Antonio Grier

Antonio Grier Jr. (born January 18, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Florida Bulls and Arkansas Razorbacks and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buccaneers in 2024.

Early life Grier was born on January 18, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Benjamin Elijah Mays High School in Atlanta, playing three seasons of football team while recording 214 tackles, 19.0 tackles-for-loss (TFLs), six sacks, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions. He was honorable mention All-Class 6A as a junior and was named the regional defensive player of the year as a senior.

College career As a freshman at South Florida in 2018, Grier appeared in 12 games, posting eight tackles and a fumble recovery. In 2019, he appeared in all 12 games, six as a starter, and made 58 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and 4.0 sacks. In 2021, he started 12 games and posted a team-leading 92 tackles with eight TFLs, three sacks and two interceptions, repeating as a second-team All-AAC selection. Grier played in the first three games of the 2022 season, recording 21 tackles, before suffering a season-ending hand injury and choosing to redshirt.

Grier opted to transfer following the 2022 season, signing to play with the Arkansas Razorbacks for his final year of college football. On his first play with Arkansas, he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Playing as the third linebacker for Arkansas, he finished seventh on the team with 36 tackles in his lone year as a Razorback. He declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

Professional career

Tampa Bay Buccaneers After going unselected in the 2024 NFL draft, Grier signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. He was signed to the active roster off the practice squad on October 1. He was waived on November 22, and re-signed to the practice squad. On December 7, Grier was promoted to the active roster. On December 31, the Buccaneers re-signed Grier to their practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 14, 2025.

On August 26, 2025, Grier was waived by the Buccaneers with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts.

Louisville Kings On February 19, 2026, Grier signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL).

Chicago Bears On August 25, 2026, Grier signed with the Chicago Bears.