John Grant Jr. Returns for MLL's 20th Season
June 18, 2020 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Boston - The Denver Outlaws have officially re-signed attackman John Grant Jr. for the 2020 MLL season. The fourteen-year veteran will be chasing his sixth MLL Championship.
Grant Jr. began his MLL career in the league's inaugural season with the Rochester Rattlers in 2001. He scored 41 goals in 2001, en route to being named MLL's Offensive Player of the Year. In 2007 and 2008, Grant Jr was named MLL MVP and MLL Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 91 goals combined in the two seasons. In 2016, Grant and the Machine lost to the Denver Outlaws in the MLL Championship Game, in what was supposed to be Jr's last career game. In February of the following year he retired as a five-time MLL Champion. At the time of his retirement, Grant Jr. was top five in goals and points in MLL history.
Last season, in 2019, Grant Jr. decided to make a comeback in order for his nine-year old daughter, Gabby, to see him play. At the conclusion of the season, at age 44, Grant Jr. set the all-time MLL points record with his 598th career point. Junior's achievement and comeback story made national headlines, including NPR and the Guinness Book of World Records.
Despite Grant Jr.'s record breaking season, the Outlaws fell just short of the title last year. Grant Jr.'s return could be seen as an opportunity to chase one last title before hanging up his stick.
"Junior is from the generation of Powells and Gaits, legendary names associated with our league, and our game," said Commissioner Alexander (Sandy) Brown. "His presence on the field garners instant respect from teammates, opponents and fans, alike. Having been a part of MLL longer than any other current player, we are honored to have Junior back on the field in our 20th Anniversary season."
For More on John Grant Jr.
Highest Scoring Game in MLL History (6/16/07)
From The Archives (2007): Q And A With John Grant Jr.
John Grant Junior's Equipment Setup
MLL Spotlight: John Grant Jr.
MLL Records Broken in 2019
Quotes on John Grant Jr.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 18, 2020
- John Grant Jr. Returns for MLL's 20th Season - MLL
- John Grant Jr Re-Signs with Denver for 2020 Season - Denver Outlaws
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