Illinois native Cam Grandy started six games for Cincinnati in the second half of 2024. (Photo by Bengals.com)
By Dan Verdun
Cam Grandy’s NFL debut didn’t feature a Hollywood movie moment where the head coach delivers the news accompanied by a moving soundtrack and the team cheers him.
Yet, it’s still a moment that the former Illinois State tight end will never forget.
After spending the first nine weeks on the inactive list as a practice squad member, Grandy spotted his name on the Cincinnati Bengals active roster.
“It was Monday or Tuesday leading up (to Sunday’s game). I saw ‘12 (personnel package) Grandy,’” the 24-year-old told Prairie State Pigskin.
That listing was followed by a text from position coach James Casey that read, “Get ready to go. You’ve been preparing your whole life for this.”
Grandy, who signed with Cincinnati last spring as an undrafted free agent, was more than ready.
“I was fired up,” he said. “I’m a competitor, so not being able to suit up on Sundays (was tough). When I got the call, my mom (Deann) was here in Cincinnati. To have that moment with her, to be able to tell her that I finally was getting a chance to play in the NFL in a regular-season game was something that I always dreamed of.”
Down the stretch starter
It was far from a one-time thing. Grandy wound up playing eight games — starting 6 — as Cincinnati battled for the final AFC playoff spot.
While the 6-foot-5, 253-pounder caught five passes for 28 yards, his position calls for far more than being a receiver.
Pro Football Focus, an analytics company, provides player grades for NFL teams, media and sports agencies. A “strong rating” is generally considered to be in the 80s on the 0-100 scale. Grades over 90 are considered “elite” while a grade of 60 is considered “average.”
According to PFF, Grandy was used primarily as a run-blocking tight end, earning a 63.5 offensive grade. He also earned an 82.7 special teams grade, the second-highest mark by a Bengal.
“I feel like I did well whenever the coaches would call my name,” Grandy said. “Whatever they asked me to do, I did to the best of my ability. I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity to play this year. I wish it had been under different circumstances instead of one of our guys going down (with injury).”
His opportunity continues. The Bengals announced Jan. 21 that Grandy’s contract had been extended through 2025. Terms were not released.
Grandy said he spent about two weeks relaxing and visiting family after the Bengals’ season ended, but then resumed his training regimen.
“I started doing pilates and other things to work on my mobility and to keep me fresh,” Grandy said, adding that he would stay in Cincinnati until the end of February before continuing offseason workouts at facilities in Tennessee and Florida.
Learning curve
As one would expect, the transition from college football to the NFL carries a sharp learning curve. Take the playbook, for example.
“It’s a lot more in depth than any college playbook I’ve been a part of,” Grandy said. “You’ve got to be able to really lock in and learn the schemes and then do that at a high level and be confident. That was the hardest adjustment.”
There’s also the sheer size and speed of one’s opponents.
“You’re playing against the best athletes in the world. I have to go against guys like T.J. Watt and Miles Garrett on a regular basis. That was a big adjustment as well,” he said.
Then, there’s the “Welcome to the NFL” moment that nearly every rookie experiences.
“Mine was in Dallas. I grew up a Cowboys fan. To be able to play in prime time at AT&T (Stadium) was crazy,” Grandy said. “I had a pass play where I started in the backfield in the I-formation as a fullback. I was supposed to cut up through the line and run a corner route.”
But, plans don’t always go as expected.
“I cleared one of the linebackers, but then, I think it was (Eric) Kendricks, put me right on my butt. That was probably my welcome to the NFL moment,” Grandy said.
Formative years
Grandy grew up in Benson, Ill., a village of just over 400 residents that lies approximately 30 miles from both Peoria and Normal. He played multiple positions – quarterback, tight end, defensive back and defensive end – at Fieldcrest High School.
Grandy spent the majority of his collegiate career at Missouri Western, a Division II school, where he caught 57 passes for 601 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games.
He transferred to Illinois State, where he played his final college season in 2023. As a Redbird, Grandy earned consensus All-American honors with 63 receptions for 612 yards and three touchdowns. He played in the 2024 Hula Bowl.
Though he spent just one year at Illinois State, Grandy views it as playing a key role in his development and a bridge to the NFL.
“It showed I could play against some of the best athletes at the FCS level,” he said. “The Missouri Valley is a tough place to play. Every year there are a ton of Valley guys that get the chance to play at the next level. To compete against those guys definitely helped to show (pro) scouts and organizations that I could do it.”
Grandy remained in touch with many of his former Redbird teammates, including safety Keondre Jackson who will play in the Senior Bowl later this week.
“I watched every single game that Illinois State had on ESPN Plus. I always loved Illinois State. Once a ‘Bird, always a ‘Bird. I’m a big supporter of what they’re doing there,” he said.
Grandy’s football career continues to evolve. Six years ago, he was at Missouri Western watching quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase lead LSU to a national championship with one of the most prolific offenses the game has ever seen.
Now, Grandy finds himself in the same locker room and huddle with that All-Pro duo.
“It’s special to play with them now. They’re always working on their craft, trying to get better. They always strive to be perfect,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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