without the Doctor, it was a jampacked,beautiful, brand new Flowers Hall, Packed all the way along the catwalk, and it was a great, competitive game that Pete pulled out at the end,132-!30...I think.
So thank you to Jerry and Bobby for a once in a lifetime night. To this day, no one ever brought the passion and excitement to UNA sports like Jerry and I've been arounda long time. And as with many other things, it will NEVER happen again in Florence Alabama and you can take that to the bank!

[roaringsince96]

Glad to see you back on the board, you have been quiet lately. Hope you are doing well, you bring a lot of knowledge on Lions history. Good to see you back.

[catscratchfever4]

Jul 20, 2020 19:01:25 GMT -6 roaringsince96 said:

Glad to see you back on the board, you have been quiet lately. Hope you are doing well, you bring a lot of knowledge on Lions history. Good to see you back.

Good to be back. I've had some health problems. Jut par for the age I guess.