Stop and Hear the Rosey

Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier is a grade-A class act of a gentleman. To a football-besotted young boy (as this writer was), Rosey Grier seemed the living epitome of the big man who was more than just physically huge and tenacious -- as one would have to be in order to be, as Grier was, a key member of the old Los Angeles Rams' legendary defensive line, the "Fearsome Foursome." Rosey always seemed a mensch: a big man spiritually, with his genial, kind manner and generous sense of humor. After retiring from the NFL, Grier pursued a variety of interests including extensive acting in TV and movies; he's also worked as a bodyguard, inspirational speaker and Christian minister. Mr. Grier's has been a full life well lived, and you can hear him recount it in person today in the Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum (Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue in Forest Park; 314-746-4599 or www.mohistory.org). An Afternoon With Rosey Grier begins at 1 p.m. and admission is free. Just don't try to run past the featured speaker with a football -- old defensive tackles' instincts die hard.
Sun., Aug. 4, 2013