STEVE GROGAN - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 52519

STEVE GROGAN
The New England Patriots quarterback is shown in full view playing on field in this 5½x8¾ black and white photograph.
Inscribed Photograph signed: "To Bill Woods/Best Wishes!/Steve Grogan", B/w 5½x8¾. Quarterback Steve Grogan was born on July 24, 1953 in San Antonio, Texas. After playing quarterback at Kansas State University, he was selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 1975 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he took the starting quarterback job away from former Heisman Trophy winner Jim Plunkett, starting 7 of the final 8 games and throwing for nearly 2000 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 1976 Grogan led the Pats to an 11-3 record and their first playoff run since 1963. In 1978 Grogan and New England went 11-5 and played the franchise's first ever home playoff game. Each of those seasons ended in a disappointing playoff loss. Grogan and the 1978 Patriots still hold the single season rushing record for a team with 3,156 yards. His career was plagued with injuries and in 1985 Grogan was benched as first round draft pick Tony Eason took over at quarterback. That year the two split starting duties and made it to Super Bowl XX. After a disappointing first half by the young QB, Grogan came into the game and threw 17 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown. However they were outmatched and lost the game to the Chicago Bears 46-10. He retired as the Patriots all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Grogan played for 16 seasons as a Patriot and rushed for 2,176 yards and 35 touchdowns. In 1995 he was elected into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Lightly bowed. Otherwise, fine condition.